We were lucky to catch up with Dania Brissett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dania , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Growing up with Caribbean parents, the idea of entrepreneurship wasn’t actively promoted in my household. Education and securing a stable job were the priorities instilled in me from a young age. However, everything changed when I witnessed a close friend successfully transform her passion into a thriving business. Her journey was eye-opening and inspiring. It showed me that carving out your own path was not only possible but rewarding. Despite lacking prior business experience, I took the leap into starting my own photography company. Initially, I listed both photos and videos on my business cards, even though my knowledge of photography was limited at the time. To my surprise, photography quickly became the focal point of my business as clients began to book me for photo sessions and events. It was during this time that my passion for photography began to blossom.
As I became more involved in the industry, I began to understand the deep importance of visuals. They’re not just about capturing moments, they preserve memories, elevate products, and tell stories that linger well beyond events. Recognizing how crucial visuals are in creating lasting impressions and boosting business success became clearer to me over time. Embarking on entrepreneurship at a young age, I approached it with excitement and optimism, seeing it as a thrilling adventure full of limitless opportunities. This fearless mindset empowered me to wholeheartedly embrace the journey and boost my creativity.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a 20-year-old student entrepreneur pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree and the founder of a NYC-based photography company. I entered the industry through persistent networking and forging connections with supportive individuals, despite encountering occasional gatekeeping. I approached each interaction with curiosity, always asking questions to deepen my understanding and expand my skills. By continuously practicing my craft and maintaining a willingness to learn, I navigated challenges and seized opportunities for growth in photography. I specialize in event, branding, and lifestyle photography. My passion lies in capturing the essence of moments that matter most to my clients. Each photograph not only documents an event but also preserves the emotions and relationships behind it. From intimate family gatherings to high-profile corporate events, I strive to enhance brand identities and preserve cherished memories through my lens. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they’ve placed in me to capture their important moments.  I strive to provide a personalized experience, focusing on quality, creativity, and professionalism in every aspect of my work. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a photographer is witnessing the growth of my client’s families over the years. I’ve had the privilege of capturing moments that hold meaning in people’s lives. From capturing bridal showers and holiday photos to documenting milestone birthdays, graduations, and baby showers, I’ve built enduring relationships with my clients. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see families return to me on various occasions, entrusting me to document their memories. It warms my heart to know that my photography has played a pivotal role in capturing these precious moments and creating tangible memories that families can revisit and share across generations. It deepens my passion for photography and emphasizes the meaningful connections I’ve been fortunate to cultivate through my work. Furthermore, there’s no greater compliment than when clients enthusiastically recommend me to their extended family and friends. It’s truly heartwarming to arrive at their events already familiar with most of the guests, and becoming a trusted part of their special occasions.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for expanding my clientele has been prioritizing the client experience and ensuring they have a good time. I believe strongly that when clients have a positive and enjoyable experience, they naturally share their satisfaction with others. Word of mouth and referrals have been the cornerstone of my business growth, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my clients are actively promoting my services to their peers.
It’s a testament to the trust and satisfaction they feel in my work that they mention my name in rooms I haven’t even entered yet. This organic endorsement not only validates the quality of the services I provide but also shows the impact of delivering exceptional experiences. Building strong relationships with clients, exceeding their expectations, and leaving a lasting impression are key to fostering this word-of-mouth growth. I consider it a genuine blessing that most of my clientele comes from referrals, as it reflects their confidence in recommending my services to others. This ongoing support and recognition motivates me to strive for excellence in every aspect of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.versatilelens.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/versatilelens/
• Other: tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@versatilelens

Image Credits

@Versatile Lens

Personal photo – @Ashleyjeancreative