Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Delaney Viau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Delaney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?

Absolutely! I believe that vacations are essential. However, as a business owner, I’ve also learned to reframe what a “vacation” means to me. My most valuable moments of rest and renewed inspiration came from small, intentional pauses that I took to recharge my mind. Too often we envision a vacation as an all-expenses-paid escape to a different country, but getting away from it all isn’t always about distance or luxury.

Being present in the moments I have away from work helps me disconnect from the “business owner” version of myself, and reconnect with the true version of me; the Delaney that loves quiet moments in nature, or exploring new cities without an itinerary. Even a small mid-day getaway to a downtown cafe helps me recenter and be grateful for the business that I’ve built. I found the most profound shift came when I stopped believing that taking time for myself meant I was neglecting my business, when stepping away saved myself and by extension, my business, from burnout, fatigue, and resentment.

As business owners, we know how precious our time is, and it’s easy to fall into endless working hours (after all, it’s not “work” when you love your job, right?) but we didn’t start our own businesses to be working around the clock. We started them to find our own freedom from routine work hours and have more flexibility within our work-life balance. Don’t wait for the perfect time to step away to enjoy the lifestyle you worked hard to create! Instead, I encourage you to find your own version of a vacation. Look for the small, restorative moments in your day-to-day life.

Remind yourself: Nothing in nature blooms year-round. Like the seasons, productivity is a cycle that requires rest before new growth.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Delaney Viau, and I’m a photographer and creative director in the fashion and editorial space, as well as an educator focused on helping models and fellow creatives grow and thrive in this industry.

I fell in love with photography at 13, where I taught myself the basics while shooting quiet, everyday moments in my small hometown and experimenting with self-portraiture. That spark quickly turned into something bigger, and by 14, I had my first client. Throughout high school and early college, I grew a recognized photography business in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. While I shot everything from senior portraits to weddings, I always knew my heart belonged in the world of fashion, modeling, and creative storytelling. I had no idea how I’d make it into my reality, but I held on tight to this dream.

Everything changed after my 22nd birthday. Through what I can only describe as divine intervention, I was connected with DMM Management in Detroit. After one trip downstate, I knew I had been given a chance to live the dream I’d had since I was 13. I packed up my life, left the only home I’d ever known, and moved to Detroit to pursue this dream. Now, it’s been 4 years since I left the UP. I can honestly say that though I was terrified to make the leap, I’ve experienced a profoundly joyful, expansive, and fulfilling life here in Detroit. I am living in the happiest chapter of my life, and I know that 13-year-old Delaney would be so proud (and shocked) that I made it this far.

What sets my work apart is the way I approach every shoot with care and creative intention. No matter who I’m working with, my goal is to make them feel confident in who they are in front of my lens, and to bring their vision into reality. Being photographed is such a vulnerable experience and I am grateful for all of the trust I’m given by each person that steps in front of my lens. Beyond the lens, I offer mentorship and educational resources for photographers and creatives who want to grow their photography skills and expand their business.

Professionally, I work closely with emerging models who are trying to stand out in saturated markets but don’t always know how. I help give direction in a creative process that can feel overwhelming, build them portfolios that open doors, and provide a safe space for them to experiment, evolve, and be empowered.

My mission is to help people grow into the fullest, most empowered version of themselves, whether that’s through a photoshoot, a coaching session, or a collaboration. I aim to inspire other creatives to trust themselves, take that leap, and chase their dreams wherever they lead.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Truthfully, the most rewarding aspect of my career is the connections I make. Each client has their own success story and it makes me genuinely happy to see the ripple effect from just one photoshoot. One session can help a model get signed and booked, or create a business’s most profitable launch. One conversation during a shoot could spark someone’s next big leap. Through this career, I’ve been blessed to connect with some truly wonderful people and create lifelong friendships.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives sometimes struggle to understand is how much of this journey requires embracing uncertainty, and how crucial it is to have support. Choosing a creative career often means choosing the unknown over the illusion of stability, and not everyone will understand that. It’s frustrating to see people celebrate six-figure success stories, but discourage those who are still building their dreams. You can’t have one without the other. I’ve lived both lives: the “stable” 9–5 and the creative path. At a traditional job, I was a shell of myself. Choosing to realign with my dream job gave me back my life, fulfillment, and the ability to build a future on my terms.

I also think people often underestimate how much work goes into a creative career. We’re not just doing photoshoots or selling art—we’re running full businesses. Until you can outsource, you’re the creative director, marketer, web designer, accountant, and more. It’s not just “pressing a button.” This is why our pricing reflects not only the art itself but also the costs of doing business, because we don’t always have a safety net if the work doesn’t come in. For me, this career is about more than income. It’s about building a life filled with passion, freedom, and purpose. On months where I choose to lighten my schedule and shoot less, I accept that my income will decrease, but being able to choose it for myself is exactly why I love being a business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.delaneyviau.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaney.viau/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delaneyviau
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@delaneyviau
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@delaneyviau

Image Credits

Sofia Moussier, Kaia, Sydnee Haskins, Monique Pour, Ziyi, Krystal Fortune, Joshua Light, Sydney Warren, Rembo Amanda, Houston Clark