We recently connected with Dr. Brittany Reynolds and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Brittany, appreciate you joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?
In my experience, the key to making a family business work well is open, honest communication and mutual respect. My husband and I both come from different skill sets and strengths, which compliment each other perfectly. He’s excellent at implementing protocols and procedures, while I tend to handle developing protocols and procedures . By respecting each other’s roles and expertise, we’ve been able to create a balance that works for both FotoLab Studio and our family life.
We are both dedicated to working full-time jobs and running FotoLab, but we also make time for our kids and each other. This requires a lot of intentional planning and setting clear boundaries between work and family time. We’re fortunate to have shared values that prioritize both professional growth and personal well-being, and we keep each other motivated, both in business and in life.
That being said, family businesses do have their challenges. One of the biggest pitfalls we’ve encountered is the blurred line between work and home life. It’s easy to let work conversations spill over into family time, especially when you’re both passionate about the business. We’ve had to be mindful of compartmentalizing, setting aside time just for each other as a couple, and making sure our kids get our undivided attention at home. Another challenge is that working closely together every day can create moments of tension or disagreements—sometimes those issues can feel even more intense because you’re both emotionally invested in both the business and the family. It takes a lot of patience and flexibility to navigate those moments with respect.
As for whether I would want our children to join FotoLab Studio, it’s something we’ve thought about. I think it would be amazing if they did, but I want them to make that decision for themselves based on their own interests and passions. I would never want to pressure them into something they don’t love or feel compelled to follow in our footsteps simply because it’s a family business. At the same time, we want to show them what’s possible when you combine passion with hard work. If one day they choose to join FotoLab, I’d want them to bring their own ideas, strengths, and perspectives to it. It would be a great honor, but I believe it’s important for them to feel that they’re making an independent decision rather than carrying on a legacy for the sake of tradition. I’ve also witnessed other family businesses where generations have worked together successfully, and others where it hasn’t worked as well. What I’ve learned from these experiences is that healthy family businesses are built on clear roles and defined expectations. Additionally, it’s important to keep a sense of humor and flexibility—sometimes, things just don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay. The most valuable lesson for us has been the importance of celebrating both the wins and the challenges together. Running a family business isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding when everyone is aligned in their goals and committed to the work.
Dr. Brittany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who may not know me yet, let me share a little about my journey. I’m a 35-year-old Black female, entrepreneur, wife ,and mother of three beautiful children. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University, along with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University. I’m proud to be the first person in my immediate family to earn a doctoral degree and to own a thriving business. I am also blessed to be married to my partner in life and business, Ken Reynolds, who is not only an incredible husband but an amazing father. Together, we navigate this journey, balancing our professional and personal lives, and growing our family. I am an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where I find a sense of community and strength.
I work as a full-time Family Nurse Practitioner, and my life is a balancing act of responsibilities, from my career to my family and my business. Above all, I put God first in everything I do. I feel incredibly blessed knowing that my success is not just the result of hard work, but of His grace. I come from a humble background, where the odds were often stacked against me. I have overcome challenges and built a life that I am proud of. However, despite the achievements, I still have moments where I question if I’m doing enough—whether I’m working too much and neglecting my children, or if I’m truly living up to my potential. Even though I may look like I have it all together on the outside, there’s been a lot of sacrifice along the way—sleepless nights, doubts, and challenges that no one sees.
This is my story, one of resilience, faith, and striving to be better for my family and my community. On April 13, 2023, I lost my father, Bobby Neal, in a tragic car accident. I will never forget the moment I got the call. The shock hit me like a wave. I went from being daddy’s little girl to suddenly facing a world without him—a world that no longer felt recognizable. A month later, my amazing husband, Ken, did something something that would take us on an incredible journey. He took me on a surprise trip to New York City, hoping to help me escape the shock and the depression that had taken over me. As part of the trip, he booked a surprise photoshoot because I was always complaining that he only took photos with the kids and never with me. The photoshoot was at FotoLab Studio and was unlike anything I could have imagined—it was a self-portrait studio where I became both the photographer and the model. I got to capture myself in a way I’d never done before, and it was such an empowering experience. By the end of the shoot, I was hooked. I expressed my interest in having a self-portrait studio in Houston, something that would give others the same opportunity that we had just experienced.
Ken and I reached out to the owners of FotoLab Studio in New York, which eventually led to the opening of FotoLab Studio Houston, Houston’s First Self-Portrait Studio. To honor my father’s memory, we scheduled our grand opening on the one-year anniversary of his passing. The journey from that dark moment of loss to the celebration of new beginnings at FotoLab Studio Houston has been nothing short of transformative. It’s a testament to resilience, love, and the power of turning grief into something beautiful. And as we continue to grow FotoLab, I carry my father’s legacy with me, knowing that he would be proud of what we’ve built.
At FotoLab Studio Houston, we offer a unique and empowering photography experience that puts creativity and freedom in the hands of our customers. Located at 401 Franklin St STE 1505, Houston, TX 77201, FotoLab is equipped with professional cameras, lighting, and a simple clicker to control everything, designed to help individuals capture their most authentic selves in a comfortable, private setting. Our services allow clients to take unlimited photos at their on pace, giving them full control over their photo sessions. Whether it’s a fun solo shoot, a couple’s session, or a family portrait, customers can change outfits as many times as they like without feeling self-conscious. There’s no photographer staring back at you, which allows you to express yourself freely in front of the camera. You’re in complete control—trying different poses and capturing your best angles. In addition to photo sessions, we offer space rentals for parties and private events. Our studio provides the perfect venue for gatherings, celebrations, or corporate events, where you can make memories while enjoying our high-quality photography setup.
What I am most proud of is being able to serve my community through FotoLab Studio. One way that FotoLab gives back to our community is by offering FREE professional headshots to Houstonians who have been laid off. Having a professional headshot can be critical to a job search because it is often the first visual impression a recruiter or hiring manager will get of you. Remember, a polished, professional image conveys confidence, seriousness, and that you care about how you present yourself. FotoLab is here to help you convey that message.
Any advice for managing a team?
Lead by Example: As a business owner, it’s important to model the behavior and attitude you want to see in your team. If you show passion, commitment, and a strong work ethic, it sets the tone for the entire team. It also helps when you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, no matter how big or small the task is.
Foster Open Communication: Make sure everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. I believe in creating an open-door policy where team members can come to me with anything, whether it’s work-related or personal. Regular check-ins, both formal and informal, help maintain transparency and prevent misunderstandings. Communication is key to keeping everyone aligned and motivated.
Create a Positive Work Culture: Make sure the work environment is one where people feel comfortable, respected, and included. A positive culture fosters collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Encourage team-building activities and ensure that everyone feels like they’re part of a shared mission.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was how to approach saving money for my future. Growing up, I was always taught that the best place for my money was a savings account. It seemed like the safe choice, and I thought that was the most responsible way to manage my finances. However, as I became an adult and started learning more about wealth-building, I realized that while having an emergency fund is essential, investing is far more important.
And I’m not just talking about investing in the stock market. Investing in yourself—whether that’s through education, professional development, or even business ventures—is just as crucial. I also had to unlearn the idea that all debt is bad. Taking out loans or borrowing money can actually be a tool for growth, especially when it’s used strategically. Not all debt is harmful; some debt can be an investment in opportunities that can pay off in the long run.
Looking back, I wish I’d known this 15 years ago. Understanding these principles earlier would have helped me build a more secure financial future, but I’m grateful to have learned them along the way. Now, I’m much more intentional about where I put my money and how I approach financial decisions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fotolab.studio/locations/houston
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotolabstudio/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/FotoLab-Studio-Houston/61557828547727/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-reynolds-dnp-aprn-fnp-c-50600290?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
