We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I feel like my entire professional career has been built off of taking small (and big) risks… I was working as a Visual Merchandising Manager in Louisville, KY when I got the call to move to Houston, Texas to work at a design firm in Purchasing… I had no idea what I was doing, but I took the job and a month later I was living and breathing in a totally new environment. Huge risk– but I learned so much about the business; and myself. It was the risk I needed to take at that point in my career. Then when COVID hit, I decided to venture off on my own… I did some soul searching and decided I wanted to work and create things my way. If I failed, it would all be on me. No one else. So, I learned how to use a camera, taught myself Photoshop & Adobe, and just went for it. Huge risk– and to this day it was the biggest, and best decision I’ve ever made. The risk you take on yourself will be the most fulfilling thing you will ever do. Just do it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into this business by chance, quite honestly. I’ve always been good at design, and textiles and textures have always been my forte… before venturing on my own I had worked for several design firms– but photography was something that came naturally for me. I decided one night that “why can’t I decorate homes AND be able to shoot editorial-style photographs for the clients when I’m finished with the project?” At the time, most photographers that I followed were shooting and editing super bright white images, and I was always a fan of more moody, story-telling, detailed photos. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I knew it would set me apart from others, and it also helped me stay as creatively in-tune as I could be with each job & client. Now I can provide design services on top of photography services; depending on what the client needs are. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to shoot for Airbnb rentals, other interior designers, and food/product photography. The sky is really the limit– I love being able to dip my toes into so many interesting and creative projects. The best feeling in the world is when someone can look at an image and say “that’s a Hannah photo for sure”. I can’t believe this is my job. Truly grateful.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

First of all, there is so much power in word-of-mouth. I have been extremely lucky to have so many incredible friends & clients who will recommend me for certain projects. BUT, there is also so much power in social media. I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve met and creatively worked for through Instagram. It can be hard being a creative and trying to keep up with the ever-changing algorithms… but it’s always worth it to put your work out there. Whether you think it’s your best or not– just talk about it. You never know who might be watching and be in need of your services; or creativity.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life thus far was during COVID. I was working as a Creative Director for a design firm, but I wasn’t happy. I was terrified to go out on my own and start my own business… what if I fail? What if no one likes what I bring to the table? All the ‘imposter syndrome’ we creatives feel creeping into our minds would take over and I was completely uneasy about it all. But, ultimately, who cares? I knew I had to try. I knew I had to get my ideas out into the world without anyone telling me I wasn’t good enough. It was time, and I started my LLC the following month. Still to this day it has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. That, and moving to Nashville almost 2 years ago… I owe everything to this city and all the clients, friends & creatives I get to work with now. The future is so bright.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studiorancher.com
• Instagram: @hannahladdbrown

Image Credits
Styling + Photography: Hannah Ladd Brown