We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hillary Boutin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hillary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I’m definitely happier as a business owner, but I’d be lying if I said I never wondered what it might be like to have a regular job. The last time that thought crossed my mind was during a particularly crazy week. I had back-to-back shoots, client deadlines piling up, and emails I could barely keep up with. On top of that, my kids had school events, and it felt like everything was happening all at once.

I caught myself daydreaming about a 9-to-5 job—something predictable, where you clock out at the end of the day and leave work behind. It sounded nice for a moment.

But then I reminded myself why I chose this path. Being a business owner gives me the freedom to build something I’m passionate about while still making time for my family. Yes, it can be overwhelming at times, but the flexibility and creativity I have in my work make it all worth it.

That hectic week ended with happy clients, work I was proud of, and moments with my family that mattered. It reminded me that, while it’s not always easy, I wouldn’t trade my business for a 9-5 job at this point in my life!

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 specialize in Headshot and Branding Photography, working with entrepreneurs and creatives to capture empowering, on-brand imagery that elevates their businesses. My goal is to provide clients with a stunning portfolio of photos they can use to spread the word about what they do and build brand awareness.

What started as a hobby and creative outlet—taking photos of just about everything—quickly evolved into a business focused on portrait photography for families and high school seniors, which I still love doing! Over time, I realized photography could be more than just a part-time passion—it could become my full-time career.

This realization inspired me to dive deeper into my love for photography while tapping into my skills and passion for business and marketing. By blending these interests, I expanded my services, strengthened my brand, and took my business to the next level.

With my background in business and marketing, I approach photography with a unique perspective. I love diving into each client’s business to uncover what makes them special—their mission, branding, ideal clients, and more. This allows me to do more than just take photos; it helps me create galleries of images that spread brand awareness and truly connect with their audience.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The source of new clients for me has come from making real, authentic connections with people and being actively involved in the community. Whether it’s through networking events, word-of-mouth referrals, or simply engaging with others on social media, building genuine relationships has been key. I’ve found that when you truly care about people, listen to their needs, and contribute to the community, it naturally leads to new opportunities. Authenticity is what helps people trust me, and that trust translates into long-lasting client relationships.

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

The most rewarding part of being a creative in my business is seeing how my work impacts others. Whether it’s helping an entrepreneur gain confidence through powerful brand imagery or capturing the essence of a business to elevate their presence, knowing that my creative work helps people connect, grow, and thrive is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the results of my passion in real-world applications and knowing my art makes a difference is what keeps me motivated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hillarylynnbrands.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillary.lynn.brands
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hillarylynnbrands/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryboutin