We were lucky to catch up with Shelby Catlett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shelby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of running my own business. I didn’t know what it would be back then, maybe a shop or a restaurant, but the desire to create something of my own was always there. Years later, while working in IT, I discovered photography and quickly fell in love with it. At the same time, I noticed how many small businesses were struggling with social media. So I started freelancing on the side as a creative outlet. Then I left my “regular” job and took a leap of faith to build a business around photography and social media management.

Do I ever think about going back to a 9–5? Sometimes, usually in the middle of a crazy busy season when I’d love to take a real vacation. But then I think about the opportunities I’ve had since taking that leap, like traveling with a running group to Morocco or photographing the world’s largest robot competition. Those are moments I never would have expected 5 years ago!

So, am I happier as a business owner? Without a doubt! It’s not easy, but building a life around creativity, travel, and storytelling is worth it. I’ve found work that challenges me and still feels like a dream most days.

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

I’ve always dreamed of running my own business. I even went to school for business and accounting, not because I wanted to be an accountant, but because I knew one day I’d want the confidence to manage my own books.

Around 2019, I found a passion for photography and was lucky enough to learn from an award winning photojournalist. During Covid, I was working in IT and needing a creative outlet. I would join him as a second shooter for events and quickly noticed the gaps that small businesses and tourism boards have in their story telling.

For a few years, I freelanced on the side, balancing both worlds. In 2023, I decided to invest in myself full time. Now, I get to work with tourism boards, outdoor brands, adventure companies, and local businesses to create visuals and strategies that connect with people in a meaningful way. What I’m most proud of is helping clients tell their story authentically. At the end of the day, my work is about partnering with brands I believe in and helping them stand out.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been staying true to who I am and working with brands I genuinely believe in.

I’ve found that when I consistently show up authentically, it naturally attracts the right clients. I think brands can sense when you’re genuinely excited about what they do, and that energy is contagious. That’s why I build relationships with brands that I personally cheer for and want to succeed.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

Definitely! My business has expanded into multiple complementary revenue streams that all funnel back into helping brands and businesses tell their story.

It started with photography and social media management, and it’s expanded into content creation for brands. Along the way, I’ve also written blog posts, managed email marketing campaigns, worked with CRM platforms, and supported businesses in website updates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shelbycatlett.pixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelby_catlett/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-catlett-82b082a9/