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

Alright, Shellee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Tell us the story of a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big, life changing risk or a small risk. Either way, paint the picture for us, tell us the backstory and all the relevant details so we can fully understand the context and circumstances around when and why you took the risk and tell us how it turned out
The goal of this new series is to give small business owners and creatives a place to connect with, learn from, and get inspired by their peers.

In my first Voyager feature ((https://voyageohio.com/interview/meet-shellee-fisher-of-columbus-ohio/), I shared how I got started, what I do, and what I’m most proud of: VoyageOhio Interview
Today, I’m grateful for the chance to embrace a new chapter. While many at my stage of life are leaning into retirement and rest, I chose to keep going—on my terms. I made a bold move, leaving behind 40 years in Columbus and a thriving photography business of 16 years, to relocate across the country to California. My goal? To support family and help raise my grandkids. There was no fear—just focus.
By December 2023, the decision was made. I carefully transitioned my loyal clients—some I’ve worked with for over a decade—into the trusted hands of my mentees-turned-associates. I even hosted a farewell party to celebrate the journey.
Rebuilding a business in a new market isn’t easy. It requires all the experience, grit, and grace I’ve gathered over the years. I’m showing up, networking, and planting new seeds. Growth hasn’t happened as quickly as I imagined, and with California’s cost of living 36% higher and housing 73% more than what I was used to, I’m more motivated than ever.
What keeps me going is my purpose: solving client branding challenges, mentoring other creatives, and continuing to live the photographer’s life I always dreamed of. I am in my happy place.
While the decision to move came easily, making it work in a brand-new environment takes real effort—and a good dose of humility. I’ve learned that when you truly know yourself and believe in what you’re working toward, that clarity becomes the drive that pushes you forward.
There was definitely a moment of grieving—leaving behind the comfort of success, the familiarity, and everything I built over decades. But even in that loss, I’ve found purpose. Every morning, I’m still excited to get up, take my grandkids to school, and keep building this next chapter.
I’m still growing as a person, a photographer, and a contributor to the world around me. And for that, I am deeply blessed.

Shellee, 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?

At Shellee Fisher Photography & Design, we specialize in creating authentic, high-quality imagery that tells your brand’s unique story. Through professional portraits, corporate events, and marketing materials, we capture the essence of your business to engage and resonate with your audience. Our goal is to deliver visually compelling assets that reflect your values, make a lasting impression, and contribute to your business’s growth and success.I’m Shellee Fisher, owner & lead photographer at Shellee Fisher Photography & Design .
After being in business in the corporate sector for 23 years, I finally pursued my passion as a Photographer for the last 16 years, totaling 39 years as an entrepreneur. As a certified MBE & WBE, I was able to flourish in the public and corporate sector creating positive imagery to help businesses communicate their personality, uniqueness and professionalism with customers through event & conference coverage as well as, corporate headshots and marketing images that are used for social media, websites, annual reports and internal communications. Being a woman and person of color, I shoot with a diverse eye. I am able to capture the totality of an organization’s culture. Also, being in business for so long, I have a corporate poise to understand the needs and protocol of my client.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ShelleeFisher.com
• Instagram: @ShelleeFisherPhotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelleeFisherPhotography
• Linkedin: @ShelleeFisher
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/9vYMGUE–BM?si=dVynyTZjBizQr6zb

Image Credits
Black & White & Orange w/camera @Rae Holloway