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

Hi Xee, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

After having my daughter in 2011, I bought my first camera and began capturing her milestone moments in 2012, sharing them on Facebook. That simple start led to family and friends asking me to take their photos too. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a small source of income, which I used to invest in better gear and eventually a professional website.

From 2012 to 2021, photography remained my side hustle. Even though I earned decent money, I struggled with limiting beliefs about making it a full-time career. When the pandemic hit, I began to question the stability of my day job. With more time at home, I decided to invest in a wedding photography and business course. That decision was a turning point—it taught me the ins and outs of running a successful photography business, and in my second year full-time, I hit six figures.

I also attended a styled wedding retreat in Virginia to build my portfolio and connect with others in the industry. Meeting so many talented photographers—some who had just gone full time and were already thriving—gave me the final push I needed to go all in.

Looking back, I wish I had taken the leap sooner. You truly learn and grow by doing.

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

I’m a proud Hmong American, born and raised in Central Wisconsin. Growing up, my dad was the designated cameraman in our family, and my mom always dressed us in traditional Hmong outfits for photo sessions. Our home was filled with stacks of photo albums, and I remember spending hours flipping through them, completely fascinated by how a single photograph could hold so much emotion and memory.

I loved playing with my dad’s film cameras, and whenever we went on trips, I’d bring along disposable cameras because I was obsessed with scrapbooking. When I got my first job at 14, one of my splurges was a Teen Vogue subscription—I’d tear out my favorite fashion spreads and tape them all over my bedroom wall. I’ve always been deeply inspired by fashion and editorial imagery.

Today, I specialize in digital wedding and elopement photography, offering thoughtfully curated packages and custom options to best fit my clients’ needs. My style is a candid blend of romantic, editorial, and documentary—capturing honest moments with a touch of elegance. I’m incredibly proud of my journey to becoming a full-time wedding photographer, especially since I never second-shot any weddings before diving in.

On Instagram, I share a blend of my personal and professional life because I believe real connection comes from authenticity. Staying true to who I am has been key to building trust and community.

In 2024, I opened Blume Haus, my photo rental studio and I’m also hosting styled wedding content days and retreats. It’s been an amazing experience creating space for local creatives and growing a supportive photography community. My hope is to inspire others—and future generations—to believe in themselves. You can do anything. You just have to decide.

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

My top sources for new clients are Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. SEO has been a game changer—if you want your website to rank well on Google, I highly recommend investing in someone who truly understands SEO optimization. For me, Facebook has actually been more effective than Instagram. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always shared my work on my professional Facebook page first, then reshared it on my personal page. I still follow that same routine today, and consistency has made a big difference in reaching new people.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my biggest “whys” for going full time was to do what I love while gaining time freedom—especially so I could spend more meaningful time with my daughter. That purpose still drives everything I do today. Having the flexibility to create my own schedule and build a business around my life, not the other way around, is one of the most valuable parts of my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildlovepursuit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlovepursuit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildlovepursuit
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/wildlovepursuit