Today we’d like to introduce you to Brynna Sweet.
Hi Brynna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Becoming a full time photographer and business owner wasn’t actually my original plan after graduating from UW. I was actually a psychology major and intending on continuing towards a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. I worked for a psychology-based corporate leadership consultancy at the time, and started doing photographer as a way to bolster my income a bit as I applied to schools. One thing led to another and I kind of fell in love with running a business. Photography & the creative side of things came naturally to me, but it was such a fun and rewarding challenge to build a business that I felt proud of!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many creative entrepreneurs, COVID was a wild time. I had to button down the hatches and pretty much keep the business alive via unemployment checks and people’s backyard wedding elopements. But it taught me a lot about building healthy business financials, and I actually think that’s what led me to set up my business to be more profitable in general, even when business is booming!
It was also a major adjustment to become a parent whilst running a business. After having my son, it took me about a year to start working & making enough to pay myself again. But I’m really proud of keeping my business up & running all that time, and I think each of these seasons has helped me solidify what a sustainable & fulfilling business looks like for the average person. I’ve realized I don’t want to be hustling day & night to make millions, because actually enjoying my work, enjoying running my business, and making enough to fund our life is such a beautiful thing in and of itself!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a seattle-based photographer and business coach. For the last decade I’ve specialized in wedding photography and portraits, but the last few years I’ve expanded to commercial work and coaching/mentoring other business owners to help them build businesses they find rewarding + profitable! My specialty lies in helping businesses grow & flourish through community. I think that when we view our clientele and industry peers as a “business village,” we are able to grow organically while also being deeply fulfilled by our work and businesses as well! It’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship that can help founders escape isolation and hustle culture!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
We had a cabin out on Mason Lake, and most of my favorite childhood memories are just floating on the lake, catching salamanders, making s’mores, and being in & around water!
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography starting at $5,350
- Family Portraits/Maternity/Etc $725
- Boudoir Photography starting at $950
- Kindred Signature Brand Sessions $2,250
- Mentor Sessions $750
Contact Info:
- Website: 1. brynnakathleenphotography.com and 2. hellokindred.co
- Instagram: @brynnakathleensweet and @hello.kindred.co
