Photo by : Shauna & Jordon
Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Brown.
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My career began as an elementary school special education teacher and I stayed in the classroom for seven wonderful years. Then my photography journey began when I traveled two summers to Ghana & Burkina Faso, Africa to volunteer with an orphanage, in a school for special needs, and participate in various humanitarian services across the two countries.
I took my camera and captured the experience as best I could. It was amazing to see the world through the children’s eyes and I just really fell in love with the art of photography. I did not know much about my camera back then and kept it on auto the whole time, but the images captured still told an incredible story. Throughout this time, I also started a non-profit organization called Lenses to Their World. Through this non-profit, we taught photography to children (mostly my own special education students) during an after-school program.
We would also visit a local hospital and brought the organization to them, by teaching the children with terminal/long-term illnesses. We could bring the cameras for the children to use, teach them some basic skills, allow them to capture a variety of photos, and then we would print their images to give to them to keep. Through this organization, we were able to host two large Gala events, where we showcased the children’s photography for hundreds of community members and it was an incredible experience raising thousands of dollars to continue the organization for many years.
In 2015, my husband and I began having children and I had a desire to be home more. The dream of becoming a business owner and professional photographer became real and I spent a year learning the ins and outs of my camera and taking education courses online to develop my craft. In 2017, I officially started Brownie Bites Photography, and it’s been an amazing journey.
During the past four years, I have grown and developed my style into what it is today and I absolutely love being able to stay home with my babies, while also doing what I love! My clients have become like family and I am so incredibly humbled and grateful to all the wonderful people who choose me to document their most precious memories!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think every business owner has seasons of harvest, as well as seasons that are more difficult. Overall, the road has been smooth because I knew from the beginning that I would take it slow and grow the business organically, especially with having three little ones at home.
There have been times where I wanted changes to occur more quickly, but I’ve come to realize that it will all happen in its own time and at the RIGHT time. I’ve been able to trust in God’s timing and that has always led me on a positive path.
I just love the flexibility this business offers me to be present for my kids during the day and I am so grateful for every opportunity that comes my way!
We’ve been impressed with Brownie Bites Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my photography business in 2017 and have grown it organically ever since. My clientele has increased each year and this fall season will be my busiest season yet! I specialize in families, newborns, and all things motherhood! As a mom myself, I love capturing all those sweet moments from the journey to motherhood, those first weeks with a new baby, and all the milestones that come with having babies.
I am passionate about moms getting in front of the camera because before I became a professional photographer, I didn’t always capture those moments. Looking back, I wish I had hired photographers to capture every pregnancy and the big moments after. Our babies grow up so quickly and I think it is essential to capture those memories to cherish forever! When I first started this business, my husband and I had planned for it to grow organically and financially sustain itself.
We knew God would bless it at the right time. I am proud to say that the business has never had any debt and is financially sustainable, which was always the goal. Being debt-free is something we find important on our journey, so this has been super positive for my business and we are so grateful. One aspect that I have recently added to my business is a full client closet for women and children. When a client books their session, they have access to borrow from over 100 women’s dresses (sizes XS-XL), as well as a wide array of clothes for children.
It takes the stress out of having to find outfits for your whole family and I hope to be adding options for dad’s next year as well. Another thing that my clients love is that I provide a batch of freshly baked brownies at the end of every session. It is a touch that I have included since I began my business and my return clients always look forward to those brownies, especially the dads and kids.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To trust the process and not compare yourself to others! Everyone had to start somewhere and we have no idea what others went through to get to the success they are at today.
Any time I question myself or doubt my journey, I always take a look back at what my images looked like in the beginning compared to now. The growth and change is incredible!
Contact Info:
- Email: jbrown@browniebitesphoto.com
- Instagram: browniebitesphoto
