We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra Brook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was scary but also exhilarating at the same time. My whole family is very much based in trade industries so no one has really stepped out of the box and been full time in the entreprenuriship world till I did. At first there was a lot of skepticism but eventually everyone saw that it truly made me happy & got on board. My reasoning for doing it had actually a lot to do with the 2020 pandemic, I was held up in my house like most of America and realized that I had always had this drive, passion & call towards documentation & photography. To top that off I never really felt like a 9-5 would ever e for me, I had too many interests, too much energy & too much drive to settle for one thing. With photography I am able to not only document stories but also advertise, market, run social media, travel & create art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Where I am today started off with a whole lot of self education. I don’t have the normal degree in photography or art but rather I dove head first into podcasts, books & investing in mentorships with people who were ten steps head of me. It was not easy at first, there was a lot of technical things to learn not only about photography but also about running a business. I think once you start to love it tho, it no longer feels like work & that is the feeling I am continuously chasing. To be so in love with my job that it does not feel like work. Navigating running my own business came with a whole lot of trial and error. Through that you have to remember to continually have grace for yourself because in all reality… no newbie knows exactly what they re doing. I’ve learned that patience, grace & asking for help can go a long way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my opinion one of my favorite places to go when my mind needs a little break is the harbor in Long Beach next to the aquarium of the Pacific.. that place holds my heart. The sailboats all lined up, the fresh smell of the ocean & the nostalgia from childhood really calms any nerves or stress I feel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would send a large shout out to my family & loved ones. For always supporting my changes in fields & running with my crazy ideas and dreams. I’d also like to send a HUGE shout out to the book ” you are a bad a**” by Jen Sincero. That book no doubt changed my perspective & shifted me from a limited to a limitless mindset.

Website: https://sierrabrookphotography.com

Instagram: @sierrabrookphotography

Facebook: Sierra Brook Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.