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I love celebrating women entrepreneurs who’ve found creative ways to blend their passions with purposeful work. Recently, I had the joy of connecting with Shelby Rae, the heart behind Shelby Rae Photography.
Her journey from being a teen with a camera in hand to building a photography business that fits around family life is both inspiring and achievable. Shelby opened up about her early fears, the encouragement that got her started, and the rhythms that allow her to serve clients while still being present as a wife and mom.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working from home or wondered if you could turn a creative hobby into something more, Shelby’s story will encourage you to take that next step.
From a Dream to a Business
Shelby Rae is a wedding and portrait photographer who specializes in capturing couples, families, and high school seniors. But her work is about much more than photos.
“As a teen and college student, I dreamed of doing something that would allow me to be a stay-at-home mom one day,” she shares. “I’ve always loved creative things, and photography was a natural fit.”
That dream became reality. Today, Shelby manages a thriving business while enjoying the flexibility to spend time with her kids and contribute extra income to her family.
Facing Fear and Taking the First Step
Like many people who are stepping into business for the first time, Shelby wrestled with doubt. With so many photographers in her area, she often wondered if she was “good enough” to charge for her work.
Instead of letting fear hold her back, she simply got started. “I sort of just jumped in and did it anyway, thanks to family and friends who trusted me to take their photos!” she says. Along the way, she sought education, practiced her craft, and built her confidence one session at a time.
Her story reminds us that the first step doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be taken.
The Power of Support and Learning
Family and friends were instrumental in helping Shelby gain traction. Their willingness to be her first clients gave her the experience she needed and helped spread the word about her business.
She also leaned into social media, creating pages to showcase her work and later building a website where people could connect with her, view her portfolio, and book sessions.
Another game-changer? Education. “Courses from Amy & Jordan Demos were so helpful,” Shelby says. “I also learned so much from Katelyn James and Rebecca Rice.” Those resources not only sharpened her technical skills but also gave her confidence in the business side of photography.
A Peek Into Shelby’s Days
No two days look exactly alike for Shelby, but she’s built rhythms that allow her to juggle motherhood and business with grace.
Most days, you’ll find her editing photos or handling business tasks during her son’s nap time. She sneaks in email replies or quick tasks from her phone throughout the day. Sessions are scheduled when her husband is home, and weddings usually fall on weekends.
She’s intentional about not overbooking, making sure to keep days free for family time. “That’s one of the perks of making my own schedule,” she says.
Encouragement for Other Moms
For moms who want to start working from home but feel hesitant, Shelby’s encouragement is simple: “Go for it!!”
She acknowledges that balancing little ones with work can be tricky, but believes it’s worth the effort. “It’s so valuable to be with your kids daily rather than relying on outside childcare. And it’s such a gift to have something you do outside of being a mom, while also contributing to your family’s income.”
Connect With Shelby Rae
Want to learn more about Shelby or see her beautiful photography?
Shelby Rae’s story is proof that passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn can lead to a business that blesses both family and clients. Whether you’re thinking about picking up a camera, starting a side hustle, or simply taking the next small step toward your dream, let Shelby’s journey be a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.
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Do you have a work-from-home success story to share? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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