Happy Friday Queens! It’s time for us to highlight more amazing black entrepreneurs! In Where You Should Be Spending Your Money, we showcase the various businesses available in our community that we can support to inspire you to cycle your very important and all-powerful dollar amongst people that look like you and have YOU in mind. Today, we feature, Britnee Alphin of Eat. Pray. Voyage.
IHTG: Tell us a little about yourself (hometown, family life, etc.).
My name is Britnee Alphin. I am a vegan Mommy, Wife, blogger, photographer, and aspiring author. I am from Long Island, New York but reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been taking photos since I was a child, probably about 5 or 6 years old and I have been writing for just about the same length of time. I love how soothing photography is for me and how peaceful those moments are. I come from a strong single Mother who told me that if I kept God first, I could do anything I set my mind to. I have kept God first in all of my passions and in doing that, I have watched my passions grow to touch people’s lives, minister to me and catchword like wildfire! I sincerely love what I do and I love doing what I love and watching the healing benefits it brings for others.
IHTG: What motivated you to start this business?
Well, my grandfather is the jack of all trades. He got me into photography, amongst other trades, at a young age. He had no limits to his interests, talents, and gifts. I followed his courageous character and made it my mantra. I started my photography business in 2011 and wanted to offer people an experience. Photography is an easy thing to do; my toddler even knows how to take a picture. What I offer that differs from other photographers is the memory I create with my clients. We talk, laugh, plan future sessions, share stories and depending on the nature of the session, I minister to them. I always like to leave some useful nuggets with my clients about whatever they are struggling with. It’s not always a Bible thing but I like to give advice so that moment that they spent with me lasts forever. My heart is for the people of God and I always want to make sure that I am giving a positive vibe, lasting memory and wisdom. With blogging, I give advice, humor, and information through my writing. I love watching people elevate to the next level! That is my drive; that is my why! AS long as the world is smiling, I have done the work of God and fulfilled my purpose.
IHTG: Tell us about your business (what product or service do you offer, your typical customer, etc.).
So, I do A LOT but I offer photography services and other services through my blog, Eat Pose Voyage such as reviews, event coverage (a photography and write up combo), brand ambassadorship, video product promotions, etc. Under my photography brand umbrella, Captured by Britnee, I offer portrait, headshot, lifestyle, and family portrait services. This allows me to have that one-on-one time with my clients to capture the pauses and smiles life brings. My new passion is event photography and that service is hosted by my blog business because I offer a write up of the event. Photos speak a thousand words but I always like to top it off with a written post to highlight the event.
IHTG: How does your business give back to the community?
Great question! I am actually in the process of adding more services and products to increase traffic to my brand but to also give back to the homeless community and young girls who struggle with self-confidence. I have had a heart for the homeless community since I was a toddler and I have always tried to give back in some way, whether it be with a smile and a meal, working as a Case Aide at The Salvation Army, photographing a group of young girls after a makeover, or even raising awareness. I have always been on a mission to end homelessness. My love for young girls stems from my own struggles growing up! I am West Indian and it is common that West Indians have some dental issues. Well, I have the most horrid teeth you could ever imagine. I mean I had a crossbite, overbite, and too many teeth in general. After dealing with the humiliation from my peers and even going through adult life with those same scars, I decided that I wasn’t going to live in a world full of bullies and allow them to destroy little girls’ images of themselves. I want to add value to little girls of all races and cultural backgrounds but especially our young black dolls! Every race is beautiful, hands down, but it’s something about the black race that just brings hearts to my eyes! That beauty needs to be acknowledged and groomed and I pray that God allows me to be a vessel to help our little girls.
IHTG: What advice would you give to someone considering starting a business?
RESEARCH! Anyone can be an entrepreneur, Google made it simple to be anything with these ‘How To Start A Business’ websites. You’ve got to know your stuff! And I don’t mean know how to use a camera but you’ve got to know the legends, the history, the terminology, the negatives, the positives, the cost to legalize your business, how to monetize your business, how to market it, other people who are doing it, what certain colors mean, what fonts are trending, what social media is interested in, how you can stand out from your industry, etc. Next to research is prayer and next to prayer is your elevator pitch! You’ve got to believe in your business, trust yourself, and work overtime to keep it floating. It’s your baby! Babies need tender love and care and so does your brand and business!
[ctt template=”1″ link=”qg0dS” via=”no” ]There are a MILLION things that are fruitful, fun, and cool to do but not everything that looks great is good for you. – Britnee Alphin[/ctt]
IHTG: What is the best advice you’ve received since starting your business?
The best advice I have gotten was to STAY IN MY LANE AND TRUST THE PROCESS! There are a MILLION things that are fruitful, fun, and cool to do but not everything that looks great is good for you. Stay the course and trust your process. Just because Sasha is making good money doing adequate work compared to you doesn’t mean Sasha is better than you, smarter than you, nor does it mean you won’t be successful. Every business has a season and it may be your season to plant your seeds and Sasha’s season to reap the blessings. Don’t bash Sasha or be envious, your time is coming, God sees you working girl just trust the process and stay in your lane! Positive vibes only love.
You can learn more about Britnee and her services by visiting her on all social media platforms @eatprayvoyage and her website: Britnee Alphin.
