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

Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am very right brain. Therefore, I have always been artistic and creative. When I was 17 years old, I first started thinking about different careers. My senior year, I decided that I would love to photography. My parents bought my very first “big girl” camera back in 2010 and I started to explore. I went to a small liberal arts college and took some photography courses and continued to use my talent and learn more about the art. I got married right out of college and needed money quicker, so I decided not to start my business just yet. We moved to South Carolina in 2019 and then Covid hit in 2020. The “down year” I decided “Why not? Let’s go for it!” in 2021 my dreams became reality and I am thrilled I made that decision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am sure we can all agree that our world today is busy, crazy, and scary. Being a photographer in today’s world, I truly use my gift to pause and document life. It’s an incredible career and so rewarding. I get to capture memories in present times for families to keep for years to come to show generations under them how they truly lived a good life. I love seeing people in the moment, smiling and laughing. It brings me so much joy in these dark times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love going to local breweries in the Columbia area. To name a few: Steele Hands, Hunter Gatherer, Bierkeller, Savage Craft, Lazy Creek, etc. I love the atmosphere and enjoying time with friends there. Usually we are eating at the breweries but if we don’t then I always take my friends and family to Cantina 76, Higher Ground, or a local food truck. I am a sports fan, so my family loves going to USC sporting events and the Fireflies minor league baseball games. Looking to kill time and want fresh air, check out all the riverwalks downtown. They are all beautiful : )

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my parents and my husband, I could not have done it without their support and believing in me. From buying my first camera and seeing my passion to letting me take a leap of faith to start a new business during Covid without knowing how it would go. They are the best because feel this is where I belong 🙂

Website: https://bluebellephotography27.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @blue_bellephotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BB.SouthCarolinaPhotographer/

Image Credits
Bella @bvphotographyllc on IG She took my picture : )

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