HER STORY ⟡ Brey Shirley
Today, we are meeting Brey Shirley of Simpley Brey Creative!
Tell us about you and your background!
I actually have a degree in Sports Marketing because my dream was to work for an IndyCar race team. Life happened and my dreams changed quite a bit in the last 14 years but I'm still very heavily involved with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and still attend all the Indy sports I can. You'll be seeing more of this side of me in the next couple years as I evolve my photography/social media business to include athletes. I
've worked in network marketing and also built a hair bow/accessory business that I had for 5 years. We closed that shop in 2020. As sad as I was to let that go, I knew it was time to close that chapter of my life.
I've ALWAYS had a camera in my hand since the disposable days, but when my oldest daughter was around a year old, I picked up a camera and taught myself everything I know now. I started with family photography and quickly morphed into branding and portraits.
I've managed social media accounts and created content for over 9 years - all for businesses in and around Indianapolis. I love it so much!
Tell us about your business and why you started it!
5 years ago....lifestyle brand photos were JUST starting to be a thing, and I knew the industry I was in wasn't taking full advantage of that. They were still posting/using headshots they had taken YEARS ago on that dark gray background. I wanted to change that - not just for the real estate industry but every industry. I wanted to coach business owners into being more approachable and relatable in the digital side of their business.
In 2022, I was faced with a decision to either start full-time as an entrepreneur or go back to a desk job.
And I'll never regret that decision.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I love the flexibility in schedule, answering only to myself, and knowing the sky is the limit. No goal is too lofty, no dream is too unrealistic. I know that I'm working towards MY dreams and goals, and not someone else's, and that's not something I take for granted.
What advice would you give yourself from 5 years ago OR your past self just starting your business?
Whew - 5 years ago, I was leaving a company I had worked with for 10 years and starting with a much smaller company. BUT before I knew I was moving on, I was in a pretty dark place in my "business." I didn't actually have one yet, aside from photography on the side for families.
I was letting the negative advice from others and the people I worked for dim my light. I would tell myself to not listen, keep pushing, and keep dreaming because I could do anything I put my mind to. I would tell myself to reach for those who lift me up and not tear me down. I would tell myself that we are almost there and to keep going.
I would tell myself that that dream we have - it's worth it.
What does BEAUTY mean to you?
Confidence in action. It's that moment, or spark, that happens when someone feels seen, aligned and fully/unapologetically themselves -- and they let that energy lead. It's magic.
Who or what inspires you?
First and foremost, my kids. But also - the people I surround myself with. I truly believe if you surround yourself with positive and successful people - you will become positive and successful. The opposite happens when you don't surround yourself with the right people. My clients and network are dreamers, goal-crushers, and are doing all the things - which pushes me to do the same.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
If you need a hype girl - I'm your girl! :)
