I took a few months off from the B~Inspired Series, but it’s back because there are few things in life that bring me as much joy as meeting and talking to creative individuals – especially when those individuals happen to be pretty incredible female entrepreneurs. I know Valerie not only as a Boston Blogger, but also as a creative mind who I’ve gotten to know over the last few months and will be working with in some pretty fun ways!! Read on to find out how Valerie took the leap of faith to start her own business and why Steve Martin has a pretty epic quote!
Name / Blog: Valerie Sarron / The Sweet Seed
Business / Current Position: Owner and photographer for VS Photography
Location: South Boston
Educational Background: BA from Boston University
You just recently decided to turn your passion into your full-time career – how did you decide it was the right time to venture on your own?
I’ve always had the desire to go off on my own and build a business—blame that urge on my mom who immigrated to the United States for a better life and eventually became her own boss, business owner, and general badass (in the best sense of the word). But, I’m not sure if I can pinpoint the exact moment I chose to bring the VS Photography boudoir studio to life. The idea had been brewing for a while, and once I developed my portfolio, found my location, and put the rest of the pieces together, I decided to take the leap! There’s no time like the present.
What were you doing before starting your own photography business?
I worked in the publishing industry as an editor.
Since you work in a creative environment – what does a typical day look like for you? How do you find the time to fit everything in?
Every day looks a little different! The life of the creative, right? If have a session with a client, then I’m typically in my studio prepping, holding consultations, shooting, and having fun! When I’m not with clients, then I’m drinking an excessive amount of coffee while editing, handling day-to-day tasks, maintaining the website, blogging, and collaborating with others on special projects.
I’ve been lucky enough to see your studio in person and it’s seriously a dream! What inspired your design and how did you go about decorating it?
I have a serious infatuation with interior design! I wanted the space to feel luxurious, elegant, and glamorous in order to give my boudoir shoots that extra something special. But, I know boudoir can be intimidating, which is why I also wanted the space to feel inviting and comfortable. Whether I’m shooting an intimate one-on-one session or a boudoir bachelorette party, I think the studio is a happy place where clients feel at home.
What are words you live by?
I adore the quote, “be so good they can’t ignore you.” In other words, I believe in wholeheartedly cultivating your passions and talent. Setbacks like comparing yourself to others, giving up on your goals, or no believing in yourself all fall away if you just stick to your guns and tirelessly work to present your best self to the world.
What woman would you want to have dinner with?
Between all of the role models throughout history, all of the super inspiring female entrepreneurs who have led the way for future thinkers, all of the photographers whose brains I’d love to pick, and all of the writers I’d be thrilled to have a word with, this is by far the hardest question! At the moment, because I’m focusing on cultivating my brand, I’d love to have a glass of wine with a creative who does it all with style and grace like Garance Dore!
What are three things you can’t leave the house without?
Chapstick, a healthy snack, and some apparatus capable of taking photos.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell myself not to let fear get in the way. Fear has a funny way of paralyzing your ambitions if you allow it to do so. Your faith in whatever you’re invested in must be bigger than your fear!
You have a week to travel anywhere in the world – where would you go and why?
I was lucky to have gotten married in a small town in northern France. To me, it’s the happiest place on earth. I’d spend the week cozying up in castles, strolling through beaches in the rain, sipping on Calvados while slurping down oysters, and of course, spending time with some of the loveliest people in the world. Actually, I may need more than a week!
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
If you’re hitting a wall while on your entrepreneurial journey, just. keep. going. Show up every day and do your best. If you need a break, focus on smaller tasks, do something creative, go to Target and invest in festive office supplies and organize your work space–anything. Then get back to what’s important and remember that eventually, your rough patch will become a thing of the past. As Winston Churchill once said, “if you’re going through hell, keep going.” Pardon my language!
What has been your most inspired moment?
My first attempt at boudoir took place the day before a loved one’s wedding. I was on location with my bride in Europe–in a gorgeous open field–during golden hour. Simply put, it was amazing. The best part though, was that I discovered I loved making women feel confident, beautiful, and empowered through what I do—and I knew from then on that I wanted to recreate that experience as much as possible.
Huge thank you to Valerie for being part of this little series. I’m so excited for two upcoming collaborations that Bespoke Boston Weddings has with VS Photography all leading up to our first ever Bridal Pop Up Event on June 25th! Definitely will be sharing all the photos and details as they come out!!
Valerie has the most calm and nurturing personality out there – definitely a bonus for anyone shooting with her. Have you ever thought of taking boudoir photos? What’s the style of photo you’d lean towards?
All images credited to Valerie Sarron @ VS Photography. Connect with Valerie on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.
Her photos are gorgeous! Love that studio space! I feel like I would love and hate every day being different but it's so cool to get to be so creative every day! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Those pictures are so so beautiful 😉
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: PLAID SHIRT + MAYAN LUXURY
Gorgeous pictures! That studio looks awesome, too. Just by how she answered the questions, you can definitely feel the calming/soothing that you mentioned!
What beautiful pictured! She sounds like an amazing and inspiring woman. Thanks for the intro!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
i love this interview!! i'd love to also get married in france–what!!! she's very talented!
Very inspiring and great interview!! What a talented lady indeed!! have a great Friday eve day, lol
Her photos are really beautiful!
These pictures are amazing. So very classy! I had thought about doing boudoir pictures for Brian before we got married, but at the time, there weren't any photographers doing them in our area.
Wow her work is incredibly. She has a beautiful eye for photography. I love that quote, definitely one that needs to be put up in my office!
She has stunning photography!! She is so talented. And I absolutely love that quote too.
Evelina @ Fortunate House
Such beautiful photos! I love that quote- a great motivator!
Wonderful images. I love stories of women who followed their passion.
I have missed this series of yours! Glad you're bringing it back. This photographer and her images are stunning! She seems pretty fantastic! 🙂
Love that this series is back! Loved getting to know her too! Her photos are stunning!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
what a great interview! glad you brought it back. that quote so rings true and is something to remind myself of too. and fear is terrible but def holds a lot of people back. thanks for sharing valerie's story!
xoxo cheshire kat
Great series! Loved reading this interview! Best of luck to Valerie.
xo, Traci
waltzmetoheaven.com
Love this series, what awesome photos! Thanks for sharing and good luck to Valerie!
Laura | Laura Aime Vous
These are the best boudoir photos that I have ever seen. Seriously!! They are so classy and beautiful. You can tell that she has the ability to make people feel comfortable and good about themselves too which I think is wonderful. Thank you for sharing and I hope that you have a great day! 🙂
Loved this post and love learning about amazing and inspiring women! Her pictures are incredible wow!
These photos are beyond stunning! Valerie is such an inspiration! I'm so impressed that she took her passion and turned it into a full time job!
Love this – hearing other photographer's stories always inspires me.
She's so right – fear has a way of putting brakes on dreams. Its about overcoming.
That really is the best part of photography – making someone feel beautiful.
Oooh so pretty!!! Love this!
What a fun series, Biana! And such a great interview. Her photography is gorgeous and I love her space. That marble table is amazing!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Love this!! And her picture are amazing!!
xx,
La Joie de Vire
Beautiful photos! I did a boudoir shoot before for a friend's portfolio- it was fun. I'd definitely like to do another.
This was such a great interview to read, Biana! I admire Valerie's tenacity and drive, she's so right in that when we'er going through a moment of challenges, to keep pressing on. It's really then that we see what we're made of and how much that dream really means to us, if it's really worth fighting for. Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you have the absolute best day ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
thestylecontour.com
Her studio looks gorgeous! And her work is amazing! I love the advice she would give her younger self…I need to let go of fear and what if's and just have faith! Love this, Biana!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
I love this and really needed to read it! I've been in a little slump in my professional life, and am looking to make changes but fear often gets in the way. Her words are very inspiring! Can't wait to see your collaborations!
xo, Kristina
Her pictures are stunning! And soooo much yes to the Steve Martin quote <3
Green Fashionista
I've met Valerie and she's so sweet! These photos are STUNNING!!
Kisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
Valerie's studio… seriously a dream. Wish my house looked like that! I can't wait to hear about the pop-up event!! Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture
Loved reading this post! Valerie's photography is absolutely amazing!
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
What gorgeous photos! Definitely out of my comfort zone, but love that she brings out women's confidence!
beautiful work!!! And an entrepreneurial spirit is a good thing to blame on your mom!
Inspired interview. Gorgeous photos!
So glad this series is back, I always enjoy meeting these women that you introduce us to! Valerie seems awesome, and her photography is gorgeous.
Such an inspiration – I love that quote – and I totally agree – fear can stop us from pursuing what we want. Thanks for sharing this interview.
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
Gorgeous!! I have always loved the boudoir shots and want to do one some day.
I love, love love this! Such an inspiring post. My side business has taken a backseat to my full time job and my other at-home full time job (aka mama) and it's been so hard to get back into it, but at the same time sad to see it slip through the cracks. This definitely makes me want to get back into it! Thanks for this girl!
This was such a great motivational interview. Thanks for sharing. xx
Nina
ninasstyleblog.com
She takes such gorgeous photos! What a great interview!
xo,
Britt
bybrittanilauren.com
These photos are gorgeous! Great interview!
I love her advice for other entrepreneurs – just keep going. Keep showing up. I think that's one of the big reasons I've been able to build a successful blog – I'm insanely consistent. I love reading her insights and love this series! Keep it up, girl
I'm so glad you brought this back– these posts are always so inspirational (obviously, haha), but it's so good to read about someone living their dream! Her photos are amazing!
Great feature- Valerie is so talented! And I LOVE that Steve Martin quote. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Such beautiful pictures and inspirational advice from this talented photographer!!
Erica
pumpsandpushups.com
I love this interview! Her pictures and studio are gorgeous! -xx Leah || Chasing Texas
This is such a fun series and such a great post! What fabulous photos!
What a beautiful and inspiring interview! Valerie is so talented!! catchatwithcarenandcody
what a great post! she takes seriously beautiful pictures!
xo, claudia
lifesrichpaegant.com
Awe, love this. So happy she followed her passion! The photos are beautiful and I love her studio space. It definitely conveys that welcoming and inviting feel. I love how bright and natural all the light is also.
I love this series Biana! I really enjoy reading about women who created their own businesses and how they got their start. So inspiring! Valerie's photos are beautiful!
Taffeta & Tulips
yay, so glad you brought this series back and what a wonderful one to bring it back with! her photos are gorgeous and she is super inspiring. and of course, love that quote!
What an inspiration to women! Valerie definitely has some great talent! Those photos are all beautiful!
Wow these are such gorgeous photographs! One of my friends is a photographer and so I always love seeing other peoples' works!
thecourtneydiaries.com
Maximum inspiration and great photos.