Profile of a Business Owner: Bri JoRaé
Alongside her husband Entyse, 16 year veteran photographer, BriJoRae' Pusch-Zuniga is the owner of BriJoRae' Productions. They are a traveling photo and video production company, specializing in personal branding and bridal productions. After discovering the importance of solidifying a personal brand that focuses on who you are rather than just what you do for a living, Bri began focusing her efforts on helping entrepreneurs learn to grow meaningful personal branding campaigns.
TK: What inspired you to start your business?
Bri: God! Truly, for many years, it wasn't really my desire to start my own business. Being transparent, I think it had a lot to do with a fear of failure or a fear of not having anyone else to depend on for my successes. But when I met my then boyfriend (not husband), that all changed. Much of who I was deep down was suppressed until I met this man who never took no for an answer and is always pressing the envelope. We joined church together and when God started peeling different layers of my fears and frustrations off of me, I just felt the need to be completely free! I wasn't understood in the places where someone else's vision was the forefront, so once I realized it was because God had given me my own, I asked my husband what he thought and with zero hesitation, he said, "Do it!"
TK: What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
Bri: I would definitely say starting my own business! I left a sure income cold-turkey with no money saved and just started from the ground up. I couldn't have done that without my husband and our family to help us in a pinch. Craziest part about it, is once I started making my own money, it only took me about 3-4 months to get to the point of making the exact amount I was making at my old job! And from there, it's only become more and more successful! God is the only provision you need! When He says jump, JUMP!
TK: Who is your role model and why?
Bri: I've had quite a few role models in life, and just like most girls, that started with my mama. But to choose someone at this particular season In my life, I would probably have to say my big sister, Romae. She is a mother of five, an entrepreneur at heart and is one of the most ferociously faithful people I've ever known. She's had many struggles in life and even before she knew why, she was determined to persevere. Quitting has just never been in her and so I've always felt safety in that. You'd be surprised just how many people almost give up everyday but on her toughest days, she doesn't quit. She never gives up because she knows God will never give up on her.
TK: What advice would you give someone wanting to move-up?
Bri: The same given to me! DO IT! Don't hesitate! If there's something in your spirit telling you to reclaim your life, that truly means you have nothing more important to do- not for your kids, not for your family... because to be the best version of yourself IS what's best for all of you! It can definitely be difficult at times, but look to the people in your life who know what you're going through and remember you're not alone. Pick up the phone, call them and take that moment to encourage yourself and receive the encouragement they have to give you. It's easy to tell yourself you can't do something- don't choose the easy path! Fight for your freedom, everyday! You are worth it!
TK: How do you recharge?
Bri: I get away and pray! I LOVE nature! There's nothing more purely beautiful to me than the earth! Whether it's merely a car ride in the country or a hike through the forest... it's such a peaceful place to just see God! In the way the trees stretch up towards the sky, swaying back and forth... in the way the birds sing their songs! Sometimes I find myself whistling back at them and they chirp right along like we're all friends! I'm a mountain baby by Colorado birth so it's just in me to get out there and let my soul glow!
