Daily Inspiration: Meet Brianna Kilgore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Kilgore. 

Hi Brianna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well, I started blogging in 2016. I quickly gained a love for passionately creating and being transparent. My blogs were about inspiring others to be their best self. Whether that be me sharing my own trial and error, styling an outfit, traveling, etc. 

I realized by 2018, a lot of social media culture changed and I became burnt out trying to keep up! I was spending so much money on photos and clothes, that I created a debt financially. I wasn’t earning any money whatsoever as a blogger. Any and all collabs were FREE or in exchange of goods or services. I grew anxious about what I posted and when I posted because I felt like if I didn’t get enough engagement, I was a failure. Or if I didn’t collaborate with brands and have tens of thousands of followers that my work wasn’t as legit. I also compared myself and definition of success to many of my peers, which became a vicious cycle of letdown as my goals and outcomes aren’t supposed to be the same as anyone else’s! 

Thankfully I overcame that by posting anyway and taking breaks when I felt they were needed. Fast forward to 2019, my creative journey truly shifted. I was earning money but in the least expected way – photography! My mom purchased my first professional camera when I visited Europe the summer of 2016. From there, I purchased another camera for blogs, that I accidentally damaged and then bought another camera in early 2019. My old faithful Canon that I still use today! I used this camera for my own content but I also had a deep desire to capture others in their best light. 

Before heading on a cruise with one of my best friends, Tatyana, the flight was delayed. My mom and brother drove me all the way to Detroit and had to drive me all the way back and wake up and do it all again. However, before we headed back, I asked them could we stop at Best Buy, where I went on to purchase a lens attachment for my Canon that changed everything. While on the vacation, I took photos of my friend and the beach. Later that year in September, my brother needed headshots for his passions, so one day we hopped in my car and headed to downtown Grand Rapids and took some photos. We both were in awe of how amazing they turned out. From there, I started offering $20-25 headshots and photos. I’ve never stopped and it has become a major part of my life! The last time I counted my Photoshoots, it was well over 100 I’ve done and been paid for. 

I also still don’t shy away from sharing my life and truth authentically and transparently in my free time. I recently launched a community called Sundaye & Co. (can be found on Instagram and Facebook) all about creating a lifestyle of peace, that you don’t have to hide or run from. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I mentioned briefly, I’ve experienced a lot of burnout as a creative. The journey hasn’t been easy at all! I’ve wanted to quit many times. I’ve started over so much. A big struggle for me was wanting to appear a certain way and comparing myself to others – strongly wouldn’t recommended this! Your journey is uniquely yours. Following someone else’s footsteps will not work. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So, I started as a blogger, pretty well known for my blog Justbriyourself.com (currently not up and running sorry), where I shared my life via stories, style, travel, and product review, etc. I would say I know I still specialize in transparency, I just have a camera in my hand a lot now as I am a photographer. I would say I’m most proud of my resilience – that is what sets me apart. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I would say my favorite childhood memory is being allowed to express myself. Growing up I wanted to be a meteorologist/storm chaser and a fashion designer. My family was extremely supportive with these dreams and still mentions it today! 

Pricing:

• $100 for Classic Headshots.
• $150 for a Lifestyle Shoot – one full hour.
• $185 for a Lifestyle Shoot – one and a half hours.
• Small/Intimate Events and Weddings start at $100 an hour.
• $125 for Lifestyle Package #1
• $150 Lifestyle Package #2
• $250 Social Media Refresh

Contact Info:

• Email: createdwithbri@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.createdwithbriphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdwithbriphotography?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzElk8FeN0l1XWIGDoR_wjA

Image Credits
Created With Bri Photography.