We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Hurst and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Monica, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Like many others, I started my gig as a side business. With growth, I found that balancing my work and life was becoming increasingly difficult, especially with a family! So, I began to pour myself more into my side business to make it my full time job. With this, I’m able to more easily set my own hours, work around my kids busy schedules, and still have time for a nightly family meal. Being busy isn’t always a good thing. It creates burnout very quickly so finding that balance is important. It’s different for everyone, but for me, remembering that God and family come before work will surely keep me in line.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There is no one to tell me to get up and work or to go make money. To own a business, you must be self-motivated, be considerate of other people’s time, and keep that drive day in and day out, even when you don’t feel like it. People depend on you. My business captures memories. I take that very seriously. Whether it’s a wedding or the stories and pictures of someone’s grandmother, they’re memories. Other businesses depend on mine, as well. Marketing and web design, professional photos and videos for a business site, and how it’s presented is just as important to me as it is for the client who is trusting me. So, I want my clients to know that my goal is to create a final product that they are proud of, that represents their brand in a positive light, and that we work together throughout the entire process.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places to see in our area. My business is near Bryan-College Station and Texas A&M campus is one amazing location in itself. The parks, the football field, and all of the history is amazing. Just across the street, you will find The Dixie Chicken to hang out and have a drink and some food. After your stroll through North Gate, you could head over to Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater and possibly catch some live music. Head back to Grimes County and do some shopping at our local vendors in Iola. There’s Steffie G’s Farmhouse Furniture, The Rockin’ Chair, some high-end custom furniture made by world-class designer Carly Melancon with Desert Canary Design, stay at The Cactus Silos in Bedias, and get some family photos at Kristi Bracewell Photography. Don’t forget to add in a motion film session, too!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life that deserve more credit than words could ever describe. Of course, my husband deserves a ton. He has jumped on this bandwagon with me, handed me the reins, and trusted that what we are doing as a family will be the best. My kids deserve some credit, too! They get pulled around to some of my shoots and rather than complain, they help. And one of my biggest supporters is my sister. She owns a very successful photography business, Kristi Bracewell Photography, and she keeps steering me in the right business direction, sends me clients, and constructively mentors me every step of the way.
Website: monicahurstvideography.com
Instagram: instagram.com/monicahurstvideography
Twitter: @monicahurstprod
Facebook: facebook.com/monicahurstvideography
Other: https://monicahurstvideography.shootproof.com/gallery/19983416
Image Credits
Headshot by Kristi Bracewell Photography Portfolio stills by Monica Hurst Videography & Photography