Meet Serah Prince | Founder and Lead Creator at Magnolia Fire Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Serah Prince and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Serah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Sometimes, things “JUST HAPPEN!”. Serah Prince, founder of Magnolia Fire Photography, didn’t initially sit down with a detailed business plan with an executive summary, market analysis, operations plan, and financial forecasts—though she later developed one. Instead, her business began with a heart for people, especially the little people in her home.

“It was important to my husband and me to be home with the kids,” Serah shares. “What started as a way to help pay the mortgage has evolved into something much larger—with its own studio and all the overhead and wonderful things that go with it. I had to backtrack a bit and really plan things out, but starting a business wasn’t a calculated assignment at first. I believe people change, situations change, and things need to evolve along with you. Coming from a corporate background, I pivoted—and Magnolia Fire Photography was born.”

Serah has had a diverse professional journey. She holds a degree in Speech Pathology and has worked in roles ranging from Teaching to Human Resources Director. She has held positions in a variety of fields Public and Private Schools to a technology company, a glass manufacturing factory, a diesel company and an Indian Tribe and Casino, among others.

“One of my favorite groups to photograph are graduating seniors,” Serah shares. “I often tell them they’ll feel pressured to pick a career and stick with it for the rest of their life, but in reality, they don’t have to know exactly what they want to do when they grow up. They need to find a path that looks interesting and start walking. If along the way they choose to turn, that’s entirely up to them—just keep walking.”

Her career path reflects a larger trend: studies suggest the average person holds 12 to 15 different jobs across multiple fields in their lifetime. For Serah, that variety shaped her perspective and prepared her for entrepreneurship by giving her a mix of skills, quirky stories, and a Rolodex of contacts she never expected to need. From marketing to operations to finance, each role taught her something different—and sometimes a little hilarious—about work, people, and life. This mix gave her the adaptability and confidence to tackle the complex, unpredictable journey of running her own business.

“Honestly, without all the experiences I’ve had—whether working with children with special needs, managing HR situations that could make your head spin, surviving the daily chaos of my own kids testing my patience, or even figuring out how to hire a buffalo herder and a CEO in the same day—I wouldn’t have the skills to do what I do now with excellence,” Serah shares with a laugh. “Every person you meet, every problem you solve, every messy experience you survive (yes, even the literal messes) shapes you into the person you’ll become tomorrow. Trust me, the experiences make for a fun stories at parties!”

Serah wanted to create more than just a business—she wanted to leave a legacy. A legacy that shows hard work pays off, that difficult things are worth pursuing, and that family is everything. She believes investing in yourself, your family, and your community is essential.

“I created Magnolia Fire Photography to give people something different than what’s typically available,” Serah shares. “I wanted families to have heirloom-quality artwork—beautifully printed and actually hung on their walls. My goal is to make pieces of family history that kids will fight over one day and want to display in their own homes.”

“Starting Magnolia Fire Photography allowed me the flexibility to be present for my family while still using my gifts creatively and financially. At first, my goal was simple, but what began as a small venture quickly grew into something much larger, and I had to learn how to run my own business, which is very different from managing someone else’s,” she explains.

Through building her business, Serah discovered her true purpose: creating heirloom-quality portraits that celebrate connection, legacy, and the fleeting beauty of family life.

“My goal is to serve families with the same care I give my own—providing a full-service experience that eliminates stress and produces timeless artwork that becomes part of their home and story. Faith has guided every step, reminding me that the families I photograph are reflections of God’s love and creativity,” she says.

While entrepreneurship can sometimes feel isolating, Serah has found encouragement and inspiration through creative communities:

“Surrounding myself with other creative professionals and women in business, especially through communities like MillHouse, gives me the collaboration, support, and inspiration I need to keep growing and giving back.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Founded by Certified Professional Photographer Serah Prince, Magnolia Fire Photography is known for creating heirloom-quality portraits that capture connection, emotion, and legacy. Based in McKinney, Texas, Serah specializes in full-service portrait experiences for families, seniors, and professionals who value authenticity and artistry. What sets Magnolia Fire apart has everything to do with their commitment to providing clients with more than digital files that sit lost on your hard-drive—it’s about delivering timeless, tangible artwork designed to be displayed proudly in their homes for generations.

Serah often says she didn’t create Magnolia Fire to blend in—she created it to stand out.

“I wanted people to have something different than what’s typically available,” she shares. “I wanted families to have artwork they could hang on their walls—pieces that tell their story and one day become part of their family history. The kind of portraits your kids will ‘call dibs on’ when they grow up.”

What truly sets Serah apart is her dedication to mastering the technical side of photography. In today’s world, nearly everyone has a smartphone that takes “pretty decent” photos, so technically, we’re all photographers. However, what makes a portrait photographer exceptional is understanding why light works the way it does, having an eye for composition, and paying meticulous attention to detail.

“I’m not just a mom with a camera who will meet you in a field at golden hour,” Serah explains. “I work closely with my clients to carefully design each portrait session so it fulfills their vision and creates a perfect piece of art.”

Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) credential—a test so rigorous, it made her wonder if she should have chosen a different career. Photography involves far more math than most people realize: fractions, ratios, distances, and lighting calculations all play a role in creating images that truly capture the heart.

“If I had known photography involved this much math, I might have chosen a different career! There’s so much that the average photographer doesn’t even think about. When you see an image that truly captures your heart, know that it’s not just showing up in a similar location and posing the same way. There are countless technical details behind the scenes that make a photo truly extraordinary.”,” she says.

Getting to where Magnolia Fire Photography is today wasn’t easy, but it’s a story built on faith, persistence, continued education, and purpose. Serah began the business from her dining room table with a vision, and a deep desire to balance motherhood with meaningful work. Over time, she learned that building a business is far more than taking beautiful photos—it’s about client experience, branding, relationships, resilience and MATH (taxes included!)

Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship brought challenges.

“In the corporate world, there’s already structure and systems in place. There are people to tell you what to do.,” Serah explains. “When you run your own business, you are the structure, you are the system.. You are the boss!”

She admits that learning to manage the creative side alongside the financial and operational demands took time, but each obstacle became a lesson in perseverance and growth. Today, Magnolia Fire Photography operates out of a beautiful studio at the historic Cotton Mill in McKinney—a space that perfectly embodies Serah’s philosophy: elegant, approachable, and deeply personal. The studio offers clients a complete, worry-free experience, including wardrobe planning, professional hair and makeup, and in-person design consultations to create artwork that complements their home and lifestyle.

What Serah is most proud of is how far her business has come without compromising its heart. Every portrait session reflects her belief that photography is more than pictures—it’s storytelling through light, laughter, and legacy. Serah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, but her faith and dedication have guided her every step.

“There have been seasons where I’ve questioned everything,” she says, “but every time I look back, I see God’s fingerprints all over this business.”

Through mentorship, continued education, and the support of creative communities, Serah has grown Magnolia Fire Photography into a brand built on trust, excellence, and heart.

If there’s one thing she wants the world to know about her story, it’s this:
Success isn’t about being the biggest name in town—it’s about serving people well, creating something meaningful, and leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Serah Prince believes in being a tourist in your own town, finding hidden gems, quirky spots, and unique experiences that make a visit unforgettable. If friends were visiting McKinney for a day, she would plan an itinerary full of adventure, good food, and local charm. She would sprinkle in small-town festivals, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and other off-the-beaten-path finds—because to her, the most memorable trips are the ones where you see your town in a new way and discover hidden stories around every corner.

The day would kick off with coffee at Duino Coffee, a cozy, locally-owned café perfect for starting the day with expertly brewed drinks and a warm, inviting atmosphere. After fueling up, she would lead a mini hike to discover the hidden waterfall in Limestone Quarry Park in Frisco. This small, intermittent waterfall cascades into the calm, moss-green waters of West Rowlett Creek. Accessible via a short dirt path behind a playground, it’s a tranquil spot where visitors can enjoy nature, explore the rocks, or let kids run and play. (Fun tip: after recent rains, the waterfall may be flowing beautifully!)

Next up-Lunch at Stix Icehouse in McKinney, where the food is delicious and the kids can enjoy a huge yard with trees to climb, tetherball, and even a baseball field. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, giving everyone a chance to recharge for the afternoon.

In the afternoon, Serah would guide her friends through Historic Downtown McKinney, a treasure trove of unique shopping, local boutiques, and public art. They could hunt for the city’s famous Tiny Doors, whimsical hidden pieces of art sprinkled throughout the downtown area. For a little intrigue and a unique cocktail experience, she would take them to the speakeasy hidden behind an old Coca-Cola machine at 111 Virginia Street, a legal speakeasy and cocktail bar tucked into downtown McKinney.

https://www.magnoliafirephotography.com/blog/mckinneytinydoors/
https://www.duinocoffee.com/
https://www.thestixicehouse.com/
https://roomoneeleven.com/

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 who have shaped my journey, but if I had to start with one, it would absolutely have to be my husband, Jason Prince. Yes—I’m one of the few people who actually got to marry a real-life Prince, even if my tiara is sometimes a little crooked. Jason is my biggest fan! He not only encourages me to chase my dreams, but he also supports me in the moments I doubt myself. There are a LOT of those moments, and he helps to to focus on the abilities he sees in me that I don’t always look at. He’s gifted in ways I absolutely am not—like technology! If I have a question about my website, my gear, or how to photograph a football on fire, he’s the guy I turn to. He pushes me to step outside my comfort zone and holds me accountable for the things I say I’m going to do. I couldn’t have built this business without him.

I also want to recognize the incredible women of MillHouse McKinney, a community of creatives and entrepreneurs who lift each other up every day. As an entrepreneur, there is not a lot of “water-cooler talk”. Being surrounded by passionate, like-minded women has helped me grow both professionally and personally, reminding me that collaboration will always outshine competition.

Another community that has deeply influenced me is The Girl Cave Social Club at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano. Founded by Krista Medlock, The Girl Cave is more than just a beautiful physical space—it’s a movement built on sisterhood, courage, and collaboration. Through events like masterminds, fashion shows, and the Women in Business Summit, it creates a platform for women to connect, share their talents, and grow together in both business and life.

And I can’t forget McKinney Babes in Business, a local chapter of the Global Women’s Empire (GWEB). This amazing group of women entrepreneurs and small business owners has built a space filled with encouragement, integrity, and genuine community. Through their networking events, local business support, and focus on empowering women, they’ve created an environment where collaboration truly thrives.

Finally, I owe so much to my clients—the families who trust me to capture their most precious moments. Their stories, laughter, and love inspire me daily and remind me why I do what I do.

“I feel incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way—my husband, my creative communities, and my clients. Their encouragement, trust, and collaboration are what allow me to do what I love every single day.”

Website: https://www.magnoliafirephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliafirephotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serah-prince-31031844/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaFirePhotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magnolia-fire-photography-mckinney?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/magnoliafirephotography/