Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Mendoza.
Hi Britney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I embarked on my photography journey in Austin, Texas, in 2021. Prior to that, I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree while working part-time at Whole Foods Flagship. This job ignited my passion for food and everything related to it. Austin’s vibrant food scene provided me with ample opportunities to expand my knowledge and appreciation for culinary arts.
Driven by my love for food and social media, I decided to reach out to the Editor of Austin Food Magazine. To my delight, I secured an internship with them. During my time there, I attended special events, seasonal menu tastings, wrote a few articles, and even interviewed renowned chefs. Food was my true passion, so I decided to pursue a culinary career as well. I worked at two different restaurants, honing my cooking skills.
After a year, I sought to further enhance my expertise and landed a job at Facebook’s downtown kitchen. It was an incredible experience, as I had the opportunity to create weekly specials, experiment with menu items, and cook from scratch whenever possible, given our budget constraints. Collaborating with talented individuals and learning new skills and techniques was an enriching experience.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to the shutdown of businesses. Despite this setback, I was fortunate to receive continued compensation. This period allowed me to explore other passions, including photography. It was during this time that I made the decision to pursue photography full-time. I quit my job at Facebook and dedicated myself to learning everything I could about the field.
I began by researching local photographers and videographers on social media platforms, observing their work and techniques. I reached out to one photographer whose work I truly admired and boldly asked if I could join them during a session or event. They were incredibly welcoming and allowed me to tag along. I engaged in numerous conversations with them, asking questions about their equipment, food photography settings, and other aspects of the industry. Their expertise and insights were invaluable, and they generously shared their knowledge with me.
As I gained more experience, I started reaching out to friends and family, informing them that I was now a professional photographer and videographer. I offered my services for any photography or video projects they may have. I began receiving clients through my mother, a local Realtor in Austin. She initially hired me to capture real estate photography and create walkthrough videos. Blanca Monarrez played a pivotal role in my success, helping me secure bookings. Many of her clients have businesses that she introduced to me, recognizing my potential to assist them. This led to a surge in my business, and I expanded my services beyond photography and video to include website design, social media marketing, and management. Driven by my passion, I’ve been able to book clients across the country, taking me to places I never imagined possible. This journey has not only broadened my horizons but has also enhanced my business acumen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. Every great achievement comes with its fair share of struggles and hardships. One significant challenge for me was leaving a secure and stable job. Initially, I had to juggle bills and rent by working with Lyft to supplement my income until I could transition to a full-time role, which took approximately three years. In this industry, success hinges on your skills, pricing strategy, and the network you have. Fortunately, I have a vast network of contacts, and I’m adept at networking, which has been instrumental in my success. Now, I have clients on retainer for social media management, work remotely with companies, and schedule shoots and events across the United States. While it’s not always easy, as I constantly need to work on projects and reach out to clients, the ultimate satisfaction lies in being my own boss and business owner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business revolves around storytelling, connection, and intention. Through B. Originals, I provide photography, videography, and social media management services to brands and individuals who desire their stories to be authentically told, not staged, forced, or generic.
At the heart of my work lies visual storytelling. I collaborate with small businesses, restaurants, creatives, families, and couples to capture genuine moments and create content that feels natural and meaningful while maintaining strategic and purposeful intent. Whether I’m behind the camera or managing social media, my ultimate goal is to create visuals that resonate with people and authentically reflect my clients’ identities.
What truly distinguishes my business is my approach to work as a partner rather than merely a creator. I invest time in comprehending a brand’s voice, objectives, and target audience, subsequently developing visuals and content strategies that harmonize with the overarching vision. My diverse background encompasses photography, video production, social media management, and entrepreneurship, enabling me to provide a comprehensive and contemporary approach rather than offering isolated services.
In terms of brand development, I take immense pride in the trust I’ve cultivated. Many of my clients return, refer others, or grow alongside me, and this achievement holds great significance for me. Additionally, I am incredibly proud of the emotional impact my work has had. Some of the most fulfilling moments in my career have been witnessing people’s reactions to images or videos and realizing that a beautiful moment was captured that they were unaware of.
I want readers to understand that B. Originals goes beyond merely creating content. It’s about empowering individuals to feel seen, enabling businesses to exude confidence, and crafting work that carries intentionality. Whether I’m documenting a once-in-a-lifetime moment or assisting a brand in enhancing its online presence, I am deeply invested in the people and stories that lie behind the visuals.
Every creation I undertake is rooted in the belief that powerful storytelling has the transformative power to alter how individuals perceive themselves and their work. This belief continues to inspire me daily.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the quality of the results. I believe meaningful work should have purpose, not just volume. Whether I’m creating visuals or managing content, I focus on delivering work that truly reflects my clients, helps them grow, and makes them feel confident in what they’re putting out.
There’s always a balance between meeting deadlines and maintaining quality, but I’ve always been a quality-over-quantity business owner. Quality matters because my work represents both my brand and the people who trust me with their stories. Impact, connection, and intention will always matter more to me than rushing or producing content just to keep up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.b0riginals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b_originals_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britney-mendoza/
Image Credits
Britney Mendoza
