We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sydney St. Fleur a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sydney, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
An American author, Robert Greene, wrote in his book Mastery that each person possesses an inner force guiding them toward their life’s task. This inner force often reveals itself in childhood. In my early years, that force continuously led me to filmmaking, as well as writing and modeling. I didn’t have the resources I do now, but that didn’t matter — the magic still manifested.
I would create films using an old laptop that couldn’t connect to the internet but had a functioning webcam. With the free Windows Movie Maker application, I pieced together stories I wanted to share. I never needed a tutorial; I instinctively taught myself the foundations of editing and storytelling.
As I grew older, the conversation of college and adulthood arose, becoming the central focus of my life. I often debated what path I should take. I considered practicing law, but it didn’t align with anything I truly enjoyed. Then one day, my mom suggested I make a film like The Blair Witch Project. Without hesitation, I replied, “I could do better.”
That was the moment my purpose was rediscovered. I had always known it, but until that point, it hadn’t been fully confirmed.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Sydney Nicole St. Fleur. I am a second-generation Caribbean-American with Jamaican, Cuban, and Haitian heritage. I was born in Austell, Georgia, and have lived in various cities across the state my entire life. I have an immense love for both cinematography and films in general. Some of my favorite films include The Birds (1963), The Strangers (2008), The Stepford Wives (1975), Hereditary (2018), and Us (2019).
In addition to working behind the camera, I also model, representing the Print, Fashion, and Commercial divisions within my agency, Forward.
At 16, I started my one-woman business, Social Bijou, where I assist individuals, organizations, and businesses in capturing their special moments — from birthday parties to corporate events. It’s exciting to bring my clients’ visions to life, and I often exceed their expectations by understanding their goals and enhancing them with my creativity. What I do feels natural to me; it’s a gift, and that’s what makes it special.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that stand out as being the most impactful: resilience, self-sufficiency, and creativity.
My resilience is ultimately what allowed for me to become as successful as I am today. The more resilience that I possess, the more accomplishments that I obtain. There were many times when I didn’t have access to the best resources, but I pushed through and made the most of what I had. That same persistence has carried me through every obstacle. Setbacks aren’t concrete, never-ending vertical walls—they’re lessons meant for us to overcome so we can become better. Don’t be discouraged.
Self-sufficiency also played a huge role. When I first got into filmmaking, I didn’t have formal training or access to the best tools. I was in elementary school teaching myself how to edit and tell stories using whatever I had at the time. For those early in their journey, I’d suggest embracing that same sense of curiosity. Teach yourself what you can, take advantage of free tools, and experiment without waiting for perfect conditions. Learning on your own builds confidence and makes you resourceful.
Lastly, creativity has been at the heart of everything I do asides from passion. My advice to anyone wanting to improve this skill is to stay open to new ideas and push your boundaries. Don’t be afraid to take risks or bring your unique perspective to the table—that’s what makes your work special. A box only keeps you contained.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed with managing clients, I have a few strategies that help me regain my balance. One of the first things I do is take a step back to recharge. I tend to work tirelessly to ensure everything is perfect and delivered on time, but that consistency can sometimes become challenging. So, taking a break becomes crucial. It gives me the space to clear my mind and return with a refreshed perspective. I also focus on organizing and prioritizing my tasks. By breaking down the workload into manageable steps, I can tackle one thing at a time, which makes the overall task seem less daunting. It helps me stay focused and efficient. Finally, I emphasize self-care. Making time for activities that I enjoy and ensuring I take moments to relax are essential for maintaining my well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://socialbijou.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialbijou/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneystfleur/
Image Credits
Image 1 – Destiny Davis Image 2 – Sydney St. Fleur (Social Bijou) Image 3 – Sydney St. Fleur (Social Bijou) Image 4 – Sydney St. Fleur (Social Bijou) Image 5 – Sydney St. Fleur (Social Bijou) Image 6 – Sydney St. Fleur (Social Bijou)
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