We recently had the chance to connect with Bri Burns and have shared our conversation below.
Bri, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Writing. I started writing little parts of dialogue or short stories when they would pop into my head. Just like little notes here and there, but now the more I jot down the longer I write and get lost in these little worlds. It’s been super fun to create something outside of photography, and I’m excited to see where the stories take me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Bri Burns and I’m a Makeup Artist and Photographer located in Richmond, Virginia. I started my makeup career thirteen years ago at a Sephora in our local mall. It’s one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had. Getting to learn something new every day, and helping people feel beautiful or confident is such a gift. It makes sense that learning about artistry and gaining the skill sets I developed there lead me to photography, which I started doing almost five years ago.
I think something that feels special about my sessions with clients and collaborators is the connection we build. I often work with people who have never had their photo taken and it’s my job (and privilege) to provide them with a space that allows them to open up and show their authentic self, so that I can capture beautiful moments that I hope they will treasure for years to come.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I love this question specifically because it conjures up a memory of me and my dad. He’s a very funny man. The type of funny that comes naturally, like he was born that way. I remember being little, maybe like eight or nine, and talking with him and making him laugh for the first time. Not a “Haha, my kid is so cute!” laugh, but a real full body laugh. He almost looked surprised like I had just unlocked my own sense of humor. It made me unbelievably happy and I spent like an hour just going back and forth with him until we were both in tears. Making people laugh has always been something that makes me feel more confident, and powerful. Kind of like magic. It’s one of my favorite things.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Oh gosh. We’re about to get deep. I’d tell her it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to feel different or misunderstood and feeling all of those feelings doesn’t make you any less worthy or lovable. That being scared and doing it anyway, which she had to do so many times, actually means she’s very brave. She should be proud of herself. I’m proud of her.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That perfection is the goal. Which is not only unrealistic but nearly impossible to achieve. Everyone’s idea of perfect is different, and there aren’t rules when it comes to art. One of the best things about it is it’s subjective. Be messy. Try something different. Mix it up! Perfection lies within the imperfect choices that lead you to your final outcome.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Okay so praise is complicated for me because while I love it, it also makes me very uncomfortable. So I’m gonna say yes, but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss it occasionally. Who doesn’t love being told they did good job?! Especially when you’re proud of your work. It can be nice to be celebrated, but I think it’s more important to do what makes you happy so you don’t have to rely on other people’s validation.
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