“Some folks simply do their job
Others like to shine
Like the ones who bring us joy
One smile at a time.”
— ©2023 Johnny Rooster
As a photographer, I’ve always admired those who have that interest. As an entrepreneur, I’ve always admired those who can combine creativity with a business idea. And as a human being, I deeply admire the giving nature of creative entrepreneurs like Tiera Thompson of Bruner Lane Photography.
Here is a picture I took of her making memories at the Sparta Persimmon Days Festival last weekend, one smile (or more) at a time! Click here for an article about the festival.
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TIERA THOMPSON of Bruner Lane Photography, left, celebrated her first anniversary in business by offering free photos during Sparta Persimmon Days Festival Oct 20-21. CCT Photo/Johnny Rooster
That’s what caught my attention. A notice on a Sparta Facebook page that a 29-year-old photographer was offering her services for free at the Sparta Persimmon Days Festival. There’s nothing wrong with being a vendor and making a buck, but something was incredibly endearing about the young lady’s kind generosity.
I had to know more.
I sought her out at the festival, with Mrs. Rooster at my side.
“When my daughter was born (in January 2022) I started taking a lot of pictures of her,” Tiera gushed. By October, her passion for making family memories blossomed into a new business, Bruner Lane Photography.
“So you live in Bruner?” I guessed, after hearing the name.
“That’s right, Sherlock Holmes!” Tiera laughed. (Ok, I added the Sherlock Holmes part!)
What other clues did the sleuth like investigative reporter in me discover?
*Tiera is a paralegal during the week
*Her goal is to become a full-time photographer
*Jess Hodges of Hodges Insurance is a family friend
*Hodges Insurance 1957 powder blue Ford pickup now has a CHEVY engine (Ford’s are too cold blooded as my grandpa used to say)
“I’m from this community, and I just wanted to give back. It’s easier to promote your business when you’re on the ground,” Tiera smiled.
“I want people to have a good picture who can’t always afford it.”
Bruner Lane Photography travels within a hundred-mile radius.
“I’ve done Persimmon Days, Santa Toy Drive in Nixa, weddings, birthdays, family sessions, etc.”
“As an aspiring event entertainer, maybe we can find ideas together,” I mused.
The powder blue pickup, with hay bales, pumpkins, gourds, and flowers Tiera had set up for her photo area at the festival has a surprise. “Someone left some persimmons on my display,” she beamed.
If I were Sherlock Holmes, I’d be inclined to say I know who did it. Stay tuned for that story!
For those who got a free photo at the festival
417-689-0949 Bruner Lane Photography
Click here for a link to her Facebook Page. Photos from the festival will be e-mailed soon.