“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.
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.