Rachel Brenke is an author, photographer, lawyer, and business consultant for photographers and bloggers. She currently helps creative industry and blogging professionals all over the world initiate, strategize, and implement strategic business and marketing plans through various mediums of consulting resources and legal direction.
Interview Q & A
1. Do you stay at home, work at home, or work-outside the home?
I manage several businesses of my own. Some of that is done in my home, but some of it requires I go to our studio.
2. How many kids do you have?
Five: Three boys and two girls.
3. What’s your go-to dinner during the week? Do you care to share a recipe?
Grilled chicken and veggies – super easy and don’t have to think about it. If it’s not chicken we do steak. In the winter and busy season I’m a big fan of crock pot recipes, but my husband gets a bit tired of those.
4. What are your best tips for staying sane?
Schedule everything! I use lists with deadlines. I also have calendars that are color-coded by operations, personal etc.
5. What are your favorite tools for time/household management?
This is the same answer as #4. I schedule everything and take breaks when needed. I’m big on prioritizing what I need to do and I outsource what I can’t physically find time to do. When it comes to outsourcing, I really like the app, Slack, for keeping all of my communications in one place.
6. Do you have pets? If so, what kind?
I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix named Archer.
7. What are your hobbies?
I love traveling, and I’m a pretty avid runner as well.
8. What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to: visit Australia, run a marathon, and finally have a formal wedding (we eloped to the courthouse).
9. If you work, what do you do? How did you decide?
I have several businesses: TheLawTog, Blog Legally, and SnapSpace Studios. The first two businesses use my legal expertise along with my experience as a photographer and blogger to provide customizable contract templates specifically for photographers and bloggers. SnapSpace is a studio that photographers can rent for their photo shoots.
I decided to start these businesses while my husband was in the military. I had a law degree, but couldn’t always practice where we were, and in those times I was offering my photography services. In the end, I decided to combine everything to create my businesses.
10. If you work, what’s the most rewarding part about it?
Knowing that my financial returns and flexible schedule are a direct result of my actions.
11. If you could choose any career, what would it be?
I’m actually doing pretty close to what I want, but I would love to volunteer more in the court system with child abuse victims.
12. If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?
Pick your battles – especially in business. If something is too hard, too mysterious, or just takes more time than you have, then get help!
