09/11/2026
Owning a small business in a small town isn’t that bad.
Actually, it might be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
I’m from Lancaster, PA. I came back home and started my photography business 18 years ago. At the time, I don’t think I fully understood the value of building a business in the same community that helped shape me.
Now I do.
I work within a pretty tight group of people and businesses. Many of my clients have become friends. I photograph them for work, then run into them at Central Market, community events, coffee shops, or just walking around town.
I get to watch their businesses grow.
They get to watch mine grow.
There’s something special about knowing that the work you do isn’t just generating income—it’s adding something to the place you call home.
I can actually see the impact of my work. I can see my photographs on local websites, billboards, publications, storefronts and social media. I can see the businesses I’ve worked with hiring people, expanding and becoming part of the fabric of our community.
That sense of connection is hard to put a price on.
So if you grew up in a small town and always thought success meant you had to leave, maybe think about coming home.
You don't have to own the whole market.
**Own your zip code.**
Become the person people think of when they need what you do. Build relationships. Support other local businesses. Show up. Do good work. Stay long enough to see the results.
Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn’t somewhere else.
Sometimes it’s right back home.
📸 bri
