Meet Tramaine Seay | Visual Storyteller & Apparel Brand Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tramaine Seay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tramaine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, initially it was a hobby turned career. I was in year 14 in a dead end position in public school education and knew I needed to make a move. The only thought was it had to work. What I didn’t know was how my life would change as a full time entrepreneur. The only plan I had was to not return to working for someone else. This was fall of 2016.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Photography by Tramaine Seay, we humanize professionals and help them appear more personable, approachable and trustworthy. Our goal is to present each client in this way because people do business or hire those they know, love and trust. We help create images that tell the stories of brands and companies. It took some time to arrive here, but it’s been well worth it. Lots of lessons and wins along the way.

One of the most difficult parts about the whole process was walking away from a guaranteed salary. Once I got over that there was no turning back. Knowing and charging my worth has been KEY! This took a while to learn though. I used to be open to shooting any and everything which lead to being over worked and under paid. I didn’t have a solid pricing structure nor did I become efficient because I was doing way too much. I niched down, narrowed my focus…that’s when the money started to make sense.

I do this with joy, authenticity and big energy. That’s the only way I’m able to keep going. You have to absolutely be purpose driven and be passionate enough to keep going.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are some real gems in the city. I would be sure to patronize lots of black women owned businesses. The Lip Bar, House of Pure Vin, Good Cakes and Bakes would be on the list to get us ready to have some fun. I would make plans to book Grand Trolley and make our way around downtown and midtown.

During the day we can checkout the murals and art at the DIA and stop at the Detroit Historical Museum too. The Charles H. Wright is a gem too. I guess it really depends on the season for sure. The Willis Show Bar for sure would be on our list of things to do for entertainment and night life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids. It’s just that simple. Every decision I make is based on what they need from me as a mama and as a person.

Website: tramaineseayphotography.com

Instagram: photographybytramaineseay

Linkedin: Photography by Tramaine Seay

Image Credits
Photography by Tramaine Seay