Building a Creative Business with Guest Alex Brewer

Recently on the Strategic Motion Podcast, host Troy Trussell sat down with Alex Brewer, founder of Alex Michelle Media, to dive deep into what it really means to build a creative video and photography business and what it takes to make your content truly stand out. If you’re a business owner, creative, or marketer seeking to get ahead in the world of video and social media marketing, this episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice.

Not every great business story begins with a perfectly crafted business plan. For Alex, it started with an accident. She explained, “I picked up a camera when I was really young, did photography in church when I was a youth and worship pastor, and later, when working for a landscaping company, suddenly found myself running socials and videography for them.” When the company parted ways, she was left with equipment and a nudge to “run with it”, even though she wasn’t quite ready.

This leap pushed her into entrepreneurship, and eventually she founded Alex Michelle Media. The journey was messy and unsure, but like many in the creative business world, necessity and passion proved to be the best teachers.

It’s clear from the conversation that photography is Alex’s first love. She said her favorite thing to shoot is concerts. She loves concert photography. She does it a lot of it for not enough money, and she generally volunteers because she just want to do it. The enthusiasm for capturing the raw energy of live music still drives much of her creative work, but she’s quick to share how interests and style evolve. From indie folk (Noah Khan), to punk-pop, and a sprinkle of pop icons like Sam Smith, her music tastes naturally influence the types of events and people she enjoys shooting.

While photography set the stage, video became essential as Alex’s clients embraced new marketing channels. She’s captured music festivals in Las Vegas, shot local artists, and created promo materials for businesses ranging from construction firms to furniture stores. The challenge? Evoking real emotion and authentic connection, “That’s always my goal, whether it’s funny or sad. If I make something emotional and the person doesn’t cry, I feel like I failed.”

Both Alex and Troy recognize that not every client or project is a hit. Social media can be unpredictable; what works for one client may flop for another. Relying on consistent strategy, creativity, and a willingness to experiment becomes critical.

How do you know what video or photo content a business really needs? Alex stresses the importance of multiple sit downs just to kind of learn the client and understand their vision... to see what the problem area is. She uses creativity not only in the art itself but to solve business problems: introducing family personas for a furniture store, highlighting behind-the-scenes process videos for construction companies, and finding ways to include client interests, like travel, into their brand identity.

Troy echoes the need for strategic thinking. He points out that some clients come with a clear vision, while others “just want it to work” and need leadership. The takeaway? A collaborative, curiosity-driven approach delivers the best results and makes work more fun.

Both Alex and Troy touch on the challenge of creative business: taking on clients when income is sporadic, even when your gut says it’s not a good fit. They vow (humorously) to break the cycle and focus on relationships that energize rather than drain, reminding listeners that your best work happens when you and your clients truly connect.

The Future of Video Marketing

Asked about the future, Alex doesn’t hesitate: “It’s just going to continue to grow... Most of social media is shifting towards reels and video over photography.” She sees video as the ultimate tool for authenticity and trust: “Photos can only tell so much of a story, whereas video brings that all to life and creates a better relational connection.”

And while both are aware of the rise in AI-powered content, neither has yet fully embraced those tools, but they acknowledge that staying open to technology will be key for keeping up in a rapidly changing market.

Film Talk: Inspiration on the Big Screen

Every Strategic Motion episode wraps with “Film Talk,” and Alex shares how movies like Inside Out and A Quiet Place shaped her perspective. From teaching kids important emotional lessons to showing how silence can create suspense, these films reinforce the power of storytelling, a lesson that applies directly to successful marketing content.

Where to Find Alex Brewer

Want to connect? You can find her on Facebook, Instagram or at alexmichellemedia.com.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your video strategy, this episode offers an honest and uplifting look at the realities of running a creative business. The key message: be intentional, listen deeply, and keep experimenting, because in the world of strategic motion, creativity and connection are everything.