I always say some of the most innovative ideas come from personal experiences, and Nicole Smith’s story is proof. What started as a meaningful moment in Paris with her best friend evolved into Flytographer, a global platform that helps people capture unforgettable travel memories through professional photography. Nicole didn’t just build a business; she created a movement rooted in human connection, storytelling, and joy.
In this episode, Founder & CEO Nicole Smith shares her journey from a corporate career at Microsoft to launching a two-sided marketplace with no startup experience—all while raising two young kids.
We discuss the ups and downs and how conscious leadership and resilience enabled her to lead with clarity, even during the pandemic. If you’ve ever had a spark of an idea and wondered, “Could this be something?”—this episode is for you.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
* How a trip to Paris inspired the creation of Flytographer
* The moment Nicole decided to leave corporate life and go all in on her vision
* Navigating a global shutdown and rebuilding with profitability and purpose
* Why community, trust, and storytelling are at the heart of the Flytographer model
* Nicole’s personal mission to get moms (and all caregivers) back into the photo
Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and hear how Nicole turned a simple idea into a global celebration of memory, connection, and reinvention.
For more on Flytographer, visit: https://www.flytographer.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.
Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.
Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
*
Today’s Sponsors:
Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/
Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven, eight, and nine-figure brand operators trade insights, solve problems, and shortcut growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.