Jun 18, 2025
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/
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