Aimée deSimone
Q What do you do?
“I am the owner and founder of Berte, a curated home decor and gift shop in the Hudson Valley.”
I'm also a seasoned television/film producer and have recently begun producing food photography shoots.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I produced and wrote shows for networks like CBS News & A+E Networks for a decade. This work, along with some freelance documentary work, solidified my role as a dogged problem-solver, a curious creative, and a roll-your-sleeves-up doer in any situation. I found these qualities to be especially useful when I pivoted from my career and jumped headfirst into the world of small business. I organically grew Berte - my curated home & gift shop - from a webshop, to a traveling pop up experience, to a beautiful brick and mortar storefront based in New York's Hudson Valley.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Everything I work on is infused with a playful and clear spirit. I'm an excellent communicator and never let things fall through the cracks. I do my research and like my projects to feel set apart from the status quo.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm gearing up for a campaign and celebration of Berte's 5 year anniversary. I've also been producing food photography shoots for a leading brand in the catering space.
Q What’s your style?
Playful, Modern, Warm, Bright. I'm allergic to sameness. I like things to feel singular. I think my shop Berte best represents this.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Producing, Project Management, Writing
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Oversaturation. There is so much - SO MUCH - of the same out there. It can be disheartening when you know you're doing something special and different, and it's still difficult to be seen. The task at the bottom of my to do list is usually bookkeeping, but I always get to it!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Email marketing campaigns. They are effective, but damn are they time consuming.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Trust yourself. Look at your track record. Don't be so scared of failing. You've got this.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Google Analytics
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Freelance producing and project management of photo shoots and marketing campaigns
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A lifestyle brand that is leveling up and producing their first large scale shoot. I think it would be fulfilling to provide my skills and knowledge as a fellow business owner and experienced producer to help them totally nail their concept.
Q What is your rate?
$500-700/day for my producing services, depending on the client and the project
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is always best. For freelance work, I can be reached at bertecreative@gmail.com. Please provide some background on the project, budget, timeline, and any information about the team.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Rick Holbrook. He is a super talented photographer in the lifestyle and food space, and just such a doll to work with. @rickholbrookphotography
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I ask a lot of questions and surround myself with creatives in a variety of fields (photographers, stylists, makers, writers, designers, etc etc)
This member profile was originally published in July 2023