Building a business is one thing—building a business while raising a family and maintaining a strong relationship is another. It takes vision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth. For Wayne and Andrea McNair, entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial freedom; it’s about creating a life where both passion and family thrive. But make no mistake, this didn’t happen overnight.
“I always knew I was going to be a businessman. Even as a kid, I wanted a briefcase.” – Wayne McNair
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
Wayne McNair, owner of McNair Photography, took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship after an injury ended his career in carpentry. Photography was a side passion, but when circumstances shifted, he turned it into a full-time business. “I started my business in 2012, and ever since then, I’ve just grown every year. God has blessed us to be able to be entrepreneurs,” Wayne shared.
Andrea, on the other hand, had been balancing work, church, and raising their children. A certified makeup artist, licensed hairstylist, Mary Kay consultant, and even a seller of women's jewelry, Andrea embodies the spirit of hustle. “Anything that will get money to come into this house,” she laughed. “I realized I wasn’t meant to punch a clock forever. I needed to build something of my own.”
Wayne was the first to become an entrepreneur, while Andrea initially kept her traditional job. However, in 2018, she stepped away from her 9-to-5 to fully commit to her businesses. “I realized I was a creative, an entrepreneur. And honestly, I just knew I couldn’t have somebody telling me what to do anymore,” she admitted. Together, they’ve built multiple businesses while raising four children—children who are not just growing but excelling as athletes, students, and budding entrepreneurs themselves.
“We don’t just run businesses; we run a family, and that takes strategy.” – Andrea McNair
Business and Family
Running multiple businesses while raising children is no small task, but the McNairs have found a system that works for them. Every event, every booking, every opportunity is carefully aligned with family priorities. Their ability to be present for their children—while growing their brands—speaks to the level of strategy and sacrifice involved in building something sustainable. “It’s all about managing time,” Andrea explained. “I run the calendar. If Wayne gets a job offer, he looks at the family calendar first. If the kids have a game or an event, we prioritize that.”
With their children deeply involved in sports, the couple ensured they never missed a game. “I can count on one hand how many games I’ve missed,” Andrea said proudly. “Being entrepreneurs allowed us to show up—for every game, every recital, every moment that mattered.”
The support of their community has also played a major role. “When our business wasn’t where it is now, we had people supporting us—fundraisers, local businesses helping out. That meant the world to us,” Wayne added.
Business and Marriage
As two entrepreneurs, finding harmony between work and marriage requires intentional effort. The foundation of their success is rooted in a deep understanding of each other’s strengths. While Wayne focuses on creative execution, Andrea thrives in organization and operational management. This balance allows them to scale their businesses without losing sight of what truly matters—time with family, financial growth, and personal fulfillment. “Somebody has to be the boss when you leave home,” Andrea laughed. “At work, we respect each other’s expertise. Wayne is always giving me advice on how to improve my business, and I do the same for him.”
They’ve even merged their businesses in some ways, with Andrea often working makeup at weddings where Wayne is the photographer. “He actually booked my first makeup job,” Andrea recalled. “I was nervous, but he believed in me.”
Still, navigating work and marriage has its challenges. One of their biggest tests came when Wayne unknowingly accepted a boudoir photography gig. “I was editing pictures, and Andrea walked past and was like, ‘What is this?’” Wayne laughed. That moment led to a conversation about business boundaries. “There has to be a level of trust and communication,” Andrea said. “I trust him, and we make sure we respect each other’s comfort levels.” That intentionality has kept their marriage strong.
“Hustle is in my DNA. If I need to sell jerk chicken to make it work, I will.” – Andrea McNair
The Hustle Never Stops
The future is all about building up and outward. With plans to scale their businesses through hiring and potential brick-and-mortar ventures, their focus is shifting toward long-term impact. Their entrepreneurial journey is a testament to what happens when vision meets execution, when passion aligns with purpose, and when business and family are not competing forces but complementary ones.
Wayne dreams of broadening the reach of photography business, expanding his staff, and creating opportunities beyond himself. Andrea envisions teaching young women about beauty and business. “I love doing makeup, but I want to teach too. I want to help young ladies learn the trade,” she says.
But beyond the businesses, the investments, and the growth, their biggest investment is in their family. Financial literacy is a key lesson in their household. “I want my kids to understand money early,” Wayne explained. “You can only work so much—your money has to work for you too.” Their children are already involved in business discussions, with their daughter showing interest in scaling the photography company.
Love and Legacy
Even with their packed schedules, Wayne and Andrea prioritize their relationship as well. “We schedule time together—concerts, trips, lunch dates,” Andrea said. With most of their kids nearing adulthood, they’re looking forward to more freedom. “Next year, it’ll just be the three of us—me, Andrea, and our youngest,” Wayne said. “It’s going to be a new chapter for us.”
Their story isn’t just about business—it’s about partnership. It’s about two people who decided that no matter what came their way, they would face it together. And through faith, hard work, and trust, they’ve built something truly powerful.
“The secret to making it work? Trust, communication, and keeping God at the center.” – Wayne McNair
For creatives, couples, and business owners looking to balance ambition with real life, their story is a reminder that success is not about choosing between work and family—it’s about designing a life where both can thrive.
And that’s the heart and hustle of a power couple.
View Full Interview: https://youtu.be/kA-w4pZSxMc?si=6Zy-icRS-9rrQnlC