Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kenty Chung, Founder of Always Hungry Media, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a food & beverage photographer helping restaurants, chefs, and mixologists bring their creations to life from behind the lens. Color, texture, composition, and depth are just a handful of overlapping attributes that immerse you in an enjoyable food and photography experience. Get your senses tingling with photos that clearly depict every detail of each dish.
Tell us about yourself
If you had told me ten years ago this is what I would be doing and monetizing it, I wouldn't believe it. Growing up, I was always around food - my parents used to own a restaurant, Charlotte's food scene continued to grow, and my fiancée cooked amazing food. Yes, I was that person (and still am) who always takes photos of their food before devouring it. I started out with a phone, and as social media grew, I started my page as a hobby to share local eats. It then grew into an appreciation for photography and food. What motivates me? I have the ability to beautifully capture dishes and share them online to help attract potential customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe my biggest accomplishment is being able to support myself at the same time, help bring business to restaurants. It's a pretty niche aspect of photography, but I enjoy connecting with people who love food and sharing it with people who love food. It comes full circle.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, one of the hardest things is accepting business isn't always linear. There will always be hurdles and obstacles that you will face, and those are perfect opportunities to determine if you are willing to want it that bad. You have to be flexible and adaptable. Business isn't always black and white - you have to know how to navigate in the gray.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- As cliche as it may sound, just do it. There aren't rules written in stone on how to start and run a business. You start with an idea and passion in mind and work on it every day. Progress > perfection
- Create relationships with those in the same industry. As a photographer, networking is huge. Whether it is networking with other photographers or restauranteurs, we all have different backgrounds and experiences that can help each other grow - Collaboration over competition.
- Know what you want to start your business, but most importantly, know why you're starting your business. Having the passion, drive, and ambition to wake up every day working on what you truly believe in is a blessing. Stay true to yourself and trust the process.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.alwayshungry.media/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayshungry.media/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenty_eats/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenty_eats
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.