Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne Healey, founder of Anne Healey Photography, located in Lehi, Utah, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I run a photography business and specialize in unique portraiture with an editorial flair. The long-term goal is to start taking on more commercial fashion work, as well. I love when I get to shoot other Creatives--including musicians and artists--those are my people.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been involved in the Arts, one way or another. I loved to draw as a kid, I did theater and sang all growing up, and in College, I did a London study abroad for my Humanities minor. That's when I really started to fall for historical architecture, vintage fashion, and Art interpretation. All those building blocks gave me an eye and an appreciation for composition, texture, lines, movement, and storytelling. Oddly enough, photography came last. I'd just had my second child in 2016 and was experiencing some severe postpartum depression. I needed something creative that would help me feel like myself again. I owned a clunky, early 2000s second-hand DSLR Canon Rebel that I bought on eBay years before but hadn't ever learned how to shoot in manual mode. So I signed myself up for a Beginning Photography night class to learn the basics, and I was instantly obsessed from that moment on. I suddenly felt like I had found my thing!

I am so captivated by the storytelling angle of photography. That, to me, is what sets "fine art" apart from "content." What's the story here? What thoughts or questions does this image bring to mind? Does it make you think? Does it make you feel something? It should be an experience (as all good Art is!) Not simply something to scroll past.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Not giving up, to be honest! It gets so discouraging, sometimes. There's so much talent in the photography world, and it's easy to feel lost in the shuffle. It takes a LOT of effort to figure out how to cut through the noise and get noticed. I'm realizing that the longer you stick with something you love and hone that skill, you not only get better and better in a technical sense, but you start to define your style as an artist, and THAT sets you apart from the pack! Once you KNOW what makes you "YOU" you're at such an advantage. But that's one of those things that comes with time and experience. There's no shortcut. I feel like I'm just now really coming into myself. I'm proud of myself for not giving up during all those uncomfortable moments.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I am not a "business" person. I want desperately just to CREATE and not have to worry about anything else! But that's not realistic. There are a lot of growing pains and mistakes made along the way with learning how to juggle all the other parts, like marketing, networking, pricing, taxes, blah blah blah. It's a lot of nitty-gritty for my very, very right-brained Self.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. What sets you apart from the rest of the people in your field or industry? If you don't know yet, start figuring it out!
  2. Mistakes are inevitable. You can either choose to give up or learn from them and get better. Grit will always serve you better than pure, raw talent.
  3. There's always something new to be learned about your craft. Don't get too comfortable. Experiment, experiment, experiment.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be generous. Don't function from a scarcity mindset! Help others who are trying to get somewhere too. Find ways to collaborate. Create genuine connections and friendships with others in your field and sincerely celebrate their wins. People recommend people they like. If you show up for others, they'll usually show up for you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.annehealeyphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annehealeyphoto/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-healey-38338510/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.