Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Hollis, founder of BARKography, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.

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

I am a professional dog photographer based in Charlotte NC and I also travel around the US and Canada photographing dogs. I create artwork for my clients to display in their homes by capturing the essence of their dog's personality with my camera. My clients are as attached to their dog as he is to them and when they say things to me like they can't imagine their life without him, then I know they'll always cherish the memories we create in their photo session.

Tell us about yourself

Six years ago, I found my why in life when I became a professional dog photographer. I provide pet parents with memories of their beloved dogs. I don't have any professional photos of my first heart dog Sloan. She died several years before I got into photography and not having photos of her is one of my biggest regrets. I don't want anyone else to have this same heartache.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to earn a living and support myself in doing something I love every day is such a gift. I am so appreciative and grateful to all of my clients for helping me make this dream come true.

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

I meet some amazing dogs. When I hear that the dog has passed, it is really heartbreaking and I didn't expect to feel as deeply as I do. But knowing that I've provided the pet parents with photos of their dog that they'll have forever is exactly why I love doing this.

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

  1. Work on mastering your craft, whatever that is. Never stop learning and growing.
  2. Work on understanding the business side of running a business. Understand how to be profitable and what that will take. Be sure to price yourself to be profitable and have a marketing plan to help you reach your goals.
  3. Find a mentor and learn from him/her.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I worked in corporate America for 20 years before starting my own business. That experience helped me understand what it takes to run a business. It was later in life for me when I discovered photography and realized this is what I was meant to do. Never give up hope that you will discover your why.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.barkography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barkography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkography/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BARKography

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.