Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caleb Schaftlein, Founder and CEO of Bleachfilm, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Today BleachFilm has over 750,000 followers on Instagram, and we are a full-service creative agency helping photographers and camera brands be discovered through successful social media campaigns. We continually aim to exceed our client's expectations and amplify brands to their highest potential.

Tell us about yourself

I founded BleachFilm in 2012 because I was inspired by worldwide photographers' talent and wanted to showcase it to the world. After completing my business degree in college, I started to share high-performing social media content for brands. We have worked with some of the largest camera companies, including Lexar Memory, Insta360, DJI, Nanlite, and Loupedeck.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It was when I came to the realization that I could not keep the skills I've learned over the years to myself, so last year, I started a photography business program and taught over 100 students how to start a business with photography all over the world. My mission is to teach as many photographers how to grow a profitable photography business, share their message, and be paid for their passion from around the world.

My work making the front cover of Viguor an international magazine featuring America's Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzalez!

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

The hardest thing for me has been balancing the ups and downs that come with running a business. Some days it feels like everything is crashing down, and other days your company feels like it's on top of the world. It is managing those highs and lows and working consistently throughout them that is the biggest challenge of any business.

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

  1. Be prepared to learn from your failures. You have to have an open mind going into any new idea that might fail and know that you will learn from it either if it works out or not.
  2. Personalize your brand to make it unique from others before trying to sell your products or services.
  3. Your business will be fueled by consistent daily work. You can't give up if you want to grow a successful business.
    My business on Instagram actually funded all four years of college at Indiana University!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Upon graduating, I almost believed that all the money I had invested in my education was for nothing because  I didn't require a degree to run my business. Today I realize college taught me how to properly manage my company.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bleachfilm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.schaftlein/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bleachfilm/
https://www.instagram.com/calebschaftlein/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebschaftlein/

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.

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