Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mackenzie Nemeth-Suko, founder of Blue Flame Studio Co., located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Blue Flame Studio Co. is a Denver portrait studio that helps women unleash their truest and most daring forms to step into the next chapter of their journey with confidence through an elevated photo experience.
Tell us about yourself
Heya, my name is Mackenzie, but I usually introduce myself as Kenzie. Grew up in a small town that just couldn't hold my dreams. Always asking, but sometimes known to be demanding for more, I follow my passions in life. One personal passion turned into a business. I taught myself photography while shooting landscapes while living in San Diego, but I quickly learned I thrived when working one on one with women, specifically shooting boudoir. The more women I worked with, I noticed how boudoir allowed me to connect, uplift, and liberate women. This, in turn, also healed the relationship with myself & my body. Boudoir found me & I found myself in the boudoir. This passion for connecting with women & creating a safe space for them to take the next steps in their self-acceptance journey was so strong that I went all in. If I was going to do this, I knew my clients deserved someone that specialized in it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I want to say just making it as far as I have. I built a business shooting out of my home until I decided it was time to take the jump & move to a commercial studio in the middle of 2020. Was I crazy? I sure was but, I will always bet on myself. It was one of the best jumps I have made in my business and a huge goal/dream of mine. Since then, I have had two of my best years financially, with this last year surpassing six figures. That's the business side, but as for the passion side, it's getting to work with women who put their trust in me for such a vulnerable & intimate experience.
Clients tell me that their experience with me is better than any therapy they have had, that it's life-changing, and that it is priceless. I work with women liberating them through boudoir, supporting them in their career with lifestyle headshots/branding and milestones like maternity. Some days I can't believe I get to do what I do; that never falls light on my heart.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Years ago, I would have told you that my path was full of "struggles," but now I would say it was all a "normal" journey. (Whatever normal is at least) It was probably my own biggest hill to climb. I definitely made things harder for myself, but I would not change any of them. I learned some things the hard way; I am resourceful, determined, and sweat the small stuff. All of these "struggles" have really set me up for success in the long run. Being a business owner is hard & I wouldn't change it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you want it bad enough, you can do it. The only difference between dreams & reality is just doing it!
- Expect nothing & appreciate everything. Be resourceful, respectful (to yourself & others), and present over perfect.
- Celebrate the wins. Big or small - you must make room to reflect & be proud of yourself to keep growing. It's going to be hard, but it will be worth it, soak it all in!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There is no easy road on the path of passion + whatever success looks to you. Once you embrace that, you will stop at nothing to achieve it. I believe & trust in opening my own doors that nothing will be handed to me and enjoy the challenge & reward to building a life I am proud of. That goes for business & personal. Don’t quit, be passionate, take up space, and take pride in your time here on Earth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://blueflamestudioco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueflamestudioco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueflamestudioco/
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.
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