Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Griffiths, Owner of Christopher Todd Studios Inc., located in Fountain Valley, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a people photographer. Meaning my expertise is photographing people in all aspects of life. Most of my clients are looking for headshots or business marketing photographs to promote their products or personal brand. We also photograph lots of families and couples getting married, as well as corporate events.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a total photo nerd. The thing that drew me into photography when I got started was the art and creativity of the medium. I really just loved making cool images. As my career and business have progressed, I've discovered the joys and fun you can have running a business, and my role has shifted from full-time creative to working more on my business. I'm excited to get to work every day and cannot imagine doing anything else with my time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is bringing my wife Ilana on board and learning to work as a team. I tend to want control over all aspects of my business and have found giving control of certain tasks has freed me up to focus on parts of the business that have had more impact.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of managing yourself for us is setting goals and staying focused. It's hard to stay away from the next shiny object sometimes. Making time to regularly check in on where our business is at and where we are going has been a game changer for our growth and has given us a different perspective on what it means to run a business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Before you start. Ask yourself these questions:
- What is the problem I'm solving?
- Who am I solving it for?
- Why should anyone care?
Then make sure you have the cash flow for at least 3-4 months so your ship doesn't sink before it leaves port. Also, build an email list. You will regret it later if you don't do it from the start.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://christophertoddstudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christoddgriffiths
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christophertoddstudios
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-todd-griffiths-99b586/
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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