Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniella Inzerilli, founder of Daniella Inzerilli LLC., located in Queensbury, NY, USA.

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

I own a photography business, and I am a content creator sharing content about mental health and relationships. When it comes to my style of photography, I really focus on trying to capture the moment. I know a lot of people, especially with social media as relevant as it is today, who feel insecure when taking photos, so it's extremely important to me that I help set them up for success by assisting them in choosing outfits and a location/style that makes them feel most confident.

But even more than that, I want to bring out their genuine connection and emotion. I always tell people you won't be super stiff and posed during our sessions. Instead, you'll be moving, interacting, laughing, and loving on one another. I think it's so important to capture all the moments. And instead of being stuck behind your phone capturing it all, hiring someone else allows you to be in the moment and truly enjoy it.

My customers are people who value photography as an art and who also want to live in the moment. Even if they are scared of being awkward or feeling insecure, they recognize that photography is more than just a pretty picture - it's a memory that is captured forever. To hopefully be passed down to generations. As far as content creation, my community comprises people who are craving vulnerability. They want to see it, and they want a safe space to embrace their vulnerability. They are eager to learn, tell their truth, and sit in the mess of it all.

Tell us about yourself

Honestly, my community is what motivates me. I can pour my heart out in a blog post, a podcast, or even just talking on stories, and when I get ONE message from someone relating to what I said or thanking me for allowing them to not feel so alone, I know this is what I am supposed to be doing, and this is just the beginning.

Whenever I feel the doubt coming in or imposter syndrome or when things get tough, the people connecting with my content remind me that my mission is to talk about the things that others aren't talking about because people often feel so alone on social media. Despite having hundreds or thousands of followers, it can be a lonely place, especially when you're seeing a bunch of highlight reels.

Creating this content really started when I went through my own breakup that changed the trajectory of what I thought my life would be like. After sharing this with my followers, I realized that many people struggle with mental health and compare their relationships to others on social media. No one talked about the emotions of going through a breakup openly. There is so much shame and embarrassment around breakups like you failed, but I hope to change the narrative on that.

As far as photography, I really got started right out of college. In my first job after graduation, I worked with people I loved at a company I loved. But still went home at the end of the night feeling unfulfilled. That's when I randomly started learning about photography. One thing led to another, and I'm five years into the business and have expanded from upstate NY to New Hampshire and Massachusetts, servicing the northeast!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, my biggest accomplishment is the connection I've made with my community. The fact that my vulnerability and openness have built trust with strangers on the internet that have turned into a community is a huge accomplishment - and honestly, I never really thought about it that way until now, so thanks for asking this question!

For photography, it would be expanding to New Hampshire! I decided to move to NH part-time about a year ago, knowing NO ONE in the area, and build an entirely new clientele. I used the power of social media and have been so happy with the response. It gave me the confidence to know that no matter where I am in the world, I have my craft, and if I keep pouring into my community, I am going to be ok.

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

For me, business and my personal life are so mixed together. So being able to "clock out" sometimes is so important. At first, I was SO excited that I didn't want to stop working. But I quickly realized it affected my relationships and the life I wanted. I always remind myself to make my business work for my life, and I don't want my life to work around my business.

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

  1. Give yourself permission to start before you're "ready" - because you will never be ready! There is always more to learn!!
  2. Surround yourself with people and mentors that support you. Whether it's setting boundaries with family and friends that are projecting their fears and doubts onto you or investing in a coach/mentor, maybe this is even just starting some conversations with people you look up to. You don't have to ask them for advice or even hire them straight out the gate, but maybe just network and be in their presence.
  3. Take messy action! The only way you're going to learn is by trying. And you will learn A LOT more by trying and figuring out what doesn't work than trying to read all the books, make all the plans, and organize everything but don't actually take action. Embrace your chapter 1! it's messy and uncomfortable, but it's the only way to get to the next chapters.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.daniellainzerilli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinzerilli
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellainzerilli/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniella-inzerilli-2853b0aa/

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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