Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Genik, Owner of David Genik Photography, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

I am an NYC photographer specializing in actor headshots, portraits, and fashion. Rated as one of the Top Best Affordable Photographers in NYC. My customers are people looking for headshots. Mainly are actors.

Tell us about yourself

I got into headshot photography by mistake. I've been a real estate broker for 15 years, and I needed to take pictures of the apartments I was renting. One day a real estate broker asked me to do a headshot, and I was like, what's a headshot? After that, I got hooked on shooting real estate brokers and decided to branch out to other things like actors and fashion. After years of shooting and experimenting, I developed my own style. At the end of the day, photography is a passion for me, and what motivates me is pushing myself to do new things and expand my knowledge and boundaries.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, the biggest accomplishment was last year. I shoot over 220 sessions. It was a big achievement. I'm starting to feel like I'm one of the top headshot photographers in New York.

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

Getting clients is very challenging, especially in such a competitive market. Strong SEO and developing your own style. Also, dealing with burn-out is very difficult because you don't wanna give up money, but your mental health and physical strength suffer.

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

  1. Build a strong product that people want and are willing to pay for. Make it unique.
  2. Build a strong online presence with Google SEO, social media, and a strong website.
  3. Take your time. It will take a very long time to build, but at the end of the day, you have to realize nothing happens overnight. You will make many mistakes, but it's the only way to grow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.davidgenik.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidgenikphotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.genik/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgenik/

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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