Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn Stenzel, founder of Dawn Stenzel Creative, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

My company is called "Dawn Stenzel Creative." I have over 15 years of professional experience specializing in photography, videography, social media, and digital marketing. I help diverse clients - entrepreneurs, corporations, individuals, and creatives - achieve their goals by telling their stories, showcasing their brands, and promoting their businesses with digital media.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Dawn Stenzel. I live in Vancouver, BC. I'm a full-time photographer/videographer, business owner, Mom to an amazing three-year-old boy, and fiancé to a loving father. I am a serial entrepreneur that strives to create and evolve my business and myself. I have a passion for travel. I grew up in Kimberley, BC, a small town. I left at the age of 17 and moved to Japan as an exchange student. There, I learned to speak Japanese, immersed myself in the culture, and made many lifelong friends. Documenting my experience in Japan and bringing it back to Canada to develop the images in a darkroom helped inform my passion for photography. This passion continues to this day and has evolved to include video. It is incredibly rewarding for me to combine my entrepreneurial experience with my technical skills and bring my client's vision to fruition.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud to be a self-made entrepreneur, successfully operating and sustaining a business for over 15 years in the creative industry. I believe that building my business, and maintaining a flexible lifestyle in the beautiful city of Vancouver - one of the most expensive cities in the world, while also creating a family and becoming a new mother is a huge achievement.

Starting a creative career was antithetical to my 'boomer' parents, who spent their entire lives in the 'town' company, hoping I'd follow suit. "When are you going to get a real job?" they'd ask. This career has allowed me to travel all over the world, meet and photograph incredible people - astronauts, spiritual leaders, celebrities, athletes - people from all walks of life. Even while balancing the demands of a young family in the midst of this global pandemic, I've been able to pivot my services by adding video and digital marketing. I'm excited to launch soon my latest production, a vegan cooking show for Susan Cooks Vegan on Unchained TV. Check it out!

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

Being an entrepreneur is difficult - I have to say there are two things that go hand in hand: 'finding balance' and 'learning to do it all. As a business owner, you aren't just a professional in your craft - you need to learn many other skills: accounting, marketing, human resources, sales, digital media, the list goes on... and on. Being a business owner and balancing life with a young family is challenging and stressful on the best of days. But I wouldn't have it any other way!

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

  1. Never Give Up! Entrepreneurship is hard; it takes a TON of work! There will be many times in your career when you feel your passion fading. During these moments, ask yourself: "Does my business bring me joy"? If the answer is YES, then stick with it and never give up! There will constantly be ups and downs and struggles along the way; sometimes, you will ask yourself if it is all worth it. Embrace the good days with the bad, and keep on going!
  2. Adapt - All industries constantly evolve. Learn to adapt with the changing dynamics to keep up.
  3. Find Your People - Surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire, support, and challenge your creativity - those who you can reach out to when things get tough. I am very fortunate to have connected with many incredible female entrepreneurs in my life. Having that support system is indispensable - helping each other through our highs and lows or even just getting together for a wine night when we need to vent is truly life-saving!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Take the time to get professional branding and headshots. Your online presence and personal brand are the face of your business to potential clients. You only get one shot at a first impression - make it great. Quality, well-lit, professional portraits will make you stand out from your competition and may be the deciding factor if a new client will pick up that phone to call you first.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dawnstenzel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnstenzelcreative
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnstenzelcreative/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawnstenzel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-stenzel-214956b/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.