Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elizabeth Rajchart, Founder of Elizabeth Rajchart Photography, located in St. Charles, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a photographer specializing in disability portraiture -- adaptive fashion, athletics, and boudoir. My customers are usually disabled (like me) and see an authentic representation of themselves.
Tell us about yourself
I started photography during a stretch of being homebound from my chronic illness. I was very bored and needed something to do, so I began learning photography for my cats. What got me into disability portraiture was seeing such a lack of knowledgeable photographers in the boudoir space, as well as a severe lack of representation. Now that I've been trying to fill that need, my clients truly trust me to show them as they see themselves, not as society sees them. My greatest compliment was a client looking at her photos and telling me it was the first time she's truly seen herself in a photograph.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm very proud of the marketing work I did for Runway of Dreams, an adaptive fashion show. Recently I was notified that I received a huge award and grant from a major stock media company to continue my work showcasing the disability community -- that was just incredible.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Knowing that rest is productive. I have several chronic illnesses, so I need to be sure to rest -- sometimes, it's even a scheduled event. I'm learning that if I don't take care of myself and let myself regularly rest, my ability to work will be considerably lessened." Self-care is almost a cliche at this point, but it's so important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn as much as you can. There is so much free information online and so many groups to use as resources. Use it all to your benefit; knowledge really is power.
- Talk to people who have more experience. Learn from them as well. Network and collaborate. And be a kind person! Kindness can take you far.
- "Give them a chance to say yes" is something my mentor told me. You can't get a yes unless you ask for it, so ask! (I've gotten some crazy things just by asking.)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.elizabethrajchart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizrajchart/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rajchart-ba7b56135/
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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