Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Taylor, founder of Emily Sierra Photography, located in Berthoud, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an outdoor action and lifestyle photographer based in Colorado. I work with a variety of clients: from outdoor brands and magazines to tourism boards. If I've done my job well, my imagery connects with viewers and inspires them. I especially love photographing people excelling in their craft or sport, conveying their strengths and confidence through photos, and helping them feel "seen."
Tell us about yourself
My business was born out of my love for photography. It was an organic process of shooting photos as a hobby, then slowly getting hired for my work. I've dabbled in many types of photography, finally landing in the outdoor industry. I am constantly motivated by the people I work with--capturing someone else's passion and beauty fuels my fire.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing growth in a "job" that I absolutely love doing. Honestly, I've never been good at setting big goals, but when I reflect on my business, I can see several small accomplishments that are a big deal to me: my business growing bigger every year (both financially and client-wise), working with dream brands, getting paid to travel to incredible places, and being able to give a voice to people in front of my camera.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Speaking to the freelance business lifestyle--I'd say the ebbs and flows can be challenging. Work tends to roll in waves, excitement over client projects may fluctuate, income is different month-to-month, and benefits (healthcare, retirement, etc.) certainly aren't a given. I would say these challenges were more prevalent early on in my business, but over the years, I've found rhythms and ways to make my business more sustainable.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Again, I can best speak to freelancers starting a business:
- Help your business grow organically by having an alternate income source at the beginning.
- Proceed with confidence.
- Ask questions! I was so shy when I started my business that I more often learned from mistakes than straight from experienced professionals.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://emilysierra.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilySierraPhotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em.sierra/
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.