Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vincent Wrenn, Owner of Frame Lines, located in Ventura, CA, USA.

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

I offer still and motion photography to an array of clients ranging from professionals who want a headshot to small businesses interested in launching a campaign.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been in the film business more of my life than otherwise. After years of extensive travel, I’ve turned to still photography and the local market in the interest of staying close to home. The truth is, I don’t know how my business will take shape just yet. I’m staying open and curious as I offer a new service to a different clientele. Regardless of how things shake out, I know I’ll continue to play with light and create interesting and compelling images, which is what drives me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a new business open to evolution and adventure. I’ve also co-owned a lighting company and light manufacturing company. As a business owner, I’d say one of my most significant accomplishments is seeing an LED light for film and television (well ahead of the trend) from concept to the marketplace.

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

For me, one of the most challenging things about running a business is continually acknowledging that I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s only then that I begin to figure things out. The unknown is scary and intimidating, but if you don’t recognize and address your weaknesses, it’ll cost you.

Case in point, although we successfully released a professional light and many veteran competitors offered to buy our product, we failed because we were artists and technicians, and by the time we pulled in a strong business mind, we’d burned through brink trucks of cash and couldn’t sustain the company as it attempted to get its footing in a field that grew increasingly crowded by companies with millions.

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

One tip for each step.

  1. Start - make sure you really want to; it’s not for everyone. It’s actually not for most people. If you feel like you have the resolve, then prepare as much as you can and recognize when it’s time to pull the trigger.
  2. Run - a new business is like a newborn. If your eyes aren’t burning from lack of sleep, you may not be doing something right.
  3. Grow - I’m providing a service. So in my case, I am, or my skill is the product. Every job represents who I am and what I do. Therefore every job is executed with maximum effort and attention.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You don’t have to start a business offering a service or product you love with your whole being. If you love money, that might be enough. I could never do something that didn’t fulfill my soul on some level. So I say look where your heart is and see how you can make it your living. But that’s likely horrible advice.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.framelinescreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/framelines_creative/

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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