Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Raub, owner of FrontRoom Images, located in Pennington, NJ, USA.

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

FrontRoom Images began as a portrait photography studio in 2012 and has evolved into a storytelling, branding, and consulting company. We create compelling photographs and emotive videos, branding, and social media consulting. Our clients understand the value of connections and are looking for authentic, creative, and impactful representation. They range from private clients wanting to document their lives or the lives of their loved ones to artists, actors, models, and commercial clients needing images, videos, and branding for their product, business, or portfolio.

A current pain point for some of our clients is not knowing how to use their images and content to better leverage themselves, or their brand, through social media. This is where we have created additional value by providing the right visual content and guidance to increase engagement. We join the discussion on the client's goals and objectives and create strategies around their content calendar, campaigns, and visual needs.

Some visual assets we provide are headshots, product photography, promotional videos, interviews, documentary stories, branding imagery, and stop motion animation. We research and track their engagement on their key platforms and adjust our strategy as needed for success. We are a growing company with studios in Pennington, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. In-studio videos are produced in our Pennington location, while all other content can be created on location or at either studio.

Tell us about yourself

My life has definitely taken a lot of turns, but two things remained constant: photography and my interest in people. With a degree in Anthropology and a graduate certificate in documentary photography, I was aiming for National Geographic. However, I fell more into private photography events and portraits. In 2019, the commercial side of the business grew, and I realized that some of our clients needed guidance and strategies to utilize their images better.

I have a strong passion for brainstorming and problem solving, and I love the idea of engaging with my clients in a new way. This was the piece that was missing all along, and it has motivated me to further my education in digital marketing and behavioral economics.

The other elements that motivate me each day are:

  • Helping clients fall in love with an image of themselves.
  • Seeing the transformative effects of body and light shaping at a session.
  • Knowing that I helped a business or boosted a client's self-esteem.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

By far, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my improved ability to network. The business has grown in so many directions because of the connections I've made in the last five years. I always had self-identified as a wallflower and introvert when I was younger, but through various job and life experiences and constant curiosity, it is now difficult to keep me from talking. You never know how someone might play a role in a future project or how you could be helpful to them.

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

One of the hardest things about running a business is wearing all the hats within it and not knowing how or when to bring someone on board. I eventually outsourced some of my work and started to contract with other freelancers, but there was never enough time in the day to get it all done. You are often met with questions of sacrificing sleep and health over deadlines and growth. As much as you try to keep a schedule of work hours, it is easy to work into the evening and weekends. First one up and last one to bed.

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

  1. Be open to change. Due to unforeseen circumstances, you may need to alter your direction and maybe even reinvent your role or business. Stay focused but flexible, and be ready to pivot when necessary.
  2. Delegate or outsource work that stalls your progress and limits potential earnings. If you are busy doing routine tasks, then you are missing opportunities to network or attain new work.
  3. Network! That does not just mean going to networking events...if at all. The best way to connect with others is to share what you're doing and find out what they're up to. You might be surprised with what kind of leads, collaborations, and connections you can make by just being interested in what other people are doing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If I were to give one more tip, I would suggest finding a support network of qualified people. Not everyone is a good choice to bounce ideas off. It is important to know people that can be objective and less likely to project their own fears or risk aversion onto you. Be careful who you seek out for advice.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.frontroomimages.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontRoomImages/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontroom_images/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-raub-9b719a61/

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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