The One-Stop-Shop for Your Headshot

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elisabeth Akly, owner of Hello Headshots, LLC, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

My business is headshot photography, and my clients range from individuals to large companies in need of professional headshots. I work across all business types, from realtors to tech companies to fellow entrepreneurs.

Tell us about yourself

After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2010 with a BFA in Interior Design, I went to work for a boutique architectural firm in Atlanta. While I loved the work, I always had the desire to be an entrepreneur, so years later, when a family friend asked if I wanted to help start a photography company, I jumped at the chance!

We started the company under the name Image Bureau in 2013, and I quickly started to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. After a few years of steadily growing the business, I was able to successfully buy out the Image Bureau and continue to do what I love as the proud owner of Hello Headshots. I love the work that I do because I get to meet different people, go to different places, and still be creative with the photography process.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is watching my business relationships grow over time. Almost 100% of my customers are based on referrals, and it's extremely rewarding to know that my work is personally recommended by so many people.

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

The hardest thing about owning my own business is that there is only one of me, and I have to wear a lot of different hats. While I enjoy learning new skills and overcoming challenges, there are days when it does get overwhelming, and I wish there were more of me!

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

It sounds obvious, but pursue a business that actually has the potential to make money. In other words, know your numbers and be realistic about your financial potential.
Be really good at one thing rather than kind of good at a lot of things. I get asked all the time to do different types of photography, but I choose to stay specialized in headshots where I know I am the most successful.
Keep it simple. These days, there are so many ways to overcomplicate your business. I prefer to streamline my practices by only using systems that actually help my bottom line rather than waste time and money.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.helloheadshots.photo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloheadshots/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello_headshots/

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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