Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hannah Jackson, CEO of Jackson Imaging, located in Dartmouth, NS, Canada.

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

Do you ever feel like your brand is off? You're unsure of what photo works for your weekly blog posts? Or are you tired of digging through stock photography to find the right image? Jackson Imaging supports businesses and entrepreneurs in discovering their brand identity through therapeutic photography.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Therefore, making the text a gap filler. When your message is based on the images you present, rather than the other way around, you have the opportunity to engage with your audience on a whole different level.

People tend to look for photos first. So why are we putting them second? Jackson Imaging is here to support business owners and entrepreneurs (re)discover their brand identity by switching the way they view and use images. Images are resources to be utilized, regardless of your business. Jackson Imaging is here to support and encourages others to capitalize on these resources.

Tell us about yourself

I first fell in love with photography in 2009. I was given a point-and-shoot camera that I took everywhere with me. I enjoyed trying all the different settings and figuring out their limitations. In 2011, I saved all my money and bought my first DSLR—a Canon Rebel T3. I learned more about photography, what each setting meant, how to manipulate the images, and how to edit them in Photoshop. By 2013, I was hired to photograph my first wedding. I went on to create prints and greeting cards to sell at craft shows.

My journey with mental health started in the winter of 2014. This journey leads to me using photography as a coping mechanism and an escape from reality.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment as a business owner is having accumulated such an incredible circle of connections. My biggest accomplishment is the individuals in my professional life who help contribute to my business and bring a sense of community. I wouldn't be where I am now without having the strength and courage to maintain those connections.

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

Having to realize that even if you are a solo act, you don't have to do it all alone. People are there to help and support you. When you're an entrepreneur, you tend to feel like you have to have it all together. Be the jack and master of all trades. However, when you come to the point of being okay with asking for help and admitting you can't do it all, is when things start to pick up. This is the hardest thing for me. But definitely the most important.

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

  1. Do not let it all be about the money. If the conversation is always coming back to the money, you'll be chasing a dream that will be harder to achieve. But when you pair the idea of making money with the primary goal of giving back, your mood and attitude towards doing business change.
  2. Ask for help. Sign up for all networking events. Learn from those around you. Create connections that are given and taken.
  3. One step forward and two steps back is still one step ahead. Don't allow the idea of having to step back from time to time to scare you from moving forward. Because when you get back up, you'll know to move forward faster.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I've been told that the world needs more entrepreneurs. However, the world is not currently designed for there to be more entrepreneurs. It is easy to get discouraged and distracted. Do your best with what you've got, and everything else will work itself out. Life lessons, I too, am learning. You are not alone, and I believe in you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jacksonimaging.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HJacksonImaging
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hjacksonimaging/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hjacksonimaging/

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.