Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janice Baker, CEO of Pix Management LLC., located in New York, USA.

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

Founded in 2010, Pix Management LLC is an artist management and production agency representing very talented photographers, illustrators, videographers, hair and make-up artists, fashion/wardrobe stylists, and art directors. Our discerning clients are fashion and advertising companies who are looking to elevate their brands with impactful imagery. My years of experience in the corporate setting prior to launching the business gave me a myriad of expertise that allowed me to provide excellent services to both the artists I represent and the clients we cater to. During those corporate years, I was the artist, and I was the client. I spent years experiencing what makes a production work and what doesn’t. Bringing this kind of knowledge and understanding to Pix Management was a recipe for a new kind of agency.

Tell us about yourself

With a background in fine art, I landed in NYC in the early 90s and found my way into the fashion world. After years of staff positions as a graphic designer and photo art director for big retail companies, I left the corporate world to start the agency. It was a total leap of faith, but I knew my experience could really benefit the people I represent. Many of the artists that I worked with over the years expressed their frustration with their agents. The agencies required so much from them without offering a significant return on investment. Agents often hold back payments, and this can really have a negative effect on the quality of life of the artist. They often charge monthly fees for things like inclusion on the agency website. I believed there was a better business model that would really champion the artist and allow them to keep more money in their own pockets. I kept my overhead low and was able to pass on the savings to my artists. I do not charge extra fees and pride myself in paying the artist immediately upon receiving payment from the client. I offer an å la carte-style approach that allows them to pay for only what they need. Some artists only require billing services, while others prefer more in-depth assistance with promotion, management, and dealing with clients. I don't demand exclusivity and allow the artists to be more in control of their own careers. They benefit from the prestige of being represented or the convenience of having some of their administrative tasks handled by me without turning over a huge portion of their earnings to their agent. I can keep my personal hourly commitment concise, and this allows me time to freelance photo art direct, which is something I love. While working on set, I'm able to keep my finger on the pulse of the industry and learn in real-time what the artists and clients need and want. It also allows me to meet new artists who, through word-of-mouth, learn about what I do and how I can make their lives easier. It's a win-win for everyone.

One photographer who left her long-time agency to do billing with me for her e-commerce clients went from paying an agency fee of 25% for all jobs to paying me 5% for billing only. She compared me to Robin Hood since I afforded her a 20% increase in her earnings. I love being able to provide a necessary service while adding value to the artists so they can enjoy a better quality of life. I am an artist, so advocating for other artists is a passion.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

At that time, I started Pix Management; I was hoping to balance my career and motherhood and be more hands-on with my kids. The long hours working in the corporate world no longer resonated with my personal philosophy. I started the company just in time to be the homeroom mom for my youngest, a fifth grader. I felt like I had won the lottery. My two kids, a son, 24, and a daughter, 22, are now grown and launched, but the quality of life I can now enjoy by making my own hours and having time to make my own art and do what I love feels like the biggest success. I'm also very proud of not only keeping the company afloat but also actually thriving for over 12 years and counting.

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

One of the most difficult things that come with being a business owner is choosing to really do it. We can sometimes be our own worst enemies, and we allow doubt and complacency to stop us from achieving our dreams or even dreaming in the first place. Ignoring all of that chatter in our own heads can be the biggest obstacle. Doing it anyway can be the biggest reward. Leap and the net will appear.

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

  1. Create a business that lights you up. Keep your passions in mind and create something that will solve a problem, add value, inspire, or fill a need - for your customers/audience and yourself.
  2. Put yourself in the company of people who are already succeeding at what you want to accomplish. Whether that be taking courses, attending conferences and seminars, or hiring a coach, rub shoulders with like-minded people who can help you achieve your dream. Don't allow the naysayers to dissuade you. They won't likely help you achieve your highest potential because they aren't in your same head space. Surround yourself with success stories and people who can relate to and honor your big ideas.
  3. If your hierarchy of values does not place creating a successful business at the top spots on your list, adjust that. Success is a matter of not quitting before you reach your goals, so it must be one of your key values. Enjoy the ride. Do the work. Get help. Keep learning. Prioritize. The journey is the destination.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pixmanagement.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pix.management
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixmanagement/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicebaker/

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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