Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jasmine Norris, founder of Jasmine Norris Photography, located in Lafayette, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
For over a decade, Jasmine Norris Photography has been providing wedding couples with romantic and joyful images that they will love and treasure for generations, all while helping them have a stress-free wedding experience. I am a photographer for romantic and joyful couples who want their wedding day to be authentic. As the owner of Jasmine Norris Photography, I understand how stressful planning a wedding can be. I am committed to providing the best experience for my clients and strive to make the wedding photography experience as stress-free as possible. I streamline the experience for my clients by providing custom guides, drafting timelines, and offering personalized tips. My widely popular blog series, "Wedding Wednesday," also provides tips and advice for all couples who are actively planning their wedding.
Tell us about yourself
I sort of fell into photography. It was something I always loved to do as a kid, and you could find me with a little disposable camera in my hand. While in college, I started working in the music industry and would take photos at concerts. Those photos started getting noticed, and I was propelled into a concert photographer role. As the years went on, this slowly transitioned into wedding photography, and I fell in love! I love getting to document my couple's love story for generations to see. Being a concert photographer really taught me to think fast on my feet and always expect the unexpected, and that has helped me become a great wedding photographer. Seeing the looks on couples' faces when they view their images motivates me to keep going and to serve my clients the best that I can.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Besides being able to provide my couples with gorgeous images that they can pass down through the generations and being able to run a thriving business, one of my other biggest business accomplishments is being able to support causes that I care about. Jasmine Norris Photography is committed to operating with as low of an environmental footprint as possible and donates 5% of sales to environmental and humanitarian causes. In 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 we were able to neutralize 80,000 pounds of carbon emissions each year by partnering with CarbonFund.org and are on track to neutralize the same amount of carbon emissions in 2023.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is that there are no sick days. While, yes, we can take days off and take time for ourselves, we are the ones that keep things running and thriving. Finding that work-life balance is sometimes hard, and I always find myself working on vacations and pushing through aches and pains.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure the business you decide to start is something you love and are passionate about! It's easier to grow a thriving business when it's something that you love to do!
- Set boundaries and work hours. It's easy for small business owners and entrepreneurs to work sporadically and not have a set schedule. Having a set schedule will make it easier for you to plan your days and set time for yourself.
- Remember, there is only one of you, and you are what makes your business unique. No one else can do the exact same thing as you do or do it in the same way you do. Lean on that and remember that you and your business are always worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jasminenorris.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JasmineNorrisPhotography/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmine.norris/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/norrisjasmine
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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