Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Knightstep, a photographer based in Sioux Falls, SD, USA.

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

I'm a newborn and first-year milestone photographer, and my clients are mommies and daddies intent on capturing their baby's first year in beautiful, baby-centered images.

Tell us about yourself

I confess: I'm in it for the baby snuggles. I mean, the photos are wonderful, too, but it's the baby snuggles for me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I opened a brick-and-mortar studio space in February 2020 and have managed to thrive in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic and a cross-country move.

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

Saying no! As a small business owner, setting boundaries and saying "no" are just incredibly difficult!

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

  1. Make sure you have good insurance right from the start. It's worth it for the peace of mind alone.
  2. Try to mind your own small business. Comparison is the thief of joy. Do YOUR thing, and you'll shine.
  3. It's okay to make your own happiness and success a priority. As women, we're socialized to be selfless and to put others' needs and wants ahead of our own, so we often feel like we need permission to chase our dreams and make our own business goals a priority. So this is it! You have permission.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jenknightstep.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenKnightstepPhoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennkstep/

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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