Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenny King, founder of Jenny King Photography, located in Rutherford, NJ, USA.

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

I'm a personal brand photographer. The majority of my clients are women of color entrepreneurs, founders of non-profit organizations, creatives, and podcasters. My days can range from creating headshots for an author, product photos for a skincare line, cake photos for a baker, lifestyle portraits for a podcaster, or behind the scene images at a non-profit.

Tell us about yourself

I started freelancing in the industry back in the early 1990s and decided to launch Jenny King Photography in May of 2014. I was laid off from my full-time job shortly before that, in October of 2013. It was a blessing that I was laid off. I realized that I wanted more control of my time. I had always wanted to start my own portrait photography business, so I finally took a chance and loved every minute of it.

My clients motivate me. I absolutely love learning about their businesses and their entrepreneurial journey. Their stories inspire me with my business, and I am grateful that they chose me for their photography needs.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Repeat clients. I feel so blessed that clients become friends and that they come back to me when they need to update their photos.

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

I don't know about everyone else, but for me, my biggest challenge has been valuing my self-worth and pricing my services properly. I knew what I needed to charge. However, I kept holding myself back. I slowly raised my prices over the past few years. I'm happy to say I'm finally priced properly to be sustainable.

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

  1. Price yourself properly to be profitable and sustainable from the very beginning.
  2. Continue to educate yourself in your craft and business in general. I'm constantly learning from other photographers and leaders in other industries as well.
  3. Network with other entrepreneurs and volunteer your time in the community. Social media is great, but you can make stronger connections in person. Be sure to connect and reconnect. I'm super shy, but I LOVE networking.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't overextend yourself. I'm slowly learning that it's ok to say no to some opportunities.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jennyking.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennykingphotos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyking_photography/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyking/

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.