Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonathan Jones, Founder of Jon J Photography LLC., located in Columbia, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I specialize in portrait photography, wedding photography, lifestyle, maternity, and Commerical photography. I pride myself on making each customer that I work with feel special by being out the best in them. I have a slogan that says, “Let’s Create Magic Together” I am only 50% of that magic. The client is the other half.
Tell us about yourself
I started photography in 2014; at the time, it was just a hobby that I picked up with my best friend. I had a belief that if I started something, I wanted to master it. One year later, the clientele had grown, and this forced me to switch my hobby to a business. At this moment, Jon J Photography had been birthed. I was so excited and so eager to get out there and shoot. I was working full-time in the IT field and had my photography business on the side. My day at the time went like this, full-time from 8 to 5 pm, Jon J Photography after that.
There are so many avenues in the photography world that one can take, from weddings to commercial photography to even event photography. I have tried them all! Six years ago, I got introduced to the studio photography world; at first, I was clueless about using studio lights and backdrops. I had mastered taking photos outside that the thought of taking them in a studio was scary to me, but I was so determined to learn. So I consulted with friends and fellow photographers and took online studio photography courses. Fast forward to now, I am now a full-time photographer, and I am married to the love of my life and business partner Ashia Jones of Faceover Beauty Studios LLC.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We opened Let’s Create Magic Studios in May of 2020 in the middle of the COVID pandemic. I had been laid off from my job, and we stepped out on faith and signed a lease on our studio. Since then, God has blessed us to provide photography and makeup services to our clients in an environment that speaks to excellence and true customer service. We named the studio Let’s Create Magic Studios because we know that we aim to create timeless pieces of art that will be cherished forever.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a Business Owner is not all Glamorous and Simple. It has definitely not been easy! There have been many times that I felt like giving up because it seemed like others around me were succeeding and improving, and I wasn’t. But I continue to learn and push myself and stay in my lane. With prayer and guidance, I overcame the struggles, and it made me a better person, man, and business owner. There are great days and not-so-great days, but I learn from them both!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, you have to have faith! You have to believe in the vision before others can see the vision!
Second, Develop yourself, invest in your craft learn everything about business and Money!
Third- Create a plan for your business, one that details your goals and where you see your growth!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Do not be afraid to seek help! Don’t allow the fear of not knowing to stop you from being great. Look to others that are doing the things you want to do. Follow them, Study them, and Ask questions. I have a motto for life. “I am a sponge looking to soak up as much knowledge as I can so when I swell, I can squeeze out all that I have learned and share with others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jonjphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonjphotollc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonjpics/
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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