Experience Timeless Portraits - Kari Layland Photography
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kari Layland, owner of Kari Layland Photography, located in Cottage Grove, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a portrait photographer specializing in High School seniors, family portraits, and headshots.
Tell us about yourself
I started out working for a chain portrait studio, where I learned how to connect with people in a short amount of time. We only had 15 minutes per session, after all! Over time I felt the need to give my clients a better experience and started my own business doing custom photography for a lower volume of clients. I started out doing everything. Weddings, babies, birthday parties, you name it. Over time I discovered that events were not where my passion lies, so I stopped photographing weddings and events to focus on families and seniors. I've had the honor of photographing senior portraits for kids who I photographed as babies, and it's really rewarding that they've returned to me after so many years. I have several families who come to me for their annual family photos, and I love being able to watch their families grow over the years. More recently, I've developed a strong interest in headshots, specifically for actors. It's a lot of fun helping actors express themselves in front of the camera and represent the different character types they're able to portray.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think it's just that I've maintained a regular client base who returns to me year after year and who recommend me to their friends and family. Knowing they trust me enough to send their loved ones to me is a great feeling and is great for keeping my business thriving. Providing quality work and good customer service is very important!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being self-employed and without employees, I do miss going into a workplace and having a team of people that I see every day. Working alone means I have to work harder to maintain friendships since I don't have workplace friends. I do organize a community game night and take part in local film and acting projects to keep my social life intact!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Develop a plan first and foremost. Know your goals and have a plan in place to achieve them, and create a schedule to avoid burnout.
- Make sure you're delivering quality work. Don't start until you're ready and your product or service is solid!
- Treat your clients well! Give them service that will make them want to brag about you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kariphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariLaylandPhotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karilaylandphoto/
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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