Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ana Kliri, Founder of Kliri Vision, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Kliri Vision, we create photo and video content for businesses and personal brands. We help find key visual anchors and bring them to life. Our customers are entrepreneurs and growing businesses that understand the importance of social media and communication through content. They are ready to transform their business into a brand.
Tell us about yourself
When I moved to Canada and started doing photography, I realized that many businesses don't understand the importance of photos. While using SkipTheDishes, I encountered restaurants with 150 menu items but no accompanying photos. I couldn't comprehend how much time I should spend reading and trying to decide what to order. Similarly, when browsing the social media pages of local brands, I often came across low-quality photos, leaving me unsure about the quality of their products. It's evident that some brands struggle to showcase their products effectively and determine what content to post. Relying on stock images and videos is no longer as effective as it was 15 years ago. Personally, I desire to open my feed and be greeted with beautiful content that pleases my eyes and entices me to desire the showcased products or services. I've witnessed how this approach works in Europe, and now I aim to bring it here to Canada.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I started my business right after the COVID pandemic forced us to stay at home, and it coincided with my personal move to a new country. It wasn't the most opportune time to meet new people or establish communication channels, but I persevered and learned valuable lessons. I found ways to practice and enhance my skills, and I also discovered how to find customers online, which allowed me to secure bookings soon after the lockdown was lifted. Even when I had to relocate once again to another city, I didn't give up. My business has continued to thrive, and we are currently experiencing growth and reaching new heights.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
To think like a business owner rather than an artist or worker. Many small businesses begin as hobbies that generate income. However, there comes a point when solely focusing on photography, jewelry making, or painting is insufficient for building a sustainable business. It becomes necessary to consider delegation because if you handle everything—content creation, marketing, accounting, paperwork, and the actual artistic work—by yourself, you remain merely a worker in your business rather than a true business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Identify the problem in your area that you want to solve and create a business that addresses it.
- Delegate tasks that someone else can handle and that you don't enjoy doing.
- Seek assistance from professionals in your field and observe their actions, as it can be a valuable learning experience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://anakliri.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anakliri
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kliri.photo/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.