Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindsay Bell, Founder of LC Creative Agency, located in Fort Wayne, IN, USA.

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

I run a creative agency that specializes in digital marketing and producing creative content (like product photos, lifestyle imagery, and short-form videos) for product-based businesses. I've been a product photographer for almost a decade and understand what customers are looking for when deciding whether to purchase from brands. I offer marketing strategy consulting or full-service help where I create marketing strategies and help brands put them into action.

Tell us about yourself

When I was job searching before I finished college, I noticed there weren't many marketing agencies that offered both the analytical and creative sides of marketing. They either offered services catered to SEO and strategy development or the production of creative assets. I'm pretty split-brained in that I love the analytical and creative sides of marketing, so I didn't want to stick to one side for the rest of my career. Instead, I decided to fill the gap and create a full-service creative agency.

This idea would never have come to fruition without my almost decade of experience in photography, though. The whole reason is that when I first learned photography, I was dedicated to integrating it into my life in any way possible. I knew I wanted to start a photography business; I just wasn't sure when that would be or what kind of business. Now, I'm able to take that passion and make it part of my everyday life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting my business when I did. A year ago, when I started it, I didn't think I could start a business without a corporate job out of college first. Instead, I took the leap while I didn't have too much to worry about. I've learned how to be resourceful and learn from others to grow my own business.

Plus, it's been amazing to look back and see how much I've had to trust and believe in myself to make this happen. My confidence and determination have grown so much since I first started.

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

Time management. You don't have a boss looking over what you do each day, so some days it's hard to concentrate and finish the work that needs to be done for that day. Some days, you don't have any motivation to do your work. That doesn't mean that you're no longer interested in your business, but rather, once the feeling of newness from starting a new venture wears off, it's hard to stay motivated and keep putting in the work on the hard days.

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

  1. Understand your capacity. Some weeks, I feel like a hamster on a wheel, writing down idea after idea. I get the most work done on my business during these periods. However, at first, I would scold myself for not being at that level of productivity all the time. Understand your capacity in different seasons of life. Do this by having a list of what needs to get done no matter what, a stretch list for when you want to push yourself a little further, and a hamster on a wheel list for when you're in the groove.
  2. Have a good set of systems in place. These include project management software that you and your clients can collaborate on, automatic invoicing software, and a customer relationship management tool. It will save you time and money (because time is money, especially as an entrepreneur).
  3. Be consistent. Lastly, know that business success is a collection of consistent action. Some days may seem repetitive and not so glamorous, but consistency is what creates action, which brings success.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you're looking for more action steps you can take daily to improve your brand's social media strategy and product imagery, I share tips on my TikTok twice daily at @Lccreativeagency.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lccreativeagency.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lccreativeagency
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbell_photography/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcbell/

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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