Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Shanahan, co-founder of Amy Rose Productions, LLC, located in Worcester, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're Melissa Amy Shanahan and Chelsea Rose Nye, Co-Founders and Freelance Commercial Photographers behind Amy Rose Photography. Our clients included Magnolia, Wayfair, Birch Lane, All Modern, Joss & Main, Berkshire Blanket, Wolverine Worldwide, Perigold, Brilli, Innocor, and Mackenzie & Co, to name a few.
Tell us about yourself
After working together for a few years, we were in pursuit of developing new and exciting opportunities outside of operating inside an in-house studio. So, sharing the same ethics and values around output quality, artistic discipline, and complimenting personalities, we drew up a business plan and went for it! We take great pride in being a women-owned business and love to problem-solve for our clients. There's no better feeling than exceeding their expectations and watching their reactions at the end of a project.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The most significant accomplishment has been making our vision come to life. As a result, we have two renovated studios and an office space with a closet full of equipment. We'd never imagined having all of this in the earlier stages of our careers. Also, our clients and various creative teams we've worked with have been pretty spectacular. We also had our first cover story published, which was very exciting.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is navigating your way through the entire process. You can have a plan, but it doesn't always go as expected, and you have to be ready to pivot at any moment. There's a lot of information on "how to start a business." However, there is very little on the emotional journey you go through as an owner. It's not for the faint of heart. You must have grit, persistence, and perseverance to survive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, if you don't already have one, find a support system with people that align with your goals and support your decisions. Make sure they've built something themselves or have the experience to speak. Avoid advice from someone who wants to give their input but has no real-life experience with your situation.
Secondly, be prepared to wear multiple hats. When starting, most don't have the funds to hire various people to handle day-to-day operations. You are responsible for performing the job you created, scheduling, generating new leads, marketing, building contracts, content and standard operating procedures, payroll, IT, social media, and so on.
Thirdly, if you have a purpose and a mission, NEVER...GIVE....UP...Where there's a will, there's a way!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theamyrose.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyRosePhotoAndMotion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.amyrose/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amyroseproductionsllc/
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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