Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michae Allen, owner of A Sharp Photo, located in Boynton Beach, FL, USA.

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

I am an artist who creates photos, videos, and audio. I primarily serve Curvy Women with my art, and I also love working with actors and business owners.

Tell us about yourself

I'd actually been working as a photographer for a few years, and I was invited to a Plus Size fashion show, and I loved it! That started me seeking out Curvy models to work with. As I spent more time in the community, many of the models told me stories about their mistreatment and rejection in the modeling space. That inspired me to focus my energy on plus-size models and to provide quality imagery for them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Some of my artwork was displayed at the Nude Nite expo.

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

Finding the balance between business and art can be challenging. A creative wants to create, so looking at spreadsheets or doing keyword research is not high on the list, but it is necessary to keep the business moving. I think it's important to have personal projects that have nothing to do with getting paid so you don't get caught up in only doing your bread-and-butter work.

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

  1. Do your homework and make sure your product/idea is in demand. Just because you think it is a good idea doesn't mean that you can find people to pay for it.
  2. You don't have to do everything. It is oftentimes cheaper to pay someone to do something that you don't want to do or aren't good at. DIY isn't always the best idea.
  3. Be focused and diligent, but also be flexible and ready to pivot when you need to.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.asharpphoto.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asharpphoto13
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asharpphoto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/asharpphoto
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeallen/

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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