Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Kaffko, Founder & Photographer of Organic Headshots, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the Founder of Organic Headshots, a commercial photography studio specializing in professional headshots and portraits for businesses of all sizes. Our clients range from entrepreneurs running their own brands to global Fortune 500 firms.
Tell us about yourself
Most photography studios are a one-person operation, but we've grown to a team of about 18. Having such an awesome group of creatives who are just as passionate as I am about creating great images and helping our clients enjoy the process is what keeps me coming to work every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Providing stability for myself and my employees: both financially and creatively. Especially during and after the pandemic, when so much was unknown and small businesses across the country were failing, I feel both incredibly lucky and incredibly proud that I was able to not only keep afloat but to expand my business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Also, providing stability! Each decision made on a daily basis, even the littlest ones and the smallest purchases, seems to have to answer the question, "will this keep us afloat and thriving, or will this jeopardize that?" Staying with that big-picture mindset while making daily decisions is very tiring.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Track everything: it's easier to make decisions and catch mistakes if you are keeping written records of every little thing.
- Focus: don't spread yourself too thin. Do one thing and do it so well that people come to you for it.
- Trust your gut: your instinct is 99% right.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://organicheadshots.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organicheadshots
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organicheadshots/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organic-headshots/
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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