Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Kandziora, founder of PhotoMomming by Jen Kandziora, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

I'm the baby whisperer. Hahaha. I specialize in unique children's photography, keeping it natural and getting the most genuine expressions out of kids of all ages. My clients come from all over Austin and from many different backgrounds.

Tell us about yourself

Funny story, I had been toying around with my camera when my daughter brought home her school portraits. Now, I had been taking photographs and doing headshot photography at this point for a few years, but mostly as a hobby. I took one look at her school portraits and thought that they did her such a disservice. My child's image was distorted, and the background was all "cheesed" up with cartoony images. They were good for a laugh but not for hanging on my walls. So I did not only decide to redo them myself, but I offered to redo any school portrait for any kid that went to school in our area. The response I got from other parents was overwhelming, and I saw clearly that there is a need for what I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of photographing many schools throughout Austin. Giving back to the schools I photograph is a huge part of what I do. After every session, I take a percentage of my profits from portrait sales and give them back to the school. So far, I have given thousands of dollars back to schools that have used the donation for playground equipment, supplies to build gardens, books, and even teacher bonuses. I am so proud to support a community like Austin.

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

There are just not enough hours in the day! My daily to-do list is usually three pages long. I sometimes joke that photography is ten percent behind the lens and ninety percent behind the desk. Add kids, a husband, a pet, a house to clean, laundry, cooking, and social life to the mix, and there is certainly not enough time in a day unless you make great efforts. It's important that I stay focused on what's most important and not get too stressed about the small stuff.

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

First, Don't try to do all the things. Find what you do best and do it better than anyone else. Second, It's really important to realize that success isn't a thing that just happens one day. It's a result of your daily efforts. And lastly, thinking about a plan isn't a plan. Writing it down, setting goals, and following through is. The following through part can be really scary at first, but man, it feels good to get things accomplished.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Social media is a huge part of business today, and we can all get stuck in the spiral of posting and tagging. But this is not who we really are. We really depend on how we interact with those who are right in front of us. I encourage business owners, especially women, to take a break from the apps and step out into real life. Support other business owners by stopping by. Have a face-to-face chat. Share a genuine smile and see how great it feels to make those connections.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.photomomming.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photomomming/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.