Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rose Yuen, director of photography of Rose Boutique Photography, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

My business mainly supports women, the visions they have for themselves, and also their brands if the shoot calls for it. Most of the women I currently work with, we vision, collaborate, and work on what concepts, stories, and images they want for their personal brand. There is a lot happening on the shoots; there is an aspect of attraction... bringing to you what you would like at the moment. There is art direction and lots of trust happening to create the story and to create the images to possibly attract future clients or to just tell a story you have hired me for. We shoot for professionals. However, we have a lot of personal shoots that are coming out of the studio. We have the capacity to work with people, in the studio, on location, and also a combination of both. We have the capacity to support big shoots; however, no shoot is too small.

Tell us about yourself

I love to work with energy, and working with the human spirit is what motivates me every day. It is that subtle layer of uniqueness in every person that brings magic to what we capture together. It is a true work of collaboration and exchange of trust. Seeing into a person and bringing that to the surface with thoughtfulness and engagement takes some work, meaning working on myself. I really see people as teachers.

Even though I worked in Advertising and in Editorial, was published, and had some success, there was definitely a huge hole; something was missing. I was lost for a while in this sea of an industry that was male-dominated. The industry did not always take kindly to my gender, race, or size as the director on set. There was also mistreatment and harassment where I felt as a freelancer and out on my own that there was no protection at the time. I'm grateful for the movement we live in today; there is room for uncomfortable and real talk about issues we have all felt in our industries. I am currently inspired to do shoots and run my own business on my terms.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel the greatest accomplishment is to withstand the grit that comes with being a business owner. I approach the business as I will do whatever it takes. I am not afraid to go after what I started. I am dedicated, and I have a vision of what kinds of projects I will develop and accomplish over time. Being creative, I have learned to be a business owner, and I am willing to keep learning and expanding my skill set.

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

The uncertainty can really take up a lot of headspaces. There is a lot at risk. Not only the financial investment but for me, there is also an emotional investment as a creative person. I want to work on projects surrounding women's issues, and the business is what helps me fund my fine artwork. If I cannot run the business correctly, there is no space for me to be creative.

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

  1. Be willing to learn and invest and get ready to do whatever it takes to build your business.
  2. Make friends with uncertainty; we never know how things will turn out, be willing to pivot, and also be open to what comes, and at the same time, stay realistic about how the business will scale.
  3. Remember when things get tough (and they will at times), remember your vision, why you are doing what you are doing, and be willing to have guts and grit; it will get you far.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Loving what you do is only a part of the equation. Longevity and growth are also about being human. We run our businesses. However, there is so much more we do each day in our approach and our attitudes that really can affect other people. When we have a business, we have a platform that can enrich, inspire or touch someone, even if only for a moment. I think it is not only about ourselves but the communities we serve and the impact we have on others around us.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.roseboutiquephoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseboutiquephoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseboutiquephoto/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-yuen-7a0a8639/

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.