Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Pierce, owner of Sarah Pierce Photography and Minneapolis Headshots, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Minneapolis Headshots specializes in professional headshots for corporations, individual business employees, LinkedIn profile photos, and individuals who wish to present themselves with a quality professional or lifestyle image.
Tell us about yourself
What motivated me to start my business was that I wanted to showcase people's personalities in photos. When my daughter turned 1-year old, I took her to a chain photography studio for her first professional photos. When I saw the photos, I thought they looked nothing like her. Where's her personality? Her spirit? It's one thing to take a photo, but it's another to capture someone's personality. What keeps me motivated is my clients. I never know who I will meet each day. People from all walks of life, connecting with them and capturing their spirit, is my greatest reward.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is growing the business from a small, at-home studio to two large commercial studio spaces.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The toughest part about being a business owner is trying to make everyone happy. One of my favorite quotes is, "You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." - John Lydgate. As a people pleaser, I have to remind myself of this daily.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You hear so much about "work/life balance." It's true. You need to find that fine balance between taking care of yourself and running a business. Having a mentor or two is also important. One who understands the technical side of your job as well as one who understands the business side. Lastly, be detail oriented. While it's important to see the big picture, the small details can make or break your business. For example, my clients really appreciate that I personally respond to their inquiries promptly and with great care. I remember details about them, and I think that makes them feel special. I have many loyal clients who have come back to me over the years.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.minneapolisheadshots.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinneapolisHeadshots
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minneapolisheadshots/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpiercephotography/
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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