Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Damian Hendrix, Digital Creator of Shot By Hendrix, located in Baltimore, MD, USA.

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

I have been exposed to photography and videography all of my life. My dad was one of the only guys in the 80s that walked around with a camera and documented everyday life on video. I’d like to say that a lot of my passion for art was a seed planted by my father. Once upon a time, I wanted to be an actor more than anything and see my name on the big screen in Hollywood. But as time progressed, I let that dream transform into a desire to behind the scene roles.

I started in the production field officially after high school (Class of 2006), landing a job at Sinclair Broadcast Group – Fox45 News (2007-2009). I started out as an intern, and within two months, I was offered a position in the production department. I remember starting out preparing scripts for the on-air talent and operating the teleprompter. After a while, I continued to utilize the opportunity to learn as much as possible from the other professionals there, including editing, photography, set design, and many other tasks. I stayed there for a few years and ultimately became one of the studio floor directors before leaving.

After functioning as an Emergency Medical Technician in Maryland since 2005 and working at the University of Maryland Medical Center – Shock Trauma Center, I decided that my 15 years in the medical field were slowly fading to one of my least favorite things to do. I really dived into the creative arts craft in 2016, and by 2019, I left my daytime job and became a full-time entrepreneur.

Tell us about yourself

I am a photographer and cinematographer, but I like to refer to myself as a visual storyteller. I specialize in both photo and video, but a lot of people recognize my brand for my video work. I have been known recently for my engagement and wedding videos. That makes me proud that people recognize my brand and my work without ever meeting me in person. My motivation is to establish and create a legacy for my family. I think my personality and background of providing a great experience with great customer service sets me apart from others. I have years of experience in the event planning field, and I like to use that to my advantage when providing a pleasant and personalized experience for each and every client.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is having the business grow on a national level. Being based in Maryland has put me in a central location to serve clients along the Atlantic Coast. However, over the years, I have had clients as far west as Los Angeles, far south as New Orleans and Florida, not to forget New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and other major cities. This has truly been an accomplishment, and I am very grateful to have been able to experience that. This is only the beginning.

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

My biggest struggle in the past was the infamous work-life balance. Going into the business, the thought is to spend more time with the family and less time working however it is the complete opposite at times. Growing a business is similar to a baby; you have to nurture and care for it very meticulously, and that can be time-consuming. After six years, I am finally able to get that concept down of self-care and official off time.

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

  1. One of the first tips as an entrepreneur needs to take is to develop a business and management plan.
  2. Market your business; there have to be customers willing to pay for your product or service. Without a need or demand for what your product or service, your business will not survive no matter how well planned out it is.
  3. Analyzing your resources is important to make sure you possess or can acquire the necessary resources before beginning your business. Equipment, staffing, and marketing require substantial initial investment; plan accordingly.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

– Set Goals & Be Passionate In Everything That You Do
– Don’t Be Afraid To Operate In Your Own Lane... There Is Less Traffic
– Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
– Network Network Network
– Your Network Is Your Networth

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.shotbyhendrix.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shotbyhendrix
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shot_by_hendrix/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shot_by_hendrix

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.