Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hanna Hunt, Head Photographer and Brand Designer of Style Shutter, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi! My name is Hanna Rose Hunt, and I'm the founder and head photographer at Style Shutter! We are a growing photography company based in NYC, serving small business owners, creatives, musicians, and families. We provide a range of photoshoots, from branding and editorial shots to capturing the lifestyle and memorable events!
Tell us about yourself
I've always loved being creative. When I was four years old, my papa (grandfather) gave me my first camera. I took photos all the time and ended up winning 1st place at state fairs, photographing family events, etc. I loved the way I could tell a story with just one photo. I have been an actress my entire life, but I knew that photography was always going to be another passion of mine. While in high school, many of my friends who were fashion designers needed photography, and I began to charge for photoshoots. I established my company, Style Shutter my junior year of high school, and then in college, I began to cast a wider net doing headshots for fellow actors and graduation photos for greek life friends. I began to find my niche when I began doing more branding and editorial photos for well-known influencers and fashion companies. I love all types of photography, but I have found that creating a world and making a client's unique vision come to life gets me the most excited to go to work every day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is definitely the people I've gotten to work with. By being flexible and able to work with various creatives, businesses and companies, I've been able to work with people who inspire me and make my job so enjoyable. The deep relationships you can create with each client are invaluable and have made not only my business richer but my own life as well!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the level of commitment it takes. You will find yourself working ALL THE TIME! It's not like a typical 9 to 5 job where you close your laptop and leave for the day. YOU are your business (at least when you're starting out for most), and it requires you to fill all the roles, including financier, PR, social media manager, production manager, etc. It can be a lot of work, but once you get the hang of it, it's SO worth it! Even many years later, I'm always learning new tricks!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The best advice I can give to someone thinking about starting their own business would be to do as much research as you can, and once you do, believe in yourself!! There's a huge learning curve when you're just starting, but have fun learning as much as you can and networking with people in your community. It's so important to have people who are experiencing the same struggles and victories you are--and you never know who can refer you to your next big client! There is no "one path" to success, so don't compare your progress to others, but focus on doing your very best, and THAT will be your success! Lastly, don't let unsupportive people get you down. Not everyone will encourage you, and that's okay; if you believe in yourself, you can do anything!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.style-shutter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styleshutterphotography/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styleshutterphotography/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-rose-hunt-a03a7410b/
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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