Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samuel Gernand, Co-Founder of The Gernands Photography, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi! I'm Samuel, a fine art wedding photographer based in Chicago, IL. Couples come to me for a laid-back, down-to-earth experience and romantic, authentic, and candid fine art photos. The foundation of my business is creating an authentic, personal relationship with my clients to understand their needs and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
Tell us about yourself
My fascination with photography began when I was young, and after photographing my first wedding in 2017, I knew I had found my passion. I take great joy in connecting with all kinds of lovely couples and playing such an important role in one of the most exciting days of their lives! I love telling love stories through authentic photographs that can be admired for generations. My other passions include music, mycology, hiking, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with my loved ones.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest professional accomplishment has been building a sustainable wedding photography business that supports my family and receiving only glowing 5-star reviews from the very beginning!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge of being a business owner for me has been learning to delegate tasks that aren't my strong suit, such as bookkeeping, taxes, and copywriting.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My advice to others is to invest in yourself and your business, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks that are beyond your scope to someone you trust who understands your business. Also, don't be afraid to fail. It's okay to fail as a business owner because failure is a natural part of the learning and growth process! Failure can also lead to valuable lessons and new opportunities for improvement.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thegernands.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegernands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegernands/
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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