Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindsay Sullivan, founder, and CEO of The Small Business Photographer, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m the founder and CEO of The Small Business Photographer. I help heart-centered entrepreneurs like you attract your dream clients with brand photos that capture your personality, stand out from your competition, and tell your story.
Many women hesitate to put themselves out there and be the face of their business, whether it’s a fear of being visible or discomfort in their appearance. One of my favourite things to do is to help them feel more confident and beautiful in front of the camera and understand that they are photogenic!
Tell us about yourself
I’ve always loved photography, but it wasn’t until three years ago that I did my very first paid photography session. A friend of mine had wanted group photos done and had insisted that they pay me! After that, I experimented with various photography genres and realized that my favourite one was brand photography. I love photographing heart-centered business owners and telling their stories with imagery.
After getting professional photos done for my business, I also went through a transformation myself. I’d always felt uncomfortable in front of the camera and felt like I’d never had flattering photos of myself. It was an incredible feeling getting photos where I felt beautiful and photogenic. I love helping other women transform this way too, so they can feel confident being the face of their business!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping women entrepreneurs feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being visible. It requires that you step well past your comfort zone! For me, that's doing presentations (e.g., how to be more confident in front of the camera, brand photography, etc.) at conferences, in podcasts, in videos on social media, and at networking events. I learned how to become comfortable stepping in front of the camera and becoming the face of my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ensure that it’s something you love! You’ll be spending a lot of hours on your business, so make sure that you love what you do! Plus, that passion will come through with your interactions with potential clients, on your social media videos, and in your marketing.
- Ensure that you have a strong why behind what you do. Having a business can be quite challenging, and you’ll need that big dream to keep you going.
- Find a supportive community of entrepreneurs who can lift you up when you’re discouraged, teach you, and inspire you. And you can give back to them too! One of my favourite groups is eWomenNetwork – it’s such an incredible group of businesswomen!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have a free guide on how to feel more confident in front of the camera. Check it out here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f6ccb9b8239bc66956d1407
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thesmallbusinessphotographer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmallbusinessphotographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmallbusinessphotographer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-sullivan-458420159/
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.