Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carlisle Kellam, founder of TwelveCo, LLC, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

My Business is Called TwelveCo LLC, and it consists of my personal brand, Carlisle Kellam Photo and Film, and the niche businesses CK Headshots Atlanta and Product Photography Atlanta. My customers are creative agencies, businesses, and individuals in need of freelance help for film and photography projects.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a photographer and filmmaker, now based in Atlanta, with close to twenty years of experience in both trades. I started doing photography, and shortly after filmmaking, as a strictly creative endeavor. I found a few opportunities to support myself with it along the way and expanded from there. What keeps me going, my main motivation has changed a few times over the years. I'd say now the most important function of business is earning resources to contribute to the needs of my family. Second is the pleasure of doing meaningful work and contributing something to society.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's hard to say what my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is. Off the top of my head, I'd say it's someone keeping going through tough times. There were times when I had almost nothing. I literally could not afford a one-dollar beer at the bar. But I kept on moving for one reason or another.

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

Uncertainty, for sure. Although life offers few guarantees in general, owning a business offers even less. At least, that's my experience.

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

There are so many different roads that lead to success here it's hard to say what would be helpful in general. But if it were me I was talking to, I'd say:

  1. Have an alternate way to support yourself.
  2. Realize that this, too, is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
  3. Regularly stop, look around, and make sure you're following the right course.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://productphotographyatlanta.com/
https://carlislekellam.com/
https://www.ckheadshotsatlanta.com/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.