We recently connected with Mandie B. and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandie, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The idea for my creative services business blossomed from a blend of passion, necessity, and serendipity. As a mom of three boys, I was constantly capturing moments of their lives, from their first steps to their mischievous grins. Photography became more than just a hobby; it was a way to preserve the fleeting moments of my children’s childhood.

Living in Miami, surrounded by vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, I felt inspired daily. I wanted to share this beauty and my passion for storytelling through images with others. The turning point came when friends and family began to notice the quality of my photos and started asking if I could take pictures for their events and family portraits. Their encouragement planted the seed that maybe, just maybe, I could turn my passion into a business.

The logical side of me saw the demand. People wanted professional, heartfelt photography that captured their essence and milestones. The market in Miami was thriving, with its dynamic mix of cultures and constant influx of events. I knew there was a niche for a family photographer who could bring a personal, warm touch to every session.

Emotionally, the idea of running my own business felt exhilarating and daunting. There were moments of self-doubt, wondering if I could balance a business with raising three boys. However, the support from my family and the initial positive feedback gave me the confidence to take the leap.

I invested time in honing my skills, learning the business side of photography, and building a portfolio. I also embraced my Cuban heritage, incorporating its rich, vibrant elements into my work, which resonated deeply with the local community.

The culmination of these efforts was the birth of my creative services business. It wasn’t just about making a living; it was about creating lasting memories for families, capturing the essence of Miami’s diversity, and proving to myself and my boys that following your passion can lead to incredible opportunities.

The success of my initial projects, reaffirmed that I was on the right path. Each inquiry, especially the recent surge for the coming months, feels like a validation of that initial leap of faith. It’s a reminder that combining passion with dedication can indeed lead to a fulfilling and successful endeavor.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Mandie B., a family photographer based in Miami, and I’m delighted to share my journey with you. I started in this industry driven by a deep passion for capturing life’s precious moments, particularly those involving family and children. Being a mom of three boys, I naturally gravitated towards photographing my kids, documenting their growth and the joy they bring into our lives. This hobby quickly transformed into a calling as friends and family began to appreciate my work and encouraged me to take it further.

My Cuban heritage and the vibrant culture of Miami provide a rich backdrop for my photography. I specialize in family portraits, children’s photography, and event photography, creating images that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal and emotive. I also offer branding photography services, helping businesses convey their story and values through powerful visuals.

What sets my work apart is my approach. I believe in capturing authentic moments that reflect the true essence of the people in front of my lens. My sessions are relaxed and fun, allowing families to be themselves, which results in genuine, heartfelt images. I take pride in my ability to connect with my clients, making them feel comfortable and valued, ensuring that their personality shines through in every photo.

One of the problems I solve for my clients is the challenge of capturing high-quality, meaningful photographs amidst their busy lives. I provide a seamless experience from start to finish, handling all the details so they can simply enjoy the moment. Additionally, for businesses, I create compelling visual content that helps them stand out in a crowded market, enhancing their brand image and engaging their audience.

I am most proud of the impact my work has on my clients. Seeing their joy when they receive their photos, knowing that I’ve helped preserve a special moment in time, is incredibly fulfilling. My recent success, such as the session gallery for Wentwood Capital Lending’s branding, demonstrates my ability to cater to diverse needs and deliver high-quality results consistently.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine love for photography and a commitment to excellence. I am dedicated to creating beautiful, lasting memories for families and helping businesses tell their unique stories through my lens. Thank you for considering me to be a part of your journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely. One story that stands out and truly illustrates my resilience occurred early in my career when I was balancing my newfound business with the demands of raising three young boys. I had just landed a significant project with a local business for a branding shoot, which was a huge opportunity for me.

The night before the shoot, one of my boys fell ill, and it quickly became a chaotic and sleepless night. As any parent knows, seeing your child sick is incredibly stressful, and I was torn between my responsibilities as a mother and my commitment to this important project.

By morning, I was exhausted and emotionally drained, but I knew I had to push through. I arranged for my husband to stay home with our boys and headed out to the shoot, despite every part of me wanting to stay with my family.

When I arrived at the location, I took a moment to gather myself. I reminded myself why I started this journey and how important it was to deliver my best work. Despite my fatigue, I focused all my energy on the task at hand. The session went smoothly, and I was able to capture the essence of the business in a way that exceeded their expectations.

That project turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career. Not only did it lead to more referrals and opportunities, but it also proved to me that I could handle the pressures of running a business while being a mom. It was a testament to my resilience and dedication, and it reinforced my belief that passion, combined with perseverance, can overcome any obstacle.

This experience taught me valuable lessons about time management, asking for help, and the importance of self-belief. It showed me that resilience isn’t about never facing challenges; it’s about how you respond to them and the strength you find within yourself to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely. Reflecting on my journey, there are several resources that would have been invaluable had I known about them earlier:

1. **Online Photography Communities and Forums**: Platforms like Flickr, Reddit, and specialized photography forums offer a wealth of knowledge, from technical tips to creative inspiration. Being part of these communities early on could have provided me with guidance and feedback, helping me grow faster.

2. **Business Management Tools**: Tools like HoneyBook and Studio Ninja for client management, invoicing, and project organization are game-changers. Discovering these earlier would have streamlined my administrative tasks, giving me more time to focus on the creative side of my business.

3. **Educational Resources and Workshops**: Websites like CreativeLive and Skillshare offer courses on photography techniques, business management, and marketing. These platforms provide affordable, high-quality education from industry experts, which would have been incredibly beneficial in the early stages of my career.

4. **Local Networking Groups**: Joining local photographer meetups and small business associations can open doors to collaborations, referrals, and mentorship. Early involvement in such groups would have expanded my professional network and provided support from like-minded individuals.

5. **Social Media Marketing Guides**: Understanding how to effectively market my services on platforms like Instagram and Facebook is crucial. Resources like HubSpot’s social media marketing guides could have helped me build a strong online presence sooner, attracting more clients.

6. **Legal and Financial Advice**: Access to affordable legal and financial advice, such as through organizations like SCORE, would have been beneficial. These resources can help with setting up the business, understanding tax obligations, and protecting intellectual property.

7. **Photography Gear Reviews and Comparisons**: Websites like DPReview and YouTube channels dedicated to gear reviews would have saved me from making costly mistakes in purchasing equipment. Knowing where to invest my money for the best quality and value early on would have been advantageous.

8. **Mentorship Programs**: Finding a mentor through programs like the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) or other industry associations could have provided personalized guidance and support, helping me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

While I eventually discovered many of these resources, having access to them earlier would have significantly eased my journey, allowing me to focus more on honing my craft and growing my business. For anyone starting out in the creative field, I highly recommend seeking out these types of resources to build a strong foundation for your career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://photosbymandieb.pic-time.com/client
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoriesbymandieb?igsh=aW56Y3d0OXY4dXIy&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/L7STey2QtJaVmZyP/?mibextid=LQQJ4d