We were lucky to catch up with Anshawna Charles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anshawna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?
I’ve started my business in 2010 and I feel like I really started scaling up 2020. Yes, 10 years after my start. There are 2 parts that helped me succeed. I worked on my craft. I was originally self taught via YouTube. To grow I studied other photographers, took classes, and researched more and more. I am still a work in progress, but I am definitely not where I was in 2010. Another major part of my growth is marketing. I have a business coach who gives me goals and tell me ways I can grow my business. She had me upgrade my online presence including my website and Google. These things helped me grow.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Anshawna General Charles, but I go by Shaye. I got into photography because I loved taking pictures of myself. My friend, Erica and I would shoot each other all the time so we got in business together. I shoot events, branding, families, weddings, and seniors. I believe everyone is photogenic and photos are for memories you can’t bring back. I want clients to know they can count on me to make them feel good and they will have a great experience.
Charles & Charles Photography is a family-owned business based in Houston, Tx. It is a husband and wife collaboration between Michael and Anshawna Charles. Anshawna has been shooting since 2010 and Michael has been shooting since 2014.
Anshawna General Charles is also a full-time teacher, mentor, and mother. Michael Charles is an army veteran, Dallas Cowboys enthusiast, transporter, and father. We are the parents of a Deuce and General who are photographers in training.
We capture moments at various locations. You will see photos in the park, downtown, or many other locations. We will capture your wedding, graduation party, any occasion that you want to treasure.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
To build your social media you have to post!!! Show your work and show you!! Potential clients love seeing who they will be working with.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth. When I get clients I make sure I connect with them. I ask questions and pretty much make them family. Social media is also a big part of clientele. I try to post daily to make sure that I keep showing up on people’s timeline.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlesandcharlesphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscharlesandcharlesphotograph/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlesandcharlesphotography