We were lucky to catch up with Katie Palmer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
My business is Shegoes Photography & Designs and I have found it a very fitting name!
I found photography as my art outlet while traveling the world for three years.
I quit my job, converted a RamPromaster van to travel the US full-time but while traveling I found that I was losing a sense of purpose and that is when I started photography.
I started taking online photography classes and saved up money to buy a camera and delved into learning about editing pictures.
I loved living in a van and traveling the US but that was never my true plan; it was due to the Covid epidemic, I always wanted to travel internationally. As soon as international travel became feasible I packed up my camera bag and my backpack to see the world. I spent the next year and a half visiting various countries throughout the world! Travel and sharing travel experiences and images has truly become a passion of mine.
My photography has been highly influenced by my life experiences. I was fortunate enough to be able to take time to travel the world and found that I loved capturing the various cultures, landscapes and wildlife that makes this world so incredible. I spent time learning photography through online classes as well as enrolling in a local community college to further my knowledge.
Experiencing the different cultures of places like Vietnam, Japan, New Zealand made those places remarkable. I felt totally immersed in the culture of the hustle and bustle of Vietnam, the food of Japan and living in a van in New Zealand allowed us to totally embrace the Kiwi lifestyle. Learning about coffee, chocolate and wine in a variety of places such as Costa Rica, Argentina and Guatemala was so interesting. Seeing the majestic animals while on Safari in Africa and waking up hearing the roars of lions in the Serengeti is an experience that will stay with me forever. Every new place I went I was able to make new friends and have new experiences all over the world.
Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I enjoy various aspects of art in my business. I have worked hard to build a local clientele of families, couples and business professionals taking lifestyle photos as well as headshots. After spending three years traveling I have been going through my travel photos and entering several different galleries and competitions. I also have mounted some of my favorite photos and sell them at markets around North Carolina. When I am not working on my photography I also love the design side of my business which is creating items using macrame. I make plant hangers, coasters, trivets and key chains. I sell these items at markets as well!
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Selling myself is very difficult for me and so making networking connections can be hard for me. I started making more comprehensive flyers showcasing my work. This way when I am talking to a possible new client I can show my work without getting too nervous.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I am always looking to continue growing my education. I have enrolled in classes at the local community college to further my education. I am currently taking a film class, business of arts and a Spanish class. I also take various online classes to hone my photography skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shegoesphotographydesigns.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shegoes_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558867841018
