We recently connected with Stacy Tucker-davis and have shared our conversation below.

Stacy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Having the support of friends and family in my business journey means the world to me. Their encouragement not only boosts my confidence when I can be in the depths of struggling mentally, but also provides a safety net during challenging times knowing that I have them there to be my biggest cheerleaders when I need it most. Knowing that I have a solid foundation of loved ones who believe in my vision inspires me to push forward, even when obstacles or doubt arise. Their willingness to share my work, provide feedback so I can grow, and celebrate milestones makes this entrepreneurial journey feel less daunting and more fulfilling. Ultimately, their support reminds me that I’m not alone, and that my dreams are shared by those closest to me.

I absolutely love when clients turn into close friends; it adds a unique warmth to my work. This transformation often begins with shared goals and mutual respect, but as we collaborate, we uncover common interests and values that deepen our connection. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our professional relationship evolve into genuine friendship, where we celebrate successes together and provide support during tough times. These friendships bring joy and a sense of community to my business, reminding me that what I do is not just about transactions but about building meaningful connections. Knowing I have friends who truly understand my journey makes the experience all the more enriching and fulfilling.

I absolutely love when clients become return customers, regardless of how much time has passed. It’s the biggest compliment and honor to know that they valued our previous work together enough to come back for more. Each return visit feels like a reaffirmation of trust and satisfaction, and it motivates me to continually improve and provide the best experience possible. Seeing them again reminds me that our connection is lasting, and it makes my work all the more fulfilling.

Stacy, 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?

Starting my business at the young age of 17 was both an exciting and transformative experience. Fueled by passion and a desire to make an impact, I took the leap into entrepreneurship, learning invaluable lessons along the way, no matter how wonderful and agonizing. The challenges I faced taught me resilience and creativity, while the support from family and friends bolstered my confidence. Navigating this journey has not only shaped my professional skills but has also helped me grow as an individual. I’ve discovered the joy of turning my ideas into reality and the importance of building genuine connections with clients and transforming their lives with my photos. This early start has ignited a lifelong passion for memory capturing and growth that continues to drive me forward.

I got into this industry because I felt a need to always be able to provide a service to people that need life captured forever in a photograph. I grew up not really taking photos of my own family or events in my life, and with the loss of my grandmother in 2011 it propelled this sense of urgency and need to provide the memories to everyone else that I didn’t get to have. I have a mom that heavily documented and kept any and everything I did as a kid and through most of my life, so the joy and nostalgia I get to experience when I look through everything she kept and recorded is such a wonderful experience. I have been incredibly blessed with clients who have turned amazing friends, friends that have turned very close friends, and building relationships with people who I get to watch their lives flourish and blossom and whether I help document the growth or not it is just magical to see people experience the good in life.

I started out mainly doing senior photos and maybe a wedding or so but I will be the first to admit my early work is exactly that- my early work. I am completely self taught. I took one photography class in college and it was after I had already established my business. I pride myself on how far I have come with being self taught. I obviously will always have room for growth and more education, but when I look back on my work from 2012-2016 and I compare it to my work now, it’s so amazing to see how much I have grown and settled into my craft.

There was a shift around 2017/2018 that I started to do way more weddings than anything else, and ended up becoming a booked and busy wedding photographer. Around 2018/2019 I started networking a lot more and meeting more friends in the industry and began second shooting. It provided me an opportunity to not only learn from someone else, but be given tools I have needed in order to grow myself and be a better business owner and worker. Plus, working alone is never as fun as working together with someone else.

Being a business owner can be incredibly challenging, especially during tough times when life throws unexpected obstacles my way. Juggling responsibilities, managing stress, and navigating uncertainty can feel overwhelming. There are moments when the pressure of meeting goals and maintaining momentum weighs heavily, making it difficult to stay motivated. However, these challenges also provide opportunities for growth and resilience, reminding me of the importance of adaptability and the strength found in community and support. It’s a constant balancing act, but pushing through the hard times ultimately deepens my commitment to my vision and fuels my determination to succeed. Nothing made this more abundantly clear than when COVID struck.

There was a big shift in the wedding industry since 2020, some good and some bad. I was able to take a step back from my business in 2022 and just second shoot to repair my mental health and refill my cup so that I may provide my very best to those that need me. It was the best decision I ever made. I was able to reflect on my business, really lay it all out and see it for what it was. I now not only do weddings still, but I have joined a national movement called The Tilly Project, which provides End of Life sessions for families for their animals. I have always chose to offer mine at a donation rate, because I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should have photos with their pets. Pets are near and dear to my heart, and hold a very special place in my life. Everyone that knows me will most likely say if they are asked about me, that I really love dogs and it is true.

In closing, I want people to know that while my industry is expensive and niche, I am just an average person providing lasting memories and unforgettable experiences to everyone that vibes with me. I have been blessed with amazing clients, amazing opportunities, and amazing memories of my own. Every person that books with me I treat them as I would want to be treated if I were the client. It’s an approach I don’t see often, and it’s a mindset I keep so that I can keep myself on track with the ideals and brand I am setting for my business. I want everyone to experience photography the way it should be experienced- with love, laughter, and happiness. I see those as some of the core ideals for my business. I always tell everyone, “I guarantee you’ll receive at least two to three photos of you laughing, because otherwise it’s not a session done by me”. Often people tell me that when they get home from the session, I made them feel very comfortable and made the entire session feel like they were just catching up with a goofy old friend and to me that is one of the best compliments I could receive. I want every single individual who comes across my camera to know it is a safe space, a fun space, and a space to let go and just soak up life. When they look at the final product, I don’t want them to just say “Oh that’s a nice picture”, (which I mean yes I do want to hear that of course haha!), I want them to be able to look at a certain photo and be able to say “Oh I’m smiling that big because you said something funny” or “Remember how after that we tripped and almost fell over?” I want the memory and everything surrounding it captured, not just a beautiful photograph.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

To personally keep up with clients and build brand loyalty, I prioritize open communication and genuine relationships. I make an effort to regularly check in, whether through personalized messages, follow-ups after a project, or simply asking how they’re doing. By actively listening to their needs and feedback, I can better tailor my offerings to better serve them and others in the community. Additionally, I strive to create memorable experiences by going above and beyond, whether it’s through thoughtful gestures or exclusive offers. Sharing valuable content and insights that resonate with their interests helps reinforce our connection. I believe that building trust and demonstrating consistent value are key to fostering long-lasting loyalty, making clients feel appreciated and understood every step of the way.

Building good camaraderie with clients is also very important, and tends to come naturally to me, as I thrive on connection and authenticity. My approachable personality allows clients to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, fostering open and honest communication. I genuinely enjoy getting to know them on a personal level, which helps create a sense of trust and partnership. By being attentive and responsive, I ensure they know their needs are valued, and this foundation of mutual respect often leads to lasting relationships that extend beyond business transactions. Ultimately, my goal is to make every client feel like a valued friend, creating a collaborative and enjoyable experience.

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

This is a long one, so buckle up. Though, everything I’ve talked about so far has been long so maybe this will just be on par haha!

I’ve always been a pretty independent person, so starting a business really wasn’t a shock to anyone. As the years went on, so did my life and the challenges that inherently came with it. In 2016, I was nearly killed in a car accident and it was a humbling experience for me. In recovery I had to rebuild my stamina, recover from a severe concussion, and becoming septic. It was brutal, and thankfully all of my friends, family, and clients were incredible to me. 2017 rolls around, I nearly die from pneumonia- in the THICK of busy season. Again, friends, family, and clients were amazing to me. After those two years, it really showed me the compassion people can have for others. I fell behind, but with the grace given to me I was able to catch up. 2019 hits, I’m laid off from my day job a week before Thanksgiving. It sucked- initially. I ended up moving home back into the house with my parents, which ended up being a divine and Godly intervention. My mom had a procedure done, and I ended up becoming her caregiver, taking her to the hospital everyday. One random day, she took blood clots to her lungs and ended up dying in front of me in our kitchen. Thankfully we lived 3 streets over from a hospital, and my car was already outside the door ready to go. Between my screaming and nonsensical words, it brought her back, I got her in the car, and got her to the hospital. She ended up recovering.

Fast forward to 2020- the year that changed a lot of people’s lives. I ended up getting COVID in October, and I struggled pretty hard with it. Thankfully my mother took exceptional care of me and I recovered. Then May 2021 came, and my mom ended up sick again. This time it was COVID, and we had been warned due to all her health issues that this would be better severe for her. We all buckled up and did out best to take care of her. All the while, still maintaining my business, shooting weddings and taking other sessions. It was hectic. From 2022 until about April of 2024, I ended up really taking care of my mom, along side my immediate family. I watched her go into cardiac arrest, nearly lose her again, and then watch her recover. She made it to my wedding and we got to celebrate in that entire journey together.

All this to say, throughout this experience and journey, it made me realize how resilient of a person I am. It’s a journey that taught me you never know how much you can give, until you have nothing left. I’ve encountered some people who were particularly challenging during these difficult times. While I understand that stress can affect communication and interactions, these experiences were particularly tough for me. I believe that every relationship offers valuable lessons, and I’ve taken these moments as opportunities to reflect on how I can set clearer boundaries and foster more positive interactions in the future. I aim to maintain a professional demeanor and focus on building collaborative partnerships that are mutually respectful and supportive.

Being resilient in tough times is essential for personal and professional growth, especially for business owners. It involves facing challenges head-on and adapting to change with a positive mindset, even when sometimes all you want to do is sit and cry or run away and pretend nothing is going on. Each setback serves as a lesson, reinforcing my determination to persevere and find solutions. This resilience not only helps me navigate difficulties but also strengthens my ability to support others facing their own challenges. In the end, this has all taught me that the right clients will stick around, and the ones that aren’t will find who best suites them. You can’t be a business owner and not be resilient

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sincerelyphotography.pixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sincerelystacy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SincerelyPhotog

Image Credits

Photo of myself credit goes to: Mae B Photo

https://www.instagram.com/mae_b_photo

https://www.maebphoto.com