We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Laughridge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.
Alright, Karen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been a professional photographer for what feels like my entire life. I started my business in 1998 out of my parents sunroom. I had fallen in love with photography in college at Kennesaw State University. I had to be patient building a business as it takes a while. It takes an investment and then one day you are making a profit! I became very well known for my bright colored photographs. I really hit my niche in 2016. Business took off I was 40 and on top of the world. Then 2020 happened and things got put off and then put on hold again. I thought what can I be doing from home while still creating during this time? So ever since I saw my first influencer I thought wow what a fun job. My second thought was I am too old nobody will follow me. Why would brand want to send PR or want me in photos at 40 years old? But I took a chance to my surprise people didn’t really care about my age they liked my style! Now I create content for brands like Yellow Box, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kopari beauty, and Lululemon.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As far as the photography industry, I take a boutique approach to my photography so many times I provide outfits for my clients. I use elaborate sets and I change it out for every single client to fit their personal style and keep it different. I still provide prints and canvases and wall art for my clients. I do have digital packages but all my clients have the option to get a finished product especially something like a beautiful custom designed coffee table book. As far as the content creation, I just really like bright vivid colors, lots of pink and lots of happiness.! I put 100% of myself into my work and I truly do enjoy it. Sometimes I feel like I’m an advertising agency. Lol
I can’t imagine not creating because it really is my happy place.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
I love this question. I always try to encourage people to take a chance because you never know until you ask I remember back in 1998. My husband and I were walking around this town of Seaside, Florida back when nobody knew where that was. I had brought along some bright color prints that I had taken in the area and they were in mats. I was at the outside open market area and just happened to ask the lady working behind the counter if they would be interested in selling some like that she was the buyer for Seaside. They ordered 17,000 of my seascape scene blank cards for the town of Seaside, Florida. Always ask, don’t be afraid of rejection and have faith in yourself. Be aware of your gifts. We are all born with gifts. It’s when we actually use those gifts that the magic happens..
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think I built my reputation in the photography industry by going above and beyond for my clients.
I took the time to listen to them to hear what they wanted and took that and created something really meaningful for them that they will cherish for a lifetime. People don’t forget the way that you treat them . Capturing and freezing moments in time can be a beautiful thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karenroberts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaughridge?igsh=MXR3czVxMWt1aHV2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: Ltk: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/KarenLaughridge
