We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Ruesche. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.

Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

I always try to show appreciation to my clients. When someone chooses me to be their “forever photographer” its like we become family. We get to chat at sessions, watch their kiddos grow, etc. One moment comes to mind with a brand new clients that I had. It was during my Santa Mini Sessions a few years back. I had delivered her images and noticed that when she posted them that she did not have an individual photo of her daughter smiling with Santa. She was only smiling in the group shot with the other children and having a cuter interaction with Santa in hers. My client had not mentioned or communicated any concern with this. And without even really thinking about it, I did a face swap so she could have an individual of her daughter smiling with Santa. I just sent it to her as an extra, stating that I noticed she had a really cute interaction but I wanted to make sure she got one of each of them smiling. I had no idea how big of an impact that action was going to make until I immediately received a review/shout out on my page. She was so touched that she hadn’t even sent anything and I randomly reached out. She said I went over and beyond customer service. I understand the importance of photos and always want my clients to receive the best possible memories that they can. It was such a sweet moment for both of us. Her from a client/mother and me from a business/mother.

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

Well my name is Melanie. I am a mom of one precious girl, one wild boy, and one angel baby. I grew up as an Army brat moving all over. I am a Jesus lover and have an obsession with anything and everything Disney. Yes, I went on my honeymoon to Disney. Don’t judge! haha.

I have been doing photography for over 10 years now. Besides of the obvious of photography, I really have a passion for customer service and client experience. Working in retail and even chain photography studios back in the day. I hated how customers were viewed only on a spreadsheet. And we always had to treat them as if they were part of a quota to fill. I absolutely love owning my own company and interacting with my clients as much as I can. Most of my clients are moms and some I have become friends with just based on our children and experiences. What company encourages that?

Number one on what my clients say sets me apart….my absolute silly-goofy attitude. I will do whatever it takes to get those kiddos to smile. Even if it means losing every ounce of dignity that I have, haha! And with that I have a LOT of patience. Even before I had kids I had clients assuming I was a mom with like 5 kids at home. I just love kids and absolutely understand that every child is different, warms up in their own time, interacts in their own way. And giggles at different things.

Another thing that I think really sets me apart is that I really will do anything for my clients. I want them to love not only their images, but their experience leading up to and during their session. I have optional consultations and for those not really into chit-chat, I send lots of questionnaires to get to know them. And of course, prep guides on what to wear and how to prepare for their sessions. I am SUCH a planner, like I OVERLY plan. If you need someone organized to tell you the details, that is for sure me. I have been doing this for so many years and I focus on every aspect. Even the smallest detail is so important to me. From constantly watching the weather for outdoor sessions down to seeing a client wearing a hair tie on their wrist. No one wants to push through a cloudy windy day. And definitely no one wants a hair tie showing in their photos for years to come.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing is knowing that I am providing the gift of memories to my clients. As someone who has lost so much…my brother died when I was 15, my mom passed away months after my wedding, having a miscarriage with my first child, nearly losing my dad to cancer when I was pregnant with my oldest. I understand how tomorrow is not promised. And I understand the importance of having a photo, even the smallest memory to look back on. And with being a mom myself. Seeing how insanely fast children grow and change. I am so proud that I can share in these special memories with my clients. And give them a special gift that they will cherish for years to come.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Its hard. It is so hard. But it can be worth it. Behind the scenes I have noticed a lot of non-creatives don’t fully understand the concept of a small or self-owned business. Photography is so much more than pushing a button. It is lighting, white balance, client interaction, planning, shopping, shooting, editing, etc. The years upon years it takes to learn and perfect your style and skill. I cringe when I look back at my work when I first started. Seeing what I thought was “good” work. Its wild how you grow and change over the years.

Another struggle is not understanding the amount of time and money that goes into it just to start. And the time and sacrifice that it takes to maintain it. Even something as so small as getting sick. If you own your own business, you do not get sick days. If you have a fever and are throwing up there is no one to call into and take over. That is instantly loss of business or client interaction that you will hope they will be understanding of. And don’t get me started if your child is sick. I am not one of those people that will just show up to interact with other children when my kid is at home with a fever. But that goes back to my customer service. I always leave it up to my clients. Some clients are totally fine with it and others would rather reschedule. I always communicate and gauge comfort levels. But the thing is I make that sacrifice in my schedule. I may have to move those clients to a weekend that I had specifically blocked off for a special occasion or even refund them if it is completely out of my control. There is a lot of sacrifice to owning your own business.

Another behind the scenes is certainly cost. Taxes, equipment, back up equipment, insurance, software, props, photography classes and interactions to stay relevant, etc. And that’s not even the time that goes into researching and learning all of those things. As well as adapting to them and new styles as years change. It can absolutely be worth it. But it is not for those that are not willing to “work their hands to the bone” so to speak.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.watertoskyphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watertoskyphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watertoskyphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-ruesche-36a2a832/

Image Credits
Water to Sky Photography LLC