We recently connected with Mari Jay and have shared our conversation below.

Mari, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I would like to think I started my business at the perfect time in my life. In middle school, I dabbled with a Nikon camera. From there, it help me see my city from a whole new perspective and it made me want to learn more about the art of photography. Once I got into high school, I didn’t have the flexibility to enroll in digital media courses, due to the extracurricular activities that I was engaged in. From poetry club, Theatre, NJROTC, Yoga, Choir, and even a background dancer for a local girl group. How could I devote my time to anything else? So, I hungup the thought of furthering my knowledge until I learned to manage my time to fit my interests. Fast forward to 2022, I was completing my last semester as an undergrad at Edward Waters University and knew I wanted to eventually start my own business. But what?After months of pondering and practicing, I began to realize I’m doing the very thing that influenced me to pick up a camera in the first place. Taking photos… Of EVERYTHING! At that point I asked myself!”what better time to buy a professional camera than now?”

Mari, 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?

Hey, I’m Mari Jay! A 24 year old Jacksonville native. After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, I became a social worker as I strive each day to better the lives of the children here in Jacksonville, Florida. When I’m not working, I’m shooting. I currently shoot with a Canon T6 and Xsi, but will soon be exploring different brands, so I may learn and familiarize myself with different systems. My favorite style of photography is by far portrait photography, this is where my clients gets to be comfortable all while I capture their essence. It’s a beautiful thing, really. Other than portraits, I also capture events, special occasions, street, wildlife, fashion and weddings. I strongly believe that having more styles of photography under my belt enables me to expand my craft and reach various audiences.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspects of being a creative are merging my love for people and interactions. By networking and being confident to introduce myself as a photographer, I’ve opened doors and opportunities for my business that has allowed me to create and introduce new ideas to my peers and audience. This helped me step out of my comfort zone. In addition, seeing my client’s reactions after their final product. I always want to ensure my clients have a positive experience while shooting with me, so they can build trust within me to know that I will climb, stoop, bend, and jump to get the perfect shots for them.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Two words, social media! Slowly, but surely, am I expanding my clientele via Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. I’ve learned tips and tricks by following well, established, photographers and videographers along my journey that works for my craft. I’m truly grateful for the knowledge I’ve learned from reaching out to these business owners. For example, the algorithm. By displaying my art using hashtags, posting strategically and runnings ads I am reaching more profiles than I believed I would. Especially with MariJayMedia only being a year old. I’ve learned many lessons as a creative simply by utilizing the various social media platforms. TikTok and YouTube especially enhanced my knowledge without registering for $300 courses. What’s the saying? “ Information is free, knowledge is priceless.” I no longer take this quote lightly as I always believe I needed a fancy camera or expensive courses to begin a business in this field. Boy, was I mistaken.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://form.jotform.com/223073645328153
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marijaymedia?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marijaymedia?_t=8dtqdfJqaYk&_r=1