Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candess Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Candess, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

Every client I have is important to me. I treat every wedding like it’s my last wedding and try to remember that to the couple, it’s one of the most important days of their lives.

As a wedding photographer, I am at the center of the action and I am with the bride and groom more than anyone else throughout their day, so it’s important for me to gain their trust before the wedding and create a professional friendship with them.

Showing a couple that I appreciate them starts when they first reach out and ends…never. All my past couples get future discounts, thank you gifts and special treatment from day one.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am proud to say that I am one of only a few hybrid wedding photographers in the Cleveland area. I offer both wedding photography and videography that I shoot and edit myself. Most of the couples that book my services choose to receive a 3-5 minute highlight video, full ceremony and speeches, as well as a beautiful gallery of images to cherish forever. I am able to do this with only a two person team (myself and a second shooter) so there is less of a production and a much lower cost to the couple!
We also offer photo booth services, making us a one-stop shop for many couples.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I started my business as a side hustle while working as a nurse. I never imagined that I would book so many weddings that I wouldn’t have time to do my “main job” anymore. It wasn’t easy, I definitely had to invest time and lots of energy to build to where I am today, but it’s 100% worth it! It never felt like a leap of faith to leave my nursing career. The transition was what I really wanted and I haven’t looked back.

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

Word of mouth is by far the most effective strategy for growing a business. Treating your clients well is integral to making that happen. I think you need to treat your couples like friends, but on a professional level.

The best compliment I’ve ever received, wasn’t actually meant to be a compliment, but illustrates what I mean:

.A guest of the bride was watching us interact and said “are you two friends!?” The bride and I looked at each other and laughed and said “we are today!” at the same time. I followed up with, “I am the bride’s best friend today”. And it’s 100% true. From being a helping hand, to advice, to making sure she looks and feels amazing the whole day, I make it my goal to help her have the best experience of her life…and then of course take epic pictures for her to remember the day.

I think that type of customer service means the world to my couples and it shows in referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.3littlebirdsphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/3littlebirdscleveland?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3littlebirdscleveland?mibextid=LQQJ4d