We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jan Angeline Parayno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jan Angeline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

I launched my photography business back in 2018, and looking back, the path to where I am today has been an incredible journey of dedication, learning, and overcoming challenges. The early years were undoubtedly the toughest, filled with uncertainties and hurdles I hadn’t anticipated. In those initial stages, I faced a dual challenge of not only starting a business but also acclimating to a new culture and community, having grown up overseas. Building connections and understanding the local dynamics became important, as it was the foundation on which I could grow my photography venture. Balancing my business aspirations with being a full-time college student and working a job was demanding, but it taught me time management and perseverance.
It wasn’t until 2019 that I secured my first paid client, which marked a turning point in my journey. As I delved into the business side of photography, I realized that trial and error was the order of the day. It took nearly a year of refining processes and learning from mistakes to establish a create a workflow that made sense.
The unexpected COVID-19 pandemic brought with it unique challenges but also a rare opportunity. With lockdowns in place, I gave a shot at doing gigs for content creators, even though I wasn’t super sure about it. Despite doubts, by the end of 2020, I had secured two contracts. To supplement my income, I even took up gigs like Uber Eats to make ends meet.
As the world slowly reopened in 2021, things were getting interesting. Referrals began to trickle in from my contract work, and I saw the potential to diversify my offerings. I introduced family sessions and mini sessions, a move that garnered positive feedback and resulted in a consistent stream of referrals. The momentum was building, and by the close of 2021, my partner and I achieved a significant milestone – purchasing our first home.
Upon graduating from college, I took a more aggressive approach, ramping up the number of bookings I accepted. Crucially, I remained set in my commitment to delivering exceptional quality. Ensuring that every client enjoyed their experience became a priority, aiming not just for immediate business but for a lifelong connection.
It wasn’t just about scaling my business; it was about building lasting relationships and a reputation for excellence. This dedication paid off as the referrals continued to pour in, contributing to a substantial growth trajectory. Today, I’m immensely proud of the progress I’ve made, but I’m equally grateful for the challenges and setbacks that taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of adaptability.
The journey from a hesitant startup in 2018 to a thriving photography business today has been a rollercoaster of experiences, each contributing to the solid foundation on which my success is built. Sharing this story isn’t just about patting myself on the back – it’s about showing others that success takes time, effort, and a whole lot of grit. The middle phase might not get the spotlight, but it’s where the real magic happens.

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.

I’m Jan—an Asian American with Filipino roots. I’m all about exploring, trying new foods, and capturing life’s moments. I got into this creative journey because I wanted an outlet for my creativity. Photography became that outlet—a way to connect with others and capture special times. While working a 9-5 job in Marketing, I also started my own photography studio in East Downtown. I offer a range of photography services catering to small business owners, content creators, and families. I specialize in capturing diverse events, including weddings, lifestyle, and producing user-generated content. Additionally, I excel in photo editing and filming to cater to various creative needs. Our studio in East Downtown serves as a hub for photographers and content creators, providing them with a flexible space available on an hourly basis.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to community-building. Our studio is not just a space, but a vibrant creative ecosystem. We frequently host events that bring people together and provide opportunities for artists to grow and showcase their talents. This is further exemplified by our Artist Residency program, where we offer up-and-coming artists the chance to utilize our space and elevate their careers in the creative realm.
The heart of our journey lies in the love and support we’ve received from the Houston community. Our growth and success are driven by our desire to give back to this incredible community that has embraced us. Building a thriving creative community is not only our goal but our way of expressing gratitude for the opportunities and connections that Houston has gifted us.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The most effective way I’ve been able to connect with new clients is through attending events and engaging in collaborations. Lately, my recent clients have come from events I discovered through platforms like Facebook. These events have proven to be fantastic avenues for generating fresh leads.

When I attend these events, I’m not only exposed to new faces, but I also have the opportunity to establish meaningful connections. Building relationships with people I meet at these gatherings has been key. Many of them have either referred my services to others or directly booked me themselves. It’s a dynamic process where networking and showcasing my work in person have consistently led to exciting new business opportunities.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The journey of building my social media presence has been rooted in my belief in community-building. I approach social media as a platform to connect, share, and engage with people on a personal level. Rather than fixating on follower counts, my focus has been on fostering relationships and delivering value to others.

My strategy centers around giving back and interacting with my audience authentically. I’m committed to bringing something valuable to the table, whether it’s insightful content, helpful tips, or simply sparking conversations. This approach has allowed me to create a space where individuals feel valued and engaged.

I’ve deliberately steered away from solely measuring success by the number of followers. Instead, I prioritize the quality of engagement and the connections formed. This perspective has led to an increase in meaningful interactions and, most importantly, tangible leads for my business.

One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the power of consistency. Regularly showing up on social media, whether it’s through posts, stories, or engaging with comments, has been pivotal. By maintaining a consistent online presence, I’ve been able to stay on the radar of my audience and continuously offer value.

For those embarking on their social media journey, my advice is to shift the focus from follower counts to meaningful engagement. Be genuine in your interactions, and approach social media as a way to build relationships, not just numbers. Consistency is key—show up consistently and provide value to your audience. Ultimately, by prioritizing connection and value, you can organically cultivate a strong social media presence that resonates with your community and attracts potential clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.janangelinecreatives.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janangelinecreatives/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/blankspacestudio.co/ https://blankspacestudiotx.com/