We were lucky to catch up with Abigail Coale recently and have shared our conversation below.

Abigail, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I wonder what it would be like to have a 9-5 job nearly every week. When people think about owning a business, they probably think first and foremost about being their own boss, in charge of their own schedule, but I don’t think they think about all the challenges that come along with it.

Owning a business is thrilling and rewarding, but it comes with a lot of sacrifice. As someone who works in the wedding industry, much of my work is done on weekends, which means I often miss birthdays, parties, and social events, as well as missing out on quality time with loved ones who have the weekend off.

Owning a business also comes with uncertainty – when will I get inquiries, when will I get bookings, can I fill my schedule enough to work this job full time? Fluctuations in the economy can greatly impact what my calendar (and bank account) looks like.

Owning a business means having an enormous catalogue of skills to back you up. We have to learn or outsource the accounting, communications, marketing, advertising, web design, social media, networking, etc. It’s often a one-woman show!

Ultimately, for me, the benefits still outweigh the challenges. I can travel more freely without worrying about PTO. I get to call the shots about how much work I take on and when. I’ve built a community within the wedding industry with trusted vendors who are inclusive, diverse, and LGBTQ+ affirming, and together we have influence to create a safe space for all couples in the DMV. I’ve met the most incredible people through my work that I never would have crossed paths with otherwise.

It’s a lot of work, and it can be hard work, but I love my job and I know it would be nearly impossible for me to thrive at a “regular job” the way I thrive in my business.

Abigail, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a wedding videographer and lifestyle photographer based in Maryland, but I’ve been fortunate enough to work all over the country (and internationally!). Though it was videography that got me into the wedding industry, I stayed for the people. That is what truly drives me in my business – the incredible folks I’ve gotten to meet along the way. I’ve also passionately tried to carve out a space for LGBTQ+ vendors and marriers in the DMV.

My business tends to focus on two things: education and connection. In prioritizing education, I can help my couples find the best fit for them. I don’t want to sell them on anything they don’t want or need, and I want my pricing to be available and transparent. In addition to videography, I want them to feel ready to take on their big day. I’ve their a resource for Abidoodle couples with tons of tips, tricks, and recommended vendors to help your wedding planning process go as smoothly as possible.

When someone hires me to capture your big day, they’re not just hiring a videographer. I want to be just one step away from a friend, who will come to the rescue by catching falling floral arrangements, ushering away unwanted attention, grabbing drinks during family pictures, and making sure veils don’t fly away. I’m here for them before, on, and after their wedding day. I am proud to serve as their right hand woman, who also happens to be wielding a camera. If someone is investing in me, I’ll be investing in them, too.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When I go into a wedding day, I am focused on serving. Serving not only my couple, but their VIPs, their family, their wedding parties, as well as their vendors. I’m also always brainstorming new ways to bring people in and lift them up, particularly other vendors in the wedding industry. This can be seen in past blog series, my podcast, The DMV Wedding Pros Podcast, and my LGBTQ+ Wedding Resources list.

While it is sometimes curated, I use social media as a lens into my real life. I openly share about my experiences with body image issues, queer identity, depression, and anxiety. The more transparent I am, the easier it is to connect with people. I’ve met several people for the first time who tell me they feel like they already know me because they follow me online, and that’s the goal!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I want to leave a wedding day or a photo shoot feeling like I’ve made a new friend! I keep in touch with my wedding clients in the months and weeks leading up to their big day with emails, Instagram interactions, and even goodies in their mail box. During the wedding day, I am focused on serving them the best I can. After the wedding day I try to stay in touch online, as well as with anniversary and holiday treats. Showing up for them promptly, genuinely, and consistently is the best way I know how to keep them referring their friends, or coming back for more!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abidoodleproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/abidoodleproductions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abidoodleproductions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Abidoodle333/featured

Image Credits
1 – none, me 2 – Nikki Schell Photography 3 & 4 – Samantha Jean Photography 5 – Allie Dearie Photography