We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allison Scavo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allison below.
Allison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for the people who love me. I started this because I wanted to support loval artists, and they supported me in tenfold. Support comes in so many forms: my dad told me how to adjust my editing style, I had my friend Keri behind the scenes on my website, I found a better camera because of Black Moon Media just vibing with me at a show, I met Gavin Rossdale because a friend knew someone… from small suggestions to huge gestures none of this would be possible without my crew.
My life was at an all time low prior to having mimosas with a drummer who mentioned his band needed new photos because theirs were a couple years old. I mentioned I had a camera in the closet and Scavo’s Photos just grew from there.
I’ve told and retold this story a dozen times but I generally fail to mention a pretty key detail: I only had that camera because someone I used to know gifted it to me as a huge gesture of his sorrow after he made a life changing choice that involved me. Scavo’s Photos comes full circle from the small suggestions to big gestures as even those from my past have paved the way to a karmic and well deserved path to success.
Allison, 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?
The answer to this question ties back into how I got the camera in the first place. I was dating a man who exemplified the “mad” in madly in love. Before I knew it, discussing domestic violence shelters became part of my escape plan. I managed to get out of that situation with the hair of my chinny chin chin but I managed to grab my camera on my way out. I thought my life was over, quite literally, until I reached out about how low I felt. A friend of mine messaged me to tell me, not ask, that we were going to see live music that night. I reluctantly went, not realizing that night would change my life. Something within me awakened. Suddenly I wanted to go do things and meet people and laugh again. I felt lighter as a person. I continued to see live music and got absorbed into the Kansas City music scene. When I say people have supported me I don’t mean my business. I mean my actual life. Kansas City music scene saved my life and I will dedicate the rest capturing it.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I don’t speak poorly about musicians or shows. Even if the show was so bad I would rather take my ex back than ever hear their music again, no one would ever know. When I write and review I tap into the music from the perspective of their fanbase. If I don’t like the artist as a person I just simply don’t go. It helps that I do like all the music I’ve covered though. That’s the great thing about a saturated market; if I don’t want to go someone else does and they’ll have a great time. I’m not in competition with anyone, I want all of us to succeed.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Take out an LLC and business loans tied to that EID, not your social security number. Upgrade to expensive equipment, if you go the cheaper route you’ll need to replace it quicker. Rent equipment or shadow someone in your field first if you can, you’ll get a better idea of what works best for you. Maintain your products so you don’t have to replace them.
And for the love of Beyoncé get business insurance. I was at a Machester Orchestra show and heard my name, I whipped around and smashed my lens into the wall. Loved that for me. Get the insurance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Scavosphotos.com
- Instagram: @scavosphotos
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/scavosphotos
