We recently connected with Amanda Ghobadi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

Team-building is incredibly challenging in the photo & video industry, which leads to a lack of scalability and profitability for many of our most talented creatives. Although mostly perpetuated by artists who fear compromising their eye by sharing responsibility with others, I see a lot of gatekeeping when it comes to sharing both business and technical advice too, which makes the industry hard to break into. And if it’s hard to break into, where do we find quality team members?

In addition to seeing newcomers struggle to scale, I frequently see industry leaders having trouble building reliable associate teams and finding dedicated assistants who are invaluable when it comes to growth. Contractors are constantly coming and going, prioritizing their own personal growth and failing to build powerful relationships with possible mentors. Similarly, the business owners themselves are unwilling to train or educate potential associates, and pay them measly rates, which leads to a lack of loyalty. And the cycle goes on!

I believe a mindset shift is necessary in our industry for this to change. If we’re not willing to empower and educate one another, as well as pay one another live-able rates, then how can we expect to scale securely and reach the profit margins that we dream of?

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At the end of the day I am a visionary problem solver. I started off as a graphic designer and creative copywriter straight out of college, then immediately began developing my photo & video portfolio. Eventually my knowledge of design, branding, and messaging, merged with my love of storytelling through imagery and I started my own content creation agency called “The Branding Babe”.

My team helps women find their unique voice, vision, and the confidence to show up online boldly and unapologetically as themselevs. Our approach is strategic, yet fun and empathetic – because if you’re not enjoying yourself while creating your content, why bother doing it? First, we get to the root of who you are as an individual, but also as a business woman. We want to know your “why”, what makes you tick, and your “how”, or your signature client experience that sets you apart. Then we bring all of this to life on camera, and tell your story in a way that makes your ideal clients “holy crap! I have to work with this woman!”

Our team comes from a rich background of strategists, coaches, consultants, producers, directors, and technical engineers who know not only how to tell a powerful story, but to make it look and sound good. We also understand the market, and are eager to adapt to industry changes so we can truly provide what entrepreneurs need in the digital era to be seen and heard.
We know how hard it is to build a brand that is scalable, sustainable and profitable, so we are using our skillsets to elevate your brand and be your partner in this challenging journey. Because the reality is, you don’t have to do it alone, and your content can be so much better when you outsource to a team that not only gets you, but pushes you to reach reach new heights.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In all honesty, I’m sick and tired of it being a man’s world, and my creative journey is very much steeped in feminism. I want to see half of congress being run by women, and more women-owned fortune 500 companies taking the world by storm. I want young girls to see their genius ideas as profitable prospects. And I myself, want to invest in these women-run ventures, because I believe the world will be a better place once we equal the playing field. It might seem simple, but it really is all about empowering women and helping them succeed.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being an entrepreneur requires you to pivot all the time. Sometimes there are big pivots, like changing your business name or rebranding (both of which I have done). Sometimes the pivots are small, like adjusting a product or service to better suit your client base. If you’re not questioning your current situation and surroundings, you’re most likely missing an opportunity to grow or improve.

The biggest pivot I ever had to make was letting go of a startup I co-founded, which led to serious imposter syndrome, career confusion, and decision paralysis when it came to my other ventures. These feelings of failure consumed me for a long time, and I had to think long and hard about my next move. For almost a year, I was scared to be the CEO I needed to be, and I think I’m finally starting to step back into those shoes.

Entrepreneurship truly is a journey of constant improvement, and this takes consistent effort, a willingness to fail, and the ability to pivot on a dime. It’s a scary road to take, but it’s a lot more interesting to me than any alternative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebrandingbabe.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebrandingbabe
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/brandingbabeagency
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-ghobadi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ewG-Hu5dRtlglcxszYrKA
• Other: www.pinterest.com/brandingbabeagency

Image Credits
All photos taken by me!