Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
When I was 9 months postpartum with my son, I really wanted to be able.to get professional photos of my family and while I could find affordable, I could not find quality and affordable. I had a terrible journey into motherhood, from a traumatic birth to his health and lack if sleep (little did I know that would carry on until he was over 2)
I had years behind me in photography I never wanted to go back. However,in my severe PPD, I saw away out.
I should note, we were barley making it from paycheck to paycheck. I was balancing what bill could be late what week and had been for a long time.
We were looking at a very nice tax return and the logical thing to do would have been to save that money for the times head, however, I told my husband my plan and he fully supported me and we ended up spending almost 70% of our refund on my gear and start up needs.
I never had any intention of charging rates that would quickly recover my investment, so had I failed, we would be looking as a loss of over 5k, when we could barely put food on the table.
That investment led me to being able to quit my 9-5.
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 started in Photography back when I was 15, but I had a love for it long before that. I went to summer camps every year with all the film cameras I was allowed and loved the wait for getting them back. But back then it was just about the act of “freezing time”
When I gave birth to my son, I had 2 weeks of unpaid and then 10 off at 60%. I only got 10 weeks due to extreme PPD/PPA. Otherwise it would have only been 4. My husband got 4 days off paid.
We had a traumatic birth, nothing went as planned. So when I went to seek out newborn photographers, I was shocked to find the rates to be more than I’d bring home for 2 weeks.
We were struggling living the paycheck to paycheck game before I gave birth. We couldn’t add on more money out in those kinds of numbers. This struggle continued through his first 9 months when i decided I was going to start a budget friendly photography company.
My goal in opening my business was that all moms could realistically afford professional photos of their kids and them. Professional photos are a want, an extra, and mostly something moms want. However something I quickly learned stepping into mother hood is. It’s HARD to put our wants, ahead of others.
So when a mom, living on a tight budget wants photos, they have to try find $100 under the couch, that they probably checked last week to pay the electric. That’s not realistic for the working class family, Military, teachers, single moms and so much more.
Kids are expensive.
So I set up my base package at $20. It can be used for most sessions, and honestly has many moms cry over finally being able to afford something they want so badly.
I provide the same experience to my clients booking my $20 session as I do my clients booking a $200.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honestly. And being straightforward with people.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
My business is really ran on social media. A lot of my clients also end up as good friends of mine. I am very open about life and motherhood and find that connects me to a lot if my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.molinafamilyphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molina_family_photography?igsh=dDE4aWU3a3p5aDE1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MolinafamilyPhotography?mibextid=vk8aRt