Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy K Wright. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amy K, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
When I started my business, I wanted to provide photography services, AND I was passionate about creating a product that could provide a tangible way for me to give back. From this place, “Tell it Well” Greeting Cards was created with the mission of helping other female entrepreneurs around the world through small business micro-loans.
I was given the incredible gift of visiting India in 2012 & 2014. Each trip included a visit to groups of women, in rural villages, who are receiving microloans from the Whole Planet Foundation. www.wholeplanetfoundation.org
These microloans are used to purchase assorted items to start their own businesses, such as goats, or weaving materials, and enable each woman to create an opportunity that would otherwise not be available to her.
On average, most of these women are living on less than $2 a day, and this level of poverty prohibits them from gaining access to a loan from a traditional bank.
To put it very simply… a microloan = hope and this hope offers a practical way to become an equal business partner with her husband; to feed and clothe her children and gain access to education – many of the basics in my life that I take for granted.
I was profoundly changed by my experience of meeting these vibrant and beautiful women in India, who are being empowered to change their own lives, and that is why 10 cents from every card purchased goes to provide small business loans to women in poverty in the US and around the world through the Whole Planet Foundation.
In addition, each card is printed on sustainably sourced & recycled paper, that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and features my original photography.
In 2016, I launched my cards in 3 Whole Foods Market stores in Denver, CO and have now grown to 22 Whole Foods Market stores in Colorado & Utah.
It has been a dream come true for me to share my art, through my cards and to provide a way for people to connect thought the act of giving and receiving a hand written note.
In addition, I am so grateful to have a space to raise awareness around micro-lending and the practical way that it changes lives. This mission is truly the heart behind Tell it Well Greeting Cards.
Amy K, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I believe that We All Have a Story to Tell, and that our stories are the heartbeat of our lives.
Stories inspire us, create connection and build the framework for our lives. From our family portraits to marketing & social media, we all want beautiful images that capture the moments of our lives, and engage our customers with our products.
My story, with photography, began in college when I had the opportunity to travel to Europe for the first time. Seeing the world through the lens of my camera opened up a whole new perspective for me and since then, photography has been a major part of my journey.
When I returned from traveling, I added an art minor to my college studies, eventually graduating from Metro State University, with a Communications Degree and a minor in Photography.
After college, I assisted a wedding photographer, worked in a co-op art gallery, and continued to pursue freelance photography specializing in portraits and travel.
Eventually my path led me to the corporate world where I worked in Marketing, PR & Community Relations for over 10 years.
And then, I was suddenly laid off from my corporate job, and I had to come face to face with the dream I had in my heart of working as a full-time photographer.
In those 4 months after being laid off, I realized that I was at a crossroads in my story, and NOW was the time to write a new chapter as a creative entrepreneur.
I officially launched my business on March 3rd, 2016, and now I am a full time photographer, as well as the creator of “Tell it Well” Greeting Cards, which are currently sold in 22 Whole Foods Market locations in Colorado & Utah.
Telling the story of my clients inspires me everyday. I specialize in creating beautiful, authentic, images that are combined with a marketing/storytelling perspective to provide personal branding photography, headshots, and portraits to help YOU tell YOUR story well.
We All Have a Story to Tell. Tell it Well.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Being resilient and learning how to pivot quickly as a small business owner will make or break you. I learned this in a new way, when Covid hit in March 2020. I was on track for my biggest year yet, and all of the sudden everything stopped.
Like so many small business owners across the country, I lost over 50% of my income in one week.
So, I got creative…I started booking Front Porch Portrait Sessions instead of indoor portrait sessions, and I worked on increasing my on-line marketing coaching. In addition, I got a part-time job at a grocery store to help bring in more monthly income, and eventually I built back my business.
During the last 2 years, I have learned the depth of my resilience. The best advice I can give is when you go through a tough time in your business, it’s important to make a decision to do whatever it takes to keep going, and then create a daily ritual to support a positive mindset.
For me, I made a list of positive affirmations on March 15th, 2020 that I listened to every day for the last 2 years, and it has helped me stay resilient and keep going. There are going to be tough days, but the important thing is to keep putting one foot in front of other, and keep pursuing your dream.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
When I launched my business in 2016, I did a lot of research on the idea of building a business with multiple revenue streams, and I believe this is one of the most effective ways to grow your clientele.
My business offers 3 ways to connect- photography, marketing coaching and greeting cards. Often times, I will connect with a client on photography and it will end up leading to greeting cards sales or vice versa.
This versatility also offers 3 ways that my client can refer me to potential new clients which provides continual growth.
In addition, I think the key to growing your clientele is to offer excellent customer service. Treat your clients with care, respect, and pay attention to the small details that will make them feel special.
My goal is to make every client feel seen, appreciated and come away from our time together as my new friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amykwright.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykwrightphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-k-wright-0361201a/
Image Credits
Photos of Amy K Wright by Lynn Townsend Additional Photos by Amy K Wright Photography