Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Flores. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear you experience with and lessons learned from finance.

The topic of money is always a sensitive one, especially in business. In the times we are experiencing and living today post-pandemic is quite scary but as entrepreneurs, we cannot operate with limiting beliefs. Back in 2017, when I decided to completely launch my photography service into a legitimate business – the risk was terrifying! During that time, I kept telling myself “I should’ve saved more money before quitting my job” – every night, I went to sleep with major anxiety, constantly checking my account balance, counting down the days my next bill was due. I knew this wasn’t a healthy approach and decided to checkout a book from the public library (since I couldn’t afford to splurge on a book purchase because at that point, everything was a “splurge” in my mind). The book is titled “You are a Badass at Making Money” by Jennifer Sincero, and it changed my perspective the more I turned the pages.

Money is an exchange; the more you hold onto it, the less likely you are to fill that cup. Business requires making calculated risks. For instance, in my photography business it requires me to give my photo equipment maintenance & upgrades. Those are investments towards my business – I shifted my mindset into investment and not viewing this as expenses. The more I strategically invested towards the business, the more clients began to show up in my inbox. And guess what? My business was prepared for their requests! My camera & lenses were cleaned, my editing softwares were up-to-date, the props and photo backdrops they asked for were in my storage closet.

Consulting with a financial advisor or CPA is also beneficial for extra guidance. Of course, this would also be an investment towards your business by meeting with financial professionals. Looking into financial content creators on YouTube or other social platforms is an inexpensive way to approach this as well.

Post-pandemic, I have learned to make calculated risks even more by setting aside savings towards upcoming bills and future investments. Also, instead of treating a client to dinner, I mail a greeting card along with a gift certificate as a thank you – still an expense but less costly than a full-course meal for more than 2 people. In these times, apply the same passion & creativity of your business towards the financial aspect. There are ways to continue investing on a smaller scale without breaking the bank.

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?

My name is Andrea Flores, the Founder & Artist of Drea Flow Photography & Art Direction – a product photography studio based in Miami, Florida. DF’s creative services specialize product photography, prop styling and custom prop design, set styling, creative strategy, and image retouching.

Throughout my years in college and post-graduation from Miami International University of Art & Design in 2009, most of my work experience consisted of job roles in the Marketing industry. While working as a Marketing Assistant for a local boutique, I learned how creative and aesthetically styled product photos are key to a brand’s first impressions, sales, and customer loyalty.

I developed my camera skills while working & interning different jobs, launching a personal blog, and photographing local events for Prism Creative Group. At this time, accepted any and all photography jobs to continue practicing my craft and most of all – having fun with it! Drea Flow began as a side hustle while I worked as a full-time Marketing Director and once my clientele continued to grow, I moved on from my marketing career of 12 years.

My passion revolves around helping brands create an intentional, cohesive brand image with professional product photography and art direction. I’m able to combine my background in editorial marketing with the experience of curating personal art. Each client project is curated to their brand’s needs and goals – we work closely together to fine-tune their approach by discussing materials, photo angles, styling suggestions, and more. My goal is to deliver artistic imagery and provide my clients with a prestige experience from beginning to end, and I love bringing them along the creative process!

DF mainly services brands in fashion, beauty, home decor, and wellness.

Recently, I launched Haus of Flow, an online shop with collections of still life photography that is printed and framed locally in Miami for wall art that’s created to enhance all interior spaces.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My business is self-funded from my personal savings and income. I’ve often invested in equipment based off my own salary during the times that my business wasn’t making much profit. That included freelancing for a variety of services like marketing consultations, content creation, photography, graphic design projects, employed by my parent’s business, and even doing delivery services such as UberEats.

Pro tip: save more money than you think!

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

NFTs are the future! We are living in it and it’s incredibly mindblowing. Personally, I have not dipped my toes into this realm but with more education from the NFT community, I hope to invest in NFT art and sell as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: bydreaflow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bydreaflow.studio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bydreaflow
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-flores-973b7290/
• Other: TikTok: @bydrea.flow Haus of Flow Shop: shophausofflow.com

Image Credits
Drea Flow Photography