We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Chernegova a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

When we started Cosmic Eye, it was just me and two people who later became my close friends. People you work with have a huge impact on your business, and surrounding yourself with the right individuals is key to creating something truly collaborative. It wasn’t just about finding employees; it was about finding people who shared the vision and passion we had.

At the peak of our busy seasons, we expanded to around 15 team members. The process of building that team was organic. In the beginning, we didn’t have the luxury of traditional recruitment; instead, we relied on personal networks and referrals from people we trusted. The interview process wasn’t conventional either—it was more of a conversation. We wanted to make sure that everyone joining understood our mission and could see the bigger picture.

We all learned together, making mistakes and figuring out solutions as we went along. Team relationships were—and still are—crucial. Looking back, I wouldn’t have done anything differently because each experience taught us how to grow and become better at what we do.

If I were starting today, the only thing I might change is being even more intentional about creating a stronger support system for new recruits. But the essence of building relationships and working with people who share your vision remains just as important.

Anna , 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?

Cosmic Eye is the first Iris Photography studio in the USA, and what sets us apart is our commitment to showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of every person through their eyes. Our mission is to create high-quality Iris art that not only captures the individuality of each client but also helps them see just how remarkable they are. We believe that everyone’s eyes tell a story, and through our art, we create lasting memories and beautiful moments.

Initially, we operated in physical studios, but now we’ve transitioned to doing all our business remotely, which allows us to reach people from all over the world. It’s simple: clients take pictures of their eyes using their phone or camera, send them to us, and we work our magic to edit and transform them into one-of-a-kind Iris art. You can explore our work and products on our website, https://cosmiceye.us/collections/popular-products.

What I’m most proud of is how our work touches people emotionally. It’s not just art—it’s a personal connection, a piece of themselves captured forever. We’ve been able to expand that experience to a global audience, giving everyone the opportunity to own something truly unique, whether it’s for personal expression or as a gift to someone special. That’s what I want people to know: Cosmic Eye isn’t just about creating art, it’s about celebrating who you are in the most intimate and beautiful way.

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

There was a pivotal moment for Cosmic Eye when we realized that technology, especially personal cameras and smartphones, had advanced to the point where people could take high-quality photos themselves. It used to be that clients would have to come into the studio to get their Iris photographed, but with these advancements, we saw an opportunity to make the entire process more accessible. That’s when we decided to pivot from in-person studio photography to fully remote and online production.

By making this shift, we were able to provide a more convenient, faster, and cost-effective experience for our customers. No longer did they need to book appointments or visit a studio; they could simply take a photo of their eye from the comfort of their home, send it to us, and we would take care of the rest. This pivot allowed us to reach clients worldwide, giving them the same unique, high-quality Iris art, but with greater ease and flexibility.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made. It allowed us to adapt to the changing landscape, meet customer needs more effectively, and expand our reach globally.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation within our market has been a combination of several factors. First and foremost, it’s the quality of the product we deliver. At Cosmic Eye, we are committed to creating high-quality Iris art that is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal for our clients. Our attention to detail and dedication to making each piece unique has set us apart from others.

Another key factor has been our ability to adapt and innovate. By pivoting to a fully online and remote production model, we made it possible for clients from anywhere in the world to create their own Iris art without having to visit a studio. This convenience, combined with affordability and speed, has helped us stand out in a crowded market.

What also helped is the personal connection we build with our clients. Whether it’s the first-time client experiencing Iris art or a returning customer, we emphasize excellent customer service, ensuring that they feel valued and understood throughout the entire process.

Lastly, word of mouth and positive customer experiences have played a huge role. Many of our clients share their pieces with friends and family, which has naturally helped us grow our reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cosmiceye.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmiceye.us/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosmiceyela/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cosmiceyeus
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmiceye.us

Image Credits

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