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

Anneke , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Happier is an understatement. When I was working my corporate job, I would day dream about everything else I could be doing. Honestly, I was miserable, I was depressed. I longed for the freedom to focus on my personal business goals. Working for myself has made me happier but I don’t want anyone to think it is easier. I have to show up as my self self for my client all the time. I can’t do the bare minimum and still get paid. It’s hard work and longer hours but I wouldn’t trade working for myself, for anything else. Well, maybe a few million dollars. lol

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

Photography sort of chose me. I had zero desire to be a photographer. My best friend bought me a camera, because I was trying to become the next Youtube sensation. I owned a small business at the time, I made head wraps and I started taking my won pictures for my website and social media platforms. Everyone loved the images, they said I had an “eye”. What the hell was an “eye”. The rest is pretty much history, I realized I loved the photography more than I loved the actual business.

Fast forward, my niche is brand photography. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned about running a business and married it with my talent.

So not only do I take beautiful pictures that tell my clients brand story. I provide insight on social media and brand strategy. My goal is to make sure that every single asset I provide makes my client money. As a small business owner myself ( for over 5 years) I know what needs to be done to get someone to buy into you and I share that insight with my clients.

What do I not do for my clients. I manage social media pages, provide brand and social media strategy, create & manage websites, create reels in addition to planning and executing amazing brand photoshoots.

I also now own a photography studio, Studio 55 AZ.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth has been the most effective. My focus is always to make sure that my client has an amazing session. They feel comfortable, I provide quality images and everything is easy for them. I’m still a consumer myself and when I have a great experience I tell everyone. I write a review, I circle back to the place or person that made me feel great. I want my clients to that and in most cases I get new clients from existing client that are happy.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I support my clients heavily. I share their business within my network. If they post on social media I share it, if they sell a product I buy it. I sow into people who sow into me. I want them to know that I am rooting for their success, that I am invested in their journey. No wham bam thank you ma’am over here. lol

Contact Info:

• Website: 1216photo.com
• Instagram: Anneke_marie_photography
• Linkedin: Anneke Marie