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

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I was to start over what would I do differently? I would ask for help. Throughout my journey I had to learn a lot on my own. I would honestly say that those experiences made me who I am today and its why I have started my mentorship/ membership for other business owners so that they wont have to find out things the hard way like I did. I would have started an LLC back then, so that I could establish my business differently. I would have for help, sought out more courses around starting a business and running one, I would have hired help so that the load wouldnt have been so have, I would have partnered with some people as well.

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?

I started my photography business while in high school. While it was my passion only I was encouraged to started a business because people loved my work. Start out of high school, I followed my mentor around to different events taking photos of celebrities and fashion shows and networking and from there my cliental was built.

I currently provide photo, video, brand development, website develop and creative design services. Along with mentorship and a community for others to grow in. I help those looking to start or grow their business get to the next level and get their foundation down.

I am most proud of the reviews I receive back from clients and I love the fact that they keep on coming back.

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

The first time I had to make a big pivot in business was when I had my first child. Being a business owner and mom of now 4 had been the biggest adjustment for me. Each season with adding another child came more changes. Now that they are a bit older, ages ranging from 12-6 years old, I am able to work around their schedules and their activities. It has also put me in a space to be able to speak to mothers who want to start a business as well, let them know it is possible and some tips from my own experience.

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

I completely funded my business myself. I have been a full time photographer since 2009. I started off doing small sessions for people at school and in the community and from there I started to grow my business, raise my prices and expand my equipment. Within the last few years I have receive some micro funding for my business, but prior to 2022 my business was fully self funded :)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ansphoto.com
• Instagram: @ansbyrd / @a.n.sphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ansphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansphoto/