Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candace Almy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Candace, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
As you grow in the industry, you learn so much from the creative professionals around you. Content is King in the social media streets, so that creates is a sense of confidence in others that feel they can do things themselves; whether that be a brand shoot or a model taking their own digitals. Because we have such expertise in the field that we are in, we have more information and experience than someone who is seeing a 15 second tutorial and wants to try out a new trend. I put time, money and work into learning new things about my craft and that is what sets me apart. Making a profit is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creative entrepreneurship.
Candace, 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?
Yes! My name is Candace Almy and I am an artist overall and specialize in photography. I recently moved to Arizona and have been getting my feet wet in the art scene the second I touched down. I have been fortunate enough to meet some talented people here that have shown me how they get down out here in the desert. My focus while on this new journey is to share my talents in editorial photography, retouching and creative direction; making it clear that I am a step above and can bring a much different vision than what anyone is used to on the West Coast. My brand, TheHypeIsDead, is all about being yourself, not following the status quo. Not every trend has to be followed and you can always make it your own; some need to learn to think for themselves and I embody that with my brand.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Business credit, my goodness how important this is! Building a business is no joke and creating credibility, not only artistically, but financially is even more important. I probably wouldn’t be as far as I am if it weren’t for my financial team. Some artists think they have to “get it out the mud” and save their money for every lens, light, camera body, not understanding the cheat code is credit. It really helps the longevity of your business when you understand how the big dogs do it. In no way am I saying max out your cards and go into incredible debt, but if you can manage your spending and leverage your business by applying for a credit card with your EIN and business name; you will be able to reap the benefits as soon as you get that approval letter.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an introvert, this is almost painful to say, but networking has the be the most rewarding. I have met some of the nicest, talented, helpful people by getting out into the wild. I have joined art groups, gone to lectures, art festivals, professional conferences and never regretted being bold and talking to people. After the first 30 seconds of talking, you shake off the anxiety and get your groove; there’s really nothing to be afraid of.
Contact Info:
- Website: thehypeisdead.com
- Instagram: @thehypeisdead
- Twitter: @thehypeisdead
Image Credits
Lundon Newyork Jasmine De’Vertiul Khan Le Karina Peña Shiloh Sencion Cassanova Brown