We recently connected with Carly Eads and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I would say going into owning a photography business right out of high school was one of my biggest risk I’ve ever taken. At that time, I really didn’t have a huge clientele built up yet. I was doing good, but I for sure didn’t have a solid income. It was definitely scary thinking that if this plan of opening up a photography studio in Kokomo failed, I didn’t really have a backup plan. It taught me patience, hard work, and that if you don’t try it out you’ll never really know!

Carly, 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?

I started taking pictures in 2014 on an IPod 5 of my little sister in the back yard. I dressed her all up, did her makeup, curled her hair, and went back to the little creek behind my neighbors house. I’m not exactly sure what intrigued me to do this, but I think my interest and love for art had a big role. Soon after, I received my first camera on Christmas Eve. It was a super simple camera, but enough to get me started and learn the basics of photography. I did a ton of research the next two years whether it was YouTube, IG, Facebook, you name it I was looking for photography videos and how tos. My senior year I decide to take a class at Kokomo Career Center called the CEO Program. I learned a lot about business, marketing, finance, etc. there which definitely sparked my interest in turning this hobby of mine into a real profession. Fast forward to 6 years later and I can say that I am so happy I made the decision to continue this hobby that I also call my job! I specialize in seniors, weddings, families, events, and more. I love all of these things, but seniors definitely keep my busy all year long. My advice to someone who wants to start a business is to never stop learning. Even if you think you know it all, I promise you don’t and there is ALWAYS something else you can learn.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly, word of mouth. Advertising on social medias is great, but when a client talks so highly of you to another person that feeling is unmatched. Every time someone tell me that so and so mentioned me to them, I do a little happy dance!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Responsiveness. I truly believe that clients respect someone who gets back with them in a timely manner. I do not like to wait so I can’t imagine how a client feels waiting for a text or call back about a session!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Carlyeadsphotography
• Facebook: Carlyeadsphotography

Image Credits
Carlyeadsphotography