We recently connected with Carrie Saludes and have shared our conversation below.
Carrie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I wanted to create a sentimental response when hearing my business name “My Home Photography.” I tried to put myself in my future customer shoes when thinking how they would select a photography company to represent their home or property. Usually the word “home: represents a sense of warmth and I hope the company name attracts a customer who wants their property to appear inviting.
For example, my clients have complimented how I make the living room feel very comfortable and inviting in how I photograph that particular room. I often help with staging rooms by re-arranging the furniture and moving objects in and out of the picture frame to capture the right angle.
The name of my company also attracts many home owners as well as realtors. I have two different types of people interested in my services instead of just one. I feel that the company name you choose should market itself to your target audiences, so I suggest to choose wisely.
Carrie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When I had graduated art school in my twenties, I began looking for jobs as a photographer but not finding any lucrative career paths. I was working for other photography companies but nothing was sticking as a full time venture. I ended up working various jobs in customer service, banking, and teaching.
When I was 39 I had my son. I knew I needed to have a career that was flexible so I could raise him at home. I decided to start my own business so that I could control my own hours, and scale my business.
The sky is the limit when you own your own company, and that is exciting. I have plans for the future. Right now, I am doing what I love to do. I love the freedom of being my own boss.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I started building my business based on my own savings. I worry about taking on too much debt. I worked for another company to save my funds to start this company. I used what photography equipment I currently owned and then built my kit up from money from profits as time went on. I use resources such as Facebook marketplace and ebay to buy equipment. I budget what I spend on advertising, and make sure not to overspend every month.
Setting a spending limit for my company, is important to make sure I’m turning a profit at the end of the day. I realize I’m in the early stages of my company but being financially responsible is important to me. This job puts food on the table.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Providing excellent customer service and delivering an exceptional product. I work on establishing good long term relationships with my clients. These relationships are critical in the growth and success of my business. I also over deliver the product to wow my clients. I need to impress and stand out from my competition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myhomephotography.com
- Instagram: myhomephotographyinc
