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

Hi Casey, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

I believe there is room for improvement in reaching kids where they are a bit more, counseling toward career development options in fields that spark a passion for them, helping them find purpose and thus, a place in the world. “Career” counseling at a younger age, to help them understand how their interests and passions may best lead the way, paving a path for both professional development and personal fulfillment.

This is why my working with Roy Spence’s, Make It Movement, is so important to me personally. I first connected with the movement this summer and have three school age kids, so helping pursue and further this shift in the educational mindset is a passion of mine that I look very forward to being involved.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have loved the visual arts my entire life but equally so, I love working with people, being on a team, creating an environment full of learning, creativity and support. I love photography and it is definitely at the core of my passion but there are so many new things to learn and do that I rarely find myself doing just one thing.

Growing my team of creatives, not only means we can service more clients but that we can learn from each other, each building on our personal growth and have more fun! CCR Studios is quickly expanding in the direction of photo + video production, social content building and management, graphic design and education. The education component is huge. I want folks to join the team, not only to make money in the arts but because we offer paid training opportunities and continuing education in photo, video, editing, coaching subjects and more! Supporting each team member’s passion and personal growth is very important and at the core of what I want to do as a team leader.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Customer service is everything! Every single inquiry is an opportunity to earn new business and I don’t take it lightly at all. Response time is very important when it comes to responding to the first inquiry, delivering images as quickly as possible and following up on any question or lead. When I first began photography professionally, I would hear surprise in everyone’s voice when I said their gallery would be ready in just a couple of days. They were always (and still are) surprised because typically the expectation is 3-4 weeks. Everyone’s style and process is different and I have so much respect for that but my personal priority is to deliver the service from beginning to end, as quickly as possible and I feel like that has really set me apart and brings people and referrals my way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Taking the leap to start your own business and explore making a living in an industry that is so subjective, isn’t for the faint of heart! I was early on my journey, soliciting friends and family for portraits, anything to gain experience and content to build out my first website. This included letting my neighbors know that I would be offering discounted services as the holidays approached. I posted one of my favorite photos to our neighborhood list serve and one of the first comments from a neighboring photographer, pointed out everything “wrong” with my image from a “professional” perspective. As insulting as it was, I took the opportunity to respond with kindness, pocketing his strangely approached advice and deciding I would someday become a mentor to as many young creatives as possible. Not only did this experience teach me a valuable lesson, but it resulted in the other 99% of neighbors jumping to my defense, many of them signing up for sessions :)

This small situation was so defining for me in how to deal with people, everyone on their own journey and was very professionally beneficial in so many ways. I have this email exchange and that photo framed in my office as a reminder to always choose kindness and always offer support to my fellow artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CCRStudiosATX.com
• Instagram: @CCRStudios

Image Credits
Group photos by Annie Ray and Emily Cannata Photography.