We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandra Boryszak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandra below.

Cassandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I believe the biggest challenge to profitability in my industry is often the mindset of the creative business owner. Many either feel guilty about charging for something they enjoy doing, or don’t ever run their numbers to see what it costs them to perform the services they offer and actually pay themselves a salary. I know, because I did it for many years.

My eyes were opened once I finally took the time to figure out my cost of doing business. No, it is not just my camera and my time! When I put a number to each of the services and the tools that allow my business to function and serve my clients well, I realized my business model was flawed. For the amount of money I was investing in my business, the heart and creativity I pour into every session and the time away from my family, I needed to change the way I structured my business.

After talking with many friends, clients and others in my industry, I have learned there is a stigma that a creative service is worth a certain dollar amount that many creatives have put into their own minds. There is no arbitrary number associated with art. It is worth what you believe it is. Worth should not be based upon what the competition is charging. Each artist has unique creative gifts and must learn how to showcase these gifts in order to differentiate themselves and their work.

After a decade of being a creative entrepreneur, I’ve learned that our offers as creatives must cover not only the cost of doing business but also, to pay ourselves for the work we do. Successful entrepreneurs often take a day off, plan for a vacation, and save enough money to retire someday. If you are a creative entrepreneur, you likely chose to work for yourself for some form of flexibility. Without a business strategy and boundaries set, this ends up in overwork and burnout.

One of my greatest joys is helping other creatives come up with ideas and find solutions to ensure their businesses are sustainable. I believe it is important to create boundaries in your business, stick to a set of office hours and make sure your creative business is not running you.

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

Cassandra Boryszak is an accomplished photographer, specializing in the area of motherhood. Her passion lies in bringing the art of motherhood to light. She helps mothers remember the beauty that’s woven together to create the tapestry of a childhood. She began with a camera she bought on eBay and quickly became one of the most sought after newborn photographers in the WNY area. Cassandra’s work has been honored in The Knot Magazine, The Fount Collective, The Bump, Le Pache Journal and The Kindred Path.
Cassandra Boryszak is the Founder of Motherhood Inspired, a collective of purpose driven mothers that curates uplifting experiences in creativity and community.

As an educator, Cassandra understands the importance of storytelling through imagery. Cassandra’s teachings have been featured in the exclusive Belle Lumiere Magazine, Orlando Voyager Magazine and she is recognized as an Artsy Couture Pro. She helps photographers refine their craft and find their unique voice. Cassandra has partnered with creative entrepreneurs and publications to bring brands innovative ideas, curate content and differentiate themselves with thoughtful imagery.

Cassandra has a BA in Marketing from the prestigious Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida. She is based in Orlando, Florida and WNY

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have had to pivot a few times in my career. In 2018, my husband accepted a promotion and we moved our family from Buffalo, NY to Orlando, FL. My business and clients were all in Buffalo at the time. I had to learn about SEO and marketing to a new area in order to reach new clients. I did several free photography sessions with family, friends and people we met at local coffee shops or stores in order to produce a portfolio that reflected my work in Florida. I also began networking with photographers and other creatives in Orlando. I am forever grateful to all those who welcomed me and for the deep friendships and relationships I have made in this accepting community. Through those interactions and partnering with other creative entrepreneurs in the area, I was able to build a profitable and sustainable business here in Orlando.

More recently, I have moved away from photographing weddings and into motherhood portraiture. As my own children grow, their schedules have become increasingly busy on the weekends and leaving on weekends was no longer serving my family well. My passion for motherhood photography was ignited when I moved to Florida and had the opportunity to photograph several in home newborn sessions during the sweltering summer months. I find the conversations and connections with other mothers to be incredibly fulfilling and enjoy having the opportunity to watch these babies grow. I serve families with opportunities to capture each milestone with their baby in their homes, on location or in studio so they will always have tangible keepsakes to look back on when they reminisce about these sweet years with their little ones.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My interest in photography began as a hobby when my firstborn was about 1 year old. I bought my first camera on eBay in 2012 and was immediately obsessed with learning all I could. I began photographing anyone who would let me. Soon, friends and acquaintances started to inquire about booking sessions. My hobby became a business quickly but I didn’t quite know what I was doing. It was fun to get out and make a little cash. All money earned quickly went right back into buying equipment and getting a website. Soon, I was photographing several sessions a week and was able to steadily increase pricing.

A key milestone was our move from Buffalo to Orlando and restarting in a new place. I went to a workshop, had time to learn how to shoot with film and elevate my brand. Another milestone has been working and collaborating with other creatives. I have been able to learn and grow from my own experiences and through shared projects with others. I am thrilled to be able to offer educational paths in my business and opportunities to mentor other photographers. I am working with a friend to offer a photography workshop soon and also releasing an online course and community called Motherhood Inspired. The course is for mothers who want to learn how to use their cameras and will be available next year!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rootedlovephotography.com
• Instagram: @rootedlovephoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rootedloveinc
• Linkedin: Cassandra Boryszak
• Twitter: @rootedlovephoto
• Youtube: Rooted Love Photography

Image Credits
Rooted Love Photography