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

Hi Chessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

One of the greatest rewards of running a family business is being able to involve my children and teach them life lessons in a hands-on, meaningful way. We homeschool, so having a business is not only how we provide for our family—it’s also part of their education.

They’re learning that you have to work for the things you want. Being your own boss sounds fun, but it takes real self-discipline—especially when things get hard. They see that firsthand. Whether it’s preparing for events, helping clean up, or talking through why we make certain decisions, they’re right there beside me, learning what it takes to keep things running.

We recently opened a small event venue, and even our 6- and 8-year-olds are pitching in—carrying chairs, helping reset tables, and understanding why every little detail matters. Through this, they’ve already picked up on concepts like supply and demand and even inflation. They know that when prices go up or bookings slow down, it affects how we plan and budget.

The economy is always shifting, and instead of hiding that from them, I use it as an opportunity to teach them about resilience and flexibility. Running a family business allows them to learn real-world skills early on—and not just how to run a business, but how to serve others, solve problems, and stick with something even when it’s not easy.

Would I want my kids to join the business one day? If it fits their path, absolutely. But even if they go a different direction, the work ethic, financial awareness, and life skills they’re gaining now will go with them wherever they end up.

Chessa, 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?

Hi! I’m the owner and photographer behind Helms Photography and the co-founder of The Vibe, an event venue I run alongside my best friend and our husbands. Together, we’re four hands-on parents working as a team to provide for our families while creating spaces where others can celebrate life’s special moments.

My journey into photography began with a deep love for capturing the beauty of motherhood and family. As a mom myself, I know how quickly time flies—and I wanted a way to hold on to the memories of my own kids growing up. That desire grew into a business where I now specialize in luxury maternity, newborn, and baby’s first year portraits. At Helms Photography, we offer a full-service experience that includes wardrobe, professional hair and makeup, and timeless heirloom artwork like our custom Art Books.

What makes my business extra special is that it’s truly a family-centered effort. I homeschool my children, and I involve them in every part of the business—from setting up and cleaning after events to learning about finances and supply and demand. Even my younger kids understand the importance of hard work and adapting to changes in the economy. They’ve seen firsthand that being your own boss means showing up, even when things get tough.

My mom is also part of our team—she’s my assistant during sessions and manages The Vibe with me. It’s been a beautiful way for us to stay connected and spend quality time together while working toward shared goals.

Whether I’m photographing a newborn in the studio or helping set up for a baby shower at The Vibe, I’m passionate about creating meaningful, memorable experiences for families—because at the heart of everything I do is the love and value of family.

At Helms Photography, I don’t just offer photo sessions—I offer an experience. My goal is to create a high-end, stress-free environment where every client feels pampered, cared for, and confident. From professional hair and makeup to wardrobe styling and custom artwork, every detail is designed to make the session seamless and memorable.

What sets me apart is the heart behind what I do. I want my clients to look at the portraits on their walls and remember how special they felt in that moment—not just how they looked. I believe in capturing real connection, preserving memories, and offering a level of service that makes people feel truly valued.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built this business with intention—from the luxury experience we offer to the way my family is involved behind the scenes. Every part of this studio has been shaped with care, and I think clients can feel that when they walk through our doors.

More than anything, I want potential clients to know that when they choose Helms Photography, they’re not just booking a session—they’re choosing a full experience that honors their story, their family, and the fleeting beauty of this season in life.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner and I had each been running our own successful photography businesses for nearly a decade when our paths aligned in a way that felt meant to be. In 2019, she was approached about photographing a daycare—something I had experience with, but she hadn’t. She wasn’t comfortable taking it on solo, so she reached out, and that project marked the beginning of our partnership.

While continuing to grow our individual businesses, we co-founded Four States Imaging, a high-volume school and daycare photography company. Our teamwork felt natural and balanced, and we knew we had something special. In 2024, when a building became available, we took a leap of faith and opened a venue together on January 1, 2025. That space now houses our Four States Imaging offices, along with a shared studio where we both continue to serve our own personal clientele.

One of the things we’re most proud of is how our collaboration proves that community over competition really does work. Supporting each other hasn’t hurt our individual businesses—in fact, it’s strengthened them. Some clients even choose to work with us both for different sessions. Our story is a reminder that you don’t have to go it alone. Having someone in your corner, especially someone who truly understands your industry, is invaluable

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

While I’ve invested significant time in social media and thousands of dollars in Google ads, I’ve found that the most effective—and lasting—strategy for growing my clientele is through positive word-of-mouth referrals. There’s nothing more powerful than a happy client sharing their experience with friends and family. Referrals build trust in a way that advertising can’t always match, and they’ve been the key to creating long-term relationships with clients who return year after year.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.helmsphotography.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helmsphotographytxk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helmsphotographytxk
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/helmsphotographytxk

Image Credits

LOVE image of 3 of the 7 of my kids: Credit K8 Photography out of Texarkana
All Other Images: Credit Helms Photography