We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Connie McGOwan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Connie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
My name is Connie McGowan, and I am the proud owner of Connie & Co. Photography. My specialty lies in boudoir and branding photography, with occasional ventures into birthday, seniors and family portrait experiences. I often say that I can seamlessly capture moments from the boardroom to the bedroom during a photography session.
Photography has been a part of my life since an early age, and my love for taking and being in photographs never waned. I began taking photography seriously in 2010, initially experimenting with various genres. However, I soon realized that I needed to find my niche.
In 2013, I found my passion in boudoir photography. Despite juggling a full-time nursing career, I continued to explore photography. In 2015, I took a bold step and left my 22-year nursing career to pursue photography full-time. Unfortunately, this transition was far from smooth, leading to a challenging two-year period filled with silent struggles and daily stress. My determination to avoid returning to nursing led me to financial hardship, including bankruptcy, repossession, disconnected utilities, garnishments, liens, and ultimately selling my home. I endured these trials with a smile while striving to pursue my dream, until my health took a sudden downturn.
In January 2018, I returned to nursing, feeling like I had failed. During this time, I paused my photography work for six months to reflect on my mistakes and process the life-altering decisions I had made, including selling my home of 10 years.
Upon reflection, I recognized the areas where I had fallen short in my photography business: inadequate savings, inconsistent bookings due to subpar marketing, pricing that did not align with a full-time photography venture, lack of comprehensive business planning, and continual financial setbacks. It was a challenging journey from beginning to end, leading me to my current path of seeking guidance and improvement.
I pledged to never find myself in that situation again. My goal is to master the art of running a successful photography business with efficient processes, robust financial management, targeted marketing strategies to reach my ideal clients, and a standout brand that is recognized and sought after.
I enrolled in a photography mastermind course for a year and learned how to elevate my business brand. I made some significant changes that have been a benefit to my business.
Last year things took an unexpected turn in the right directions suddenly. I successfully accomplished a significant milestone by realizing my dream of opening a luxurious 3500 sqft photography studio in Stony Point in August 2022. To pursue this endeavor, I transitioned from a full-time job to a more flexible “come when I can” work arrangement, allowing me to fully commit to my passion. Celebrating my studio’s first anniversary on August 1st, I’ve discovered that all of my lessons I had to go through them to reap this amazing blessing.
Connie, 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?
My journey into the world of photography and entrepreneurship has been a thrilling adventure. Photography has been a part of my life since I was very young, but it wasn’t until 2010 that I decided to take it more seriously. I started out experimenting with various photography genres, trying to find my true calling. It was in 2013 that I fell head over heels in love with boudoir photography, and that’s where my journey truly began.
I’m the proud owner of Connie & Co. Photography. I specialize in boudoir and branding photography but I also do monthly Headshot Happy Hours on the 1st Wednesday of every month, corporate headshots, corporate events, birthday photoshoots for 15 and above, senior photos for highschool and college seniors, maternity, couples and I also offer micro weddings at my studio for 12 or less guest with full event planning and photography.
At Connie & Co. Photography, it’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about creating a unique and unforgettable experience for our clients. We understand that stepping in front of a camera can be intimidating, which is why we go above and beyond to make our clients feel comfortable, beautiful, and empowered.
Our amazing team of makeup artists, stylists, and dedicated “handlers” is at the heart of this transformative process. They work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of your session is perfect, from hair and makeup to wardrobe and styling. We believe that you deserve to look and feel your best, and our team is here to make that happen.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to helping clients step outside of their comfort zone and see themselves in a new light. We want every photography session to be a journey of self-discovery and self-confidence. It’s about capturing the essence of who you are and celebrating your unique beauty.
Photography, in our eyes, has the power to change our clients in the best way possible. It’s not just about capturing an image; it’s about capturing a moment of self-assuredness, strength, and beauty. Our goal is for our clients to leave our studio feeling transformed, with a newfound sense of confidence and self-worth.
So, when you choose Connie & Co. Photography, you’re not just getting pictures; you’re embarking on a journey of self-expression and empowerment. We’re here to help you embrace your beauty, step outside of your comfort zone, and see yourself in a whole new light. It’s an experience like no other!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When I embarked on the journey of opening my dream studio, “The House of Photography,” I faced the common challenge of securing the initial capital needed to make it a reality. The vision was clear, but the path forward was financially daunting. That’s when inspiration struck, and I decided to take a leap of faith by creating my own crowdfunding campaign.
But this wasn’t just any crowdfunding campaign; it was a heartfelt endeavor that reflected the genuine connection I had built with my followers over the years. They had witnessed my ups and downs, my transparent moments, and my unyielding pursuit of my passion. Many had supported me not out of obligation but because they genuinely wanted to see me succeed.
I decided to offer something truly special in return for their support: pre-selling photography packages that could be redeemed at The House of Photography for a full year. These packages ranged from headshots to mini portrait experiences and full branding or boudoir experiences, catering to a variety of photography needs and preferences.
The response I received was nothing short of astonishing. People from all walks of life, who had followed my journey and believed in my vision, rallied behind me. They saw not only the potential in my studio but the dedication and passion I poured into my work.
I offered packages at various price points, ranging from $25 to $1,000, making it accessible for anyone who wanted to contribute. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, and in just 30 days, my campaign generated a staggering $28,000. It was a testament to the power of community, belief in dreams, and the unwavering support of my followers.
I cannot emphasize enough how incredibly fortunate I am to have the best clients in the world. The backing I received to realize my dream, “The House of Photography,” will forever hold a special place in my heart. The trust and faith they had in me during that campaign is something I’ll never forget.
The success of my crowdfunding campaign not only provided the financial means to open my studio but also reinforced the importance of community, support, and shared dreams. It’s a story I will continue to share because it serves as a reminder that dreams are achievable when you have people who believe in you and your vision.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
For a significant period, my focus in photography was primarily on boudoir and branding photography. These genres resonated deeply with me, and I poured my heart and soul into delivering exceptional experiences for my clients. However, as my business evolved, I found myself in a situation where I had to make a crucial decision regarding the expansion of my photography offerings.
Clients who had been with me for years and newcomers alike began expressing interest in other types of photography, such as family photos, maternity sessions, couple shoots, and even small weddings. I realized that turning these clients away was not aligned with my vision of providing outstanding service and meeting their needs.
So, I made the decision to pivot and expand my photography offerings once again. Just this past month, I reintroduced family, maternity, and couple photos into my repertoire, along with smaller express sessions for those who needed a quicker photography experience. I even ventured into micro weddings, accommodating gatherings of 12 guests or fewer in my studio, a venture I began late last year.
It’s essential to me that boudoir and branding photography remain my specialties, as they hold a special place in my heart. However, I also recognized the importance of keeping my studio consistently booked and busy to sustain my business.
In addition to broadening my portrait offerings, I’ve expanded my corporate photography services, with a particular focus on providing C-suite style photography onsite. This pivot allows me to diversify my clientele and strengthen the corporate aspect of my business.
This decision to pivot and diversify my offerings was not made lightly, but it reflects my commitment to meeting the diverse needs of my clients while ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of my photography business. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of entrepreneurship, where adaptability and responsiveness to client demands are key to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehouseofphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.houseofphotography/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connieandcompanyrva
- Tiktok: @conniemcgowan1
Image Credits
The House of Photography by Connie & Co.