We recently connected with Corrie Huggins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Corrie, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I used to call myself risk averse. Fear kept me stuck working for someone else even when I knew I wasn’t valued. My biggest fear: consistent income. In 2020, that job I stayed in furloughed me and I had to confront the fact that safe wasn’t actually safe. I do believe a major contributor to my success was my husband. He encouraged me to bet on me. He told me he would cover every expense while I did. I replaced my salary in under 90 days and now, 3 years in, I have created multi-six figure business.
The stress of not having to worry about the money allowed me to make the money. BUT that is just one piece. I was very strategic in how I started my business. In the middle of a pandemic, I had to dig deep in my skills. I have been a professional photographer for close to 15 years, but that was not going to be successful in a shut down. I have also been the in-house creative director in every business I have worked in since college. I knew that was the path to build a brand and connect all my services. I offered (3) discounted websites to businesses whose clients I knew aligned with my own and who I knew were connectors. I offered these discounts with the ability to sell those websites as evergreen templates and I directly asked that if I exceeded their expectations for them to scream my name. Those three business still refer me multiple clients a month. I used relationships to build strategic partnerships. When you find the right people, over deliver, and pour back into your community you will find success.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am one of the lucky ones. I have never worked in a cubical, or had someone ‘ask for my manager’.
I have spent my career innovating and building. Creating from the ground up with other talented and driven entrepreneurs and loving every second of it. After a 10 year career in wedding photography, I decided it was time to take the JUMP and try entrepreneurship on for myself.
I am a brand strategist, photographer and web developer. If it relates to the visual identity of your brand I am your girl.
I am most proud of me. As a reformed people pleaser that is still hard to acknowledge, but I have put in the work and created a business where I set the culture. I can help whoever I want however I want.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
YES! The number one reason my business has consistent monthly income is because I don’t just do one thing. Most photographers experience a major lull over the winter. I don’t experience that because I am also a web developer.
Another important point is that all of my revenue streams overlap. The easiest (and least expensive) lead is a return client. Finding services that allow your clients to opt in where ever they are and being able to offer them the next thing they need creates life long clients.
My current income streams are photography, graphic design, web development, template sales and studio rentals. Template sales and studio rentals are lower profit, but require far less of my time. Photography and graphic design are faster turn around and can be used to fill in gaps in my calendar. Web development projects are a larger income source and a longer timeline. This allows me to see what my monthly projections are and use my other income streams to ensure I meet my financial goals.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
A few things! Delivering a great product is number one. But that will only get you so far.
Number two is differentiating yourself.
I am known first for speed. For 99% of my photography sessions I offer next day delivery. In the events industry this is unheard of, and in the social media age being first matters. I make sure my clients know they are going to have the product fast. This keeps them from posting cellphone photos and gets more eyes on my work.
Number three is being a resource.
I answer peoples questions. Want to know what I charge or how I structure mini sessions? I will tell you. Want to shoot a location you see I have used? I will make it happen. Need another vendor? I have someone for you. I do NOT gate keep. There is more than enough business to go around, but you only have one reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.corriehugginscreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corriehugginscreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorrieHugginsCreative
- Other: www.creativehousecharlotte.com https://www.facebook.com/creativehouseclt/ https://www.instagram.com/creativehouseclt/
Image Credits
Corrie Huggins Creative