We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Giovanna Herrand a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Giovanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

I do not agree that college is for everyone, Ill just start with that off the bat. I have a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management & I have not been fortunate to make any use of it. I grew up being told that having a degree was the most important thing, & thats just what my parents dream was, not mine. With that being said I am not one to support a college degree if its not necessary. For some careers, its 100% required but, for others, hands on experience is more important than a paper. Its hard to get out there after college with a degree, excited to become someone, but you have no experience and no one wants to hire you because of the lack of experience. I’ve seen it first hand, I’ve experience it. Thats what I would change about the education system, the lack of hands on experience. Kids & young adults need to learn the essentials of live and should be taught to make their own choices & to do what fulfills them because this live is meant to be enjoyed , and that includes what you do for work. So, this is not to persuade others into not going to college, college is an amazing experience. But, this is about making sure each person does what they truly love and not letting others decide their future.

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

I am Giovanna Camila, a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, but above all a woman who has always dreamt of being her own boss and helping others. What do I do for money with love? I am an event stylist, freelance photographer and a branding developer. How did I get here? trial and error, I literally just stumbled into these roles over years of self teaching myself and trying to find myself and my purpose.

Ive always loved photography, I grew up in a family that took videos and photos at all times. I think photography is important, its memories frozen in time. Ive always been known to be the one to never forgets to take a photo, & whats funny about that is that I never thought of making that my career until recently. I love photographing everything, I have an eye for things, Ive always been told that, my mother would always take me shopping for home decor when I was young because she trusted my eye for things. Now, as an adult and as I learn to find myself I see what that means and I understand why Ive always gravitated towards fashion, interior design, decorating, my love for architecture, and simply finding beauty in everything.

As a photographer my main focus is professionals and small business. Times have changed and everyone wants to see the faces behind the amazing artists at the tattoo shop, mechanics shop, & pediatric team. My goal with branding photography & branding assistance is to help these small businesses grow organically. To be seen for who they and what they can offer, and to have an appealing website & social media that represents them. I do this by offering social media content in my packages along website design. I provide guidance and teach my clients how to make the best out of their social media accounts. And of course the photos, which are essential. My photography style is very natural and fun. You’ll definitely have a good time at our photo session, ask around, I am not making this up! Ive been told to bring out the best from the most awkward and camera shy guys and babes.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’m not one to think too much, I just act. I’m also extremely creative so I am always creating ideas in my head, I should actually be a millionaire right now from so many business ideas, haha!
The only advice I can give you with social media is…just start! If you have something to offer just post it. Just sign up, think of a name for your handle, and just start posting. I promise theres people that want to see what you have to offer. Not being camera shy is very important too, but you’ll get there eventually. You want to keep up with the trends, people want to see you, so this part is very important if you want to get into social media and actually grow. Just have fun, be creative, and do not think about what others are saying. Have fun with it & your people will show up to support you.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth and social media. Reaching out to local business via email/ social media is one of the things I do multiple times per week. Also, word of mouth, specially in local facebook groups which have been a huge source of business for me, if not the biggest. But, this of course depends on where you live and what you do. But, do your research, and find what works best for your business. A business card is’nt going to get you business, you must get out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erranphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erran.photos/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erran.photos/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/erranphotos/