We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gwendolyn Houston-Jack a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gwendolyn, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

In 2009, I found myself under-employed. I believe the average person knows and understands two part-time jobs do not equal a full-time job. I understood that as well and decided I needed to find another source of income.

My art has always captured the emotions of a moment, so the idea of being a part-time photographer felt like a viable solution to my financial problem. It wasn’t until 2012 that I made the decision to make my business legal and pursue photography as a second career. My first three years of business were a joke. I was offering 100 photos for $100 on a CD, which is unsustainable. There was no profit, no dedicated clientele, and no real future for my business. After being burned by customers not paying for services and wasting my time, I returned to the drawing board to determine what steps I needed to take to make this a serious solution for my future.

I knew that in order to make this business successful, I needed a few more tools than just a camera and a good eye. I needed a few business and photography classes. In 2015, I decided to get serious about this business. I determined the cost of doing business, looked at local advertising, invested in photography classes, and worked on determining who my ideal client was. Having all the tools made a few things easier, but I believe time was necessary for me to gain comfort in sticking to my prices. Confidence in self and understanding one’s self-worth is not a magic potion in a bottle. I believe that comes from experience.

All of this knowledge allowed me to create another business solely focused on helping other entrepreneurs grow their careers as business leaders and create sustainable businesses. There is no need to struggle, and I’m eager to help other small business owners avoid wasting time and money the way I did.

Gwendolyn, 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?

My name is Gwendolyn R. Houston-Jack, but people call me “G.” I’m a multifaceted force in the creative and entrepreneurial realms. I’m a visionary photographer, engaging podcaster, indie TV show host, and empowering master career coach. Based in the vibrant community of Arlington, TX, I seamlessly intertwine my passions for creativity, community, and professional development to uplift those around me.
With a lens that captures the essence of moments and stories, my photography is a unique blend of art and emotion. My work goes beyond mere images, weaving narratives that not only resonate deeply with my clients but also inspire and connect them. My keen eye for detail and knack for storytelling infuse my work with authenticity and depth, making me a sought-after artist in both personal and commercial spheres.

As the voice behind two inspiring video podcasts and an empowering TV show, viewers view me as a beacon of inclusivity, amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard. Through candid conversations and insightful interviews, I spark meaningful dialogue on topics ranging from entrepreneurship and creativity to personal growth and community impact. My shows serve as a platform for connection, education, and empowerment, reflecting my unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and included.

Beyond my creative endeavors, I’m a beacon of guidance and a dedicated career coach. I’m committed to guiding individuals toward professional fulfillment and success. Drawing upon my experiences as a small business owner, I offer invaluable insights and strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals and aspirations. My approach combines empathy, expertise, and practical wisdom, empowering my clients to navigate challenges, unlock their potential, and achieve their dreams.

At the heart of my work lies a deep-rooted belief in the power of community and collaboration. I’m not just a photographer, podcaster, or coach but a dedicated advocate for small business owners and creatives. I tirelessly work to increase their visibility, growth, and prosperity. Whether through photography, podcasting, or coaching, I remain committed to making a positive impact, one connection, one conversation, and one success story at a time.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I decided to step away from my 25-year career in retail management and take my photography business full-time in October 2021. I had been planning for this moment for the previous three years. Naturally, I was excited! In June 2022, my father was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer, which was quite aggressive. Talking with my husband and my family, I decided to temporarily close my photography business while providing care for my dad.

My clients were quite supportive and understood my decision to care for my family. Many of them sent words of encouragement. My husband was extremely supportive during this time. It’s a hard time when you’re ready to strike out on your own, and life decides to throw you a major curve ball.

After my father transcended, I needed a year to grieve. In my previous full-time life, I would have received three days of bereavement. Being my own boss, I can give myself the time I need to work through a major life change.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The money I used to fund my business came from my full-time job. If there’s any advice I would give a person considering a career in entrepreneurship, it would be to become the number one investor in your business. While working full-time, a person can maximize all financial areas, such as maxing out the 401K, investing in software, purchasing new hardware, and attending business classes. These funds can be a loan to the business, which is paid back once the business shows a profit.

As a photographer, my cameras are not cheap. Investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) can be a major purchase. Attending business or industry conferences may require travel as well as attendance fees. Using funds from a full-time job is one of the best investments a person can make.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grhjack.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpowerbunny
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolynrhoustonjack
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@GRHoustonJack
• Other: https://www.gphotographybyg.com https://houjackdms.com

Image Credits
All images by Gwendolyn R. Houston-Jack of G Photography by G