We recently connected with Indre Buechler and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Indre, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Taking a leap of faith after putting the corporate world on pause to focus on raising my young daughters was undoubtedly a risk, but little did I know it would lead me to an unforeseen passion. It all began with a chance encounter with a fellow mom who happened to be a photographer. The captivating images she captured of my daughters unveiled a new world of photography to me, one that wasn’t confined to staged and stiff studio setups or the only other photography genre I knew – wedding shoots. It was about capturing the purest essence of my children, and I was hooked from the start. I remember seeing the image of my firstborn daughter, Caroline for the first time through the eyes of a talented family photographer and just feeling like wow… someone managed to capture the love I feel for her in an image. Pretty quickly thereafter I immersed myself in learning, investing in my first DSLR camera and devouring knowledge during the quiet hours of the night while daughter slept. This was also a time when I was attending graduate school so it was an especially challenging yet one of the most rewarding times of my life that I will never forget. After moving to Charlotte and having two more daughters, Ella and Emily, I started photographing for friends and neighbors for fun. New puppy? No problem. Big birthday? Bring it on! Soon the hobbit grew into a business. Neighbors referred other neighbors and friends and colleagues. Faced with the daunting choice of scaling up or scaling down with so much time spent editing, I opted to take the plunge into the unknown. Establishing a nearly 2,000 square foot studio in prime commercial space in Charlotte, NC, and assembling a team of six was undoubtedly the craziest and most exhilarating decision I’ve ever made. Eight years on, as we celebrate our journey with loyal clientele and an amazing studio membership program, I can attest that embracing the unknown was the most rewarding risk I’ve ever taken. No matter how my professional career path winds and the new inevitable challenges and professional rewards come, I am forever grateful for never having that regret. I had a passion, I learned the skill, mastered the business and did it. If we close tomorrow or in another 20 years, I’m forever grateful for the team members that have come through our doors and the relationships we’ve built in our community.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up in part under the nurturing care of my grandmother in Lithuania, shaped the very core of my being. As the medical director at her hospital and this is many years ago when women were just not doing these things, she epitomized work ethic, discipline, and sacrifice, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the impact of genuine care on patients and their families. Witnessing firsthand the gratitude that emanated from those she helped left a great mark on my character, igniting a passion for client care that drives every facet of our photography brand and my ethos as a team leader. Understanding the intricate juggling act of mostly mothers to orchestrate photo sessions for their little ones, we’ve made it our mission to embody consistency, clarity, and fun in every interaction. Our commitment to clarity is reflected in transparent pricing and accessible information, while our sessions are designed to be moments of joy, not chores. It’s really about shifting how we view photography by creating a warm and welcoming environment where it is accessible to have professional images taken of your children with Mom also in the images! When even the dads leave with a heartfelt “thank you,” we know we’ve achieved our goal of making professional photography an approachable and enjoyable experience. Our membership systems symbolizes the deep connections we forge with families, from maternity sessions to sibling shoots to generational photos when family is in town. Guided by my grandmother’s legacy of service and dedication, we strive to be that trusted friend who effortlessly captures life’s precious moments, making professional photography a simple and enriching part of our clients’ lives. While the journey is ongoing, the rewards of meaningful connection and service make every step worthwhile.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
In the early stages of building our business, long before the grand opening festivities, I recognized the importance of grassroots efforts in cultivating client leads. Months of strategic planning preceded our grand opening, and one standout initiative is still memorable as an almost accidental marketing mega win. Knowing the challenge of capturing parents’ attention amid the festivities, I decided to enlist the help of a balloon artist. Little did I know, that decision would result into lead generation machine! In just two hours, over 250 parents left their names and emails on our clipboards. Amidst the joyous chaos, it was also a time for organic conversations about our businesses, creating authentic engagement with our community and generating excitement about the business were were opening soon. Reflecting on this experience, I’ve shared this anecdote with fellow women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the power of creativity and authenticity. I don’t believe in cold salesmanship. It always has to be a mutual exchange and I want it to feel good and genuine for both parties. This was the beginning of our marketing efforts that allowed us to open the studio with a solid base of interest clients.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business growth has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and boundaries. It’s a thrilling journey to witness your team evolve and excel, but it’s also a delicate balance to maintain alignment.
Watching team members evolve from hesitant newcomers to integral parts of the company fabric is undeniably rewarding. Yet, the journey of nurturing employees through professional milestones and my own individual growth also carries its share of bittersweet moments. The pride in their advancement often intertwines with the pang of seeing them outgrow their current roles and move on to new ventures. It’s a testament to the dynamic nature of business and the inevitability of change. Change is inevitable and change is always hard. The departure of three valued team members within a short span showed me the importance of continuous training and development, not as a reflection of distrust, but as a safeguard for the resilience and integrity of the business. Just as parents prepare their children to navigate the world independently, business owners must cultivate a culture of growth and adaptability, ensuring that employee succession is a seamless transition rather than a disruptive event.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NestPhotoStudio.com
- Instagram: NestPhotoStudio
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/indrebuechler
Image Credits
Images taken by Nest Photo Studio staff.