Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqui Schlosser. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jacqui, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

I think we need to first define if we are running a small or micro business. In either case, you should be able to have a team that can keep the business going if you need to step away for a week or two. That said, it is much easier to have that team in place if you are running a small business (defined as less than 500 employees). If you are a solo-entrepreneur or micro business owner, an assistant may or may not be in the picture. And in that case, essentially, if you are not the one working, than you are not making any money. The assistant can help with correspondence and keeping the customers happy while you are gone, but very rarely will it be the case that income is coming in while the owner is on vacation. Therefore, micro business owners see vacations as a double negative. Not only are they stepping away from their baby (their business), paying someone to act as them while they are gone, but they are also not able to make money during that time.

So do I take vacations? Kinda. I put some boundaries in place while I am on a vacation. Even if I am not actively responding to emails, I am monitoring them and making sure that things are running smoothly. In the week leading up to a vacation, I have usually done 3 weeks’ worth of work so I can ensure that I have covered the time I will be away. Making that vacation even more needed!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve has worked as a photographer since she was 18. In 2011, following the birth of my daughter, I officially began my own company, By Jacqui Photography. This pivotal move allowed me to continue to do what I loved, but on my own terms, putting myself in control of my schedule and client list.

Having worked with some of the best photographers in DC, NYC and Los Angeles. From Clay Blackmore, my father, Len DePas, and god-father Monte Zucher. I was based in DC for 20 years and recently moved to Richmond in 2018.

As a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), I’ve had the honor of capturing over 1,000 weddings, mitzvahs, and social events throughout my career. Over the past 10 years, I’ve expanded my work into corporate, food, and branding photography—areas that allow me to flex my creativity in new and exciting ways.

In 2022, I purchased a space in Richmond, VA to serve as a home base for both myself and my clients. That space is now known as Yellow House RVA. It has grown into a welcoming venue that uplifts LGBTQ+ and female artists, and regularly hosts community events like meditations, yoga, book clubs, and speaker series.

I’m deeply passionate about supporting women-owned businesses by creating powerful, high-quality visuals that elevate their brands. I currently serve as President of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Richmond Chapter, and I recently launched a new business called Ignite, focused on helping women entrepreneurs shine even brighter.

When I’m not behind the camera or working with clients, you can usually find me at the gym. I’m a powerlifting enthusiast and love the thrill of lifting heavy—it makes me feel strong, confident, and ready to take on any challenge. I also enjoy hiking along the James River with my kids and our French bulldog, Rosie.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

No matter what size city you are working in, people talk. Consistency and personality will get you far in any business, especially a service industry. People want to work with people they like. It’s just human nature. Yes, you need the skills to back it up, but it’s important to have a hospitality or at least a customer service background to help you get through the tough clients and vendors that you will inevitable have to work with.

I try to make personal connections with my ideal referral base. Identify who you get the most clients from and foster that relationship. Just a quarterly lunch can keep you in their mind when they are in need to refer your services to a client.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My father was a photographer in DC. In 2017 he had a stroke that caused short term memory loss. He had 10 weddings on the books for the following few months and someone had to handle them. Within 48 hours I had two full time photography business to run, two very small children, and a father’s medical care to manage. It was one of the hardest years of my life.

His clientele was very different than mine and I had to meet their needs and contract with zero pay/profit.
I learned to grind in a way that I had never had to before. Each moment was accounted for – month after month.

In the end, I came out of it with an understanding about myself and a new found self respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacquidepas.com
• Instagram: @byjacquiphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-depas-schlosser

Image Credits

all photos by By Jacqui Photography