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

Jaimee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I think success is when you know your purpose and work daily towards achieving it. I believe defining success, is the number one thing it takes to become successful.

We need to treasure the success we do achieve everyday, pay attention to and make goals that actually bring us fulfillment and joy.

True success in life can not be covered by blanket statement.

Success takes purpose, growth, and daily appreciation.

Jaimee, 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?

I started in photography when I was 16 years old., a few connections and I was out shadowing a wedding photographer. This woman I shadowed was beautiful, artistic, people loved her, she was what I thought of as successful. She was doing what she loved and making lots of money doing it. I decided I wanted to live like that. I learned the craft of photography, of working with people and building relationships, and eventually branched into starting my business at age 21. Almost 20 years later, I love photography, my clients, my business, my flexibility more than anything. I am so grateful for the relationships this line of work has brought into my life.

We photograph weddings, families, students, events, milestones and more. I believe the main reason our business successful is because we care so much about each person, each family. We love watching and capturing the relationships and moments for our clients. We don’t just look to take a portrait or get a shot list, our hearts are wide open wanting to capture what is beautiful and special for our clients. We provide albums, websites, prints, and other products.

I am most proud of the relationships I have built since I started. I have met young couples, did their engagement sessions, then weddings, photographed the births of their children and now photographed them before they go to college. Creating special moments for families that trust me, creating relationships, helping people and organizations (like the Heart Gallery and The Gold Hope Project), bringing people joy, all while having the ability to be here and present for my children.. that’s what I am most proud of.

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

I think being authentic, giving and going above and beyond is the way to build your reputation . People look for a genuine person behind a small business. We want to know we are not getting swindled or being put into the hands of a selfish, greedy business owner. Which is also why I believe you gain a reputation by giving. If in doubt give your clients, vendors, friends, family, more than they deserve. I am not saying give away your value, because that is another issue, but if you want to make a good name, be for people, don’t make things harder for them. Give whenever you can and as much as you can. Go above and beyond what they would expect for them, if even in little ways. Show them they are important.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

From my experience the keys to social media are repetition, giving information and inspiration and commenting and sharing on other posts.

It’s just common sense and a great marketing rule, the more people see your name, the more they will remember you. So post often, not constantly but consistently.

Provide relevant information and posts that would inspire and pull in your target audience. Be helpful, give something of value.

Don’t be selfish, don’t expect everyone to like your stuff and not engage with anyone else. Comment on posts from other people in your industry, like your clients posts, see what they like! Give your time, sing someones praise, share someone’s story, go beyond yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaimeeponcephotography.com
• Instagram: Jaimee Ponce Photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimeeponcephotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimee-ponce-photography/

Image Credits
Jaimee Ponce Photography