We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Robarge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.

Hi Jamie, thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Without a doubt, my son Brooklyn is my hero. When I was pregnant, I worked in retail management, a place I was complacent about being in forever. I was fortunate to receive a ten-month maternity leave after my son was born. During that time, I was 100% solely focused on being a mom. When my maternity leave ended, my position was eliminated, and I had the choice to either move away with my ten-month-old to raise him on my own or stay in Milwaukee with the help and support of friends and family. I decided to quit my comfy retail management position and start on the journey of entrepreneurship. I leaped into full-time entrepreneurship at the end of 2019, and this last December marked my third anniversary.

My son inspires me every day to be the best version of me that I can be.

I’ve never been a morning person, but you learn how to be when raising a baby on your own. I love the mornings now. That is my prime time of the day.

Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve never been very structured or into a routine, ha! However, I’ve witnessed my son flourish with a routine over the last year. Because of this, I’ve been focusing on a more solid structure and practice at home thanks to this.

Most importantly, my son taught me how to be myself. If it weren’t for him, my branding and journey wouldn’t be as genuine. I always am transparent with my followers. People need to know they are not alone. Before Brooklyn was born, I didn’t know who I was. I was hundreds of different people I’ve met along the journey rolled up into ME. Now I know exactly who I am and what I want in life.

If it weren’t for B, I would still be on the grind, working pay check to pay check. Now, I can focus on elevation and setting him up for success.

Jamie, 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 photographing for clients in 2014 before receiving my BFA in Fine Art Photography from The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2015. I’ve studied, lived, and photographed people in several major US cities. Each place makes unique connections and memories. After college, I worked in retail management for five years. I ran a multi-million dollar store with over 60 employees.

The experience allowed me to learn outstanding customer service through determining needs while simultaneously using strong communication skills to better problem solve. In addition, with mentorship and real-life experiences assisting advertising photographers, I learned the value of collaboration and the importance of having a clear vision and making a solid team to make it a reality.

In 2019, I became a mother, and after a ten-month maternity leave, my job position was eliminated. I was given a choice to relocate outside of Milwaukee or to stay in Milwaukee and take a 50% salary decrease. So, on December 10th, 2019, with .44 cents to my name, I quit my management job to pursue Jamie Robarge Photography LLC. I have been a proud, full-time freelance photographer and single mama ever since.
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I own Jamie Robarge Photography LLC, a full-service photography studio in Milwaukee, WI. I primarily work with small businesses and entrepreneurs. A longtime mission of mine has been to add more diversity and inclusion into the advertising and beauty industries, especially in Milwaukee.

I work with my clients from start to finish. Every Session starts with a discovery call. This allows me the opportunity to hear more about my client and what their individual photography needs are. It’s my job to listen and offer suggestions; I want to make this process as easy as possible for them. After their session is booked, I visit my clients in their homes. This allows me to get to know them and concept plan our shoot. All of our sessions come with the option to purchase wall art. All wall art comes with professional installation and a lifetime warranty. During the consult, we measure and take photographs of any walls the client would like to put wall art on. On your shoot day, it’s time to feel like a rockstar. Full-service hair and makeup are provided within the studio and tailored to your beauty preferences. We offer male and non-binary grooming as well.

Jamie Robarge Photography is changing the narrative for portrait photographers. Your life is one significant work of art; we want to help you cherish it daily. Our sessions are experiences. You’re in the driver’s seat; I’ve got the map; let’s go.

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

Social media has been massive for my business. I’ve gained targeted followers through organic marketing just by being myself! Being in the creative industry IS fun. My business is luxury, and things look nice on the outside. Sharing my journey and struggles as an entrepreneur has built my following drastically. People like to know they are not alone and love to see a success story, even when it’s not always linear. Make genuine connections online. Truly be yourself. You could have a million followers, and if none of them engage with you or your page, why are they there? Be intentional with your posts and only ask your viewer to do one task per post, something I am still working on, LOL.

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

Referral has always been the best source for new clients. This is because I work hard to give my clients an experience, not only a photoshoot. I want people to be excited about how they look in their photographs, and I want them to share the pictures and the experience with the ones they love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamierobarge.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamierobargephotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamierobargephotography

Image Credits
Photography by Jamie Robarge Photography