We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeris Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jeris, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

The idea was first executed when I began selling fabric earrings on the side, which then turned into me creating press on nails, which led to graphic tees, then photography. The process has not been easy because I am gifted in different areas which caused me to feel like I had to choose. My parents have always encouraged me to do what I really love which is photography. I spoke to them about it so they began investing into equipment and not long after that my mentors purchased me my first camera which led to me practicing from my iPhone to a canon 70D. In June 2021 I sent an application to Register of Deeds to finalize my business name and began to advertise more and reach out to friends and family to use them as models along with advertising, which led to more inquiries and bookings. June of 2022 makes two years that I have been in business and it has been a journey. It is very true that being consistent and having a village makes the business process easier. I had to figure out my why verses just wanting to become financially stable and being able to sow into others. I had to contact other companies, read books, network, practice weekly with my camera, and speak life over my business while keeping a positive mindset. In order to truly make a move to do what you desire it all begins in your mind. Because I knew that I could do it I created a plan and wrote down all that I want to accomplish in business, and within the past two years I can truly say that I am seeing some of what I’ve always dreamt about as a little girl.

Jeris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jeris Johnson and I am from Charleston,SC who is also a military brat. I was born in Maryland but shortly after I was born my parents and I were stationed in Hawaii,Japan, and Washington State. Once my father retired we moved to my parents hometown (Charleston,SC). I got into photography and designs by just experimenting with different things that I love from button earrings to wreaths to press on nails to graphic tees to photography. I mainly specialize in photography. My goal is to always help clients embrace their inner beauty through photography. I’ve had shoots where clients would say they are nervous or new to this, and in the end they would kill the photoshoot!!!! Once the photos were edited and sent out I would responses like “You have a gift” or “You brought out a side of me that I didn’t know existed”. Moments like these are what keeps me going, and in that it encourages me to know that I do more than just “take a picture”. I’m most proud when I see the reaction on a clients face from their photoshoots, or later on when I follow up with them and they’ll discuss how it made them feel more confident in who they are, and how I brought out another side that was hidden. I do everything with love and compassion, and I always want clients to know they are appreciated and amazing. I want potential clients to know that I see you and want you to know that as a photographer I am also a safe place for you to be yourself during your shoot.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Youtube has been a major help with practicing and learning the basics with photography. Placing affirmations on sticky notes and placing them in your bedroom/bathroom helps so you can recite what you desire, and also encourage yourself every morning. Finding photographers on social media and learning about their journey and subscribing as well to get tips. Business Boutique by Christy Wright, CEO Excellence by Caroline Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra, Building a story brand by Donald Miller. Fearless Faith+Hustle by Arian Simone are books that I enjoy.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think word of mouth has been helping build my reputation within my market. News travels fast and if someone is satisfied with your service they don’t mind sharing it with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jerisjayydesigns.com
• Instagram: jerisjayy
• Facebook: JerisJayy Designs & Photography
• Twitter: JerisJayy
• Other: Pinterest: JerisJayy Designs

Image Credits
WPPI 2021