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

Jess, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

My journey began in the world of fashion design, where I spent 13 years immersed in colors, textures, and the creative energy of the apparel industry. But a seed was planted in 2018 when my husband, knowing how his military deployments often left me feeling isolated, gifted me a camera. It was a simple gesture, but it ignited a spark within me.

Armed with my new camera and the excitement of a fresh start in a new city, I explored the hidden corners of Boston and New England. I captured the beauty I found and shared my images on Instagram, connecting with a community of passionate photographers who fueled my love for the craft.

In the summer of 2020, as the pandemic gripped the world, I took a leap of faith and launched J. Nichole Captures. Juggling my full-time job as a colorist with the demands of a budding business was challenging, but the creative outlet and connection it provided were invaluable during a time of isolation and uncertainty.

My desire to pursue photography full-time led me to leave my stable job in 2022 to become a photographer’s assistant. While the experience was short-lived and not as fulfilling as I’d hoped, the unexpected layoff ironically became a catalyst for my business. It fueled my determination to make J. Nichole Captures a success.

Looking back, I believe the timing of my business launch was serendipitous. Had I started sooner, I might have lacked the life experiences and industry knowledge that have shaped my unique approach to photography. Had I started later, I might have missed the opportunity to connect with clients during a time when they craved human connection and visual storytelling.

Starting my business during the pandemic, while juggling a full-time job, taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of following my passion. It forced me to be resourceful and creative, which are essential skills for any entrepreneur.

So, would I change the timing of my business launch? No, I wouldn’t. It was the right path for me. The challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and the unexpected turns along the way have all contributed to the photographer and business owner I am today. I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

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?

My name is Jess, and I’m the artist and storyteller behind J. Nichole Captures, a Boston-based photography business specializing in weddings and lifestyle portraits. While my roots lie in the fashion industry, where I spent over a decade honing my eye for detail and composition, my true passion lies in capturing the raw, authentic moments that make up life’s most precious memories.

My journey into photography was sparked by a desire to connect with the world around me and share my perspective through the lens. I began documenting the beauty of Boston and New England, sharing my discoveries on Instagram, and quickly found a community of like-minded photographers who fueled my creative spirit.

Inspired by this newfound passion, I launched J. Nichole Captures during the challenging isolation of the pandemic. It was a time when people craved connection and sought to document their lives in meaningful ways, and my photography business became a creative outlet and lifeline during isolation.

Today, I specialize in capturing the genuine emotions and connections that emerge during a photo session. Whether it’s a couple’s wedding day, a family’s playful interactions, or an individual’s unique personality, I strive to create images that reflect the true essence of my subjects.

What sets me apart is my commitment to building genuine relationships with my clients. I believe that photography is an intimate experience, and I take the time to get to know each person I photograph, to understand their stories and what makes them unique. This allows me to create images that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and meaningful.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the joy my photos bring to their lives. I believe that photography has the power to freeze time, to capture the essence of a moment and preserve it for generations to come. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m honored to be entrusted with such precious memories.

If you’re looking for a photographer who values genuine connection, embraces authenticity, and captures the true essence of your story, I would be honored to be a part of your journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

While the immediate joy my clients experience when they see their photos is incredibly gratifying, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the understanding that I am creating a tangible legacy. Photographs are more than just images; they are windows into the past, preserving fleeting moments and emotions that would otherwise fade with time.

I’m privileged to document life’s milestones, from the exuberant joy of a wedding day to the tender vulnerability of a newborn’s first days. These images become cherished heirlooms, connecting families across generations and allowing loved ones to relive those precious moments again and again.

Knowing that my work plays a role in capturing the legacy we leave behind is both humbling and inspiring. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it fuels my passion for creating images that are not only beautiful and artistic but also deeply meaningful and timeless.

Every click of my shutter is an opportunity to freeze time, to preserve a feeling, to tell a story that will be treasured for years to come. That’s the ultimate reward for me as a photographer, and it’s what drives me to continue capturing moments that matter.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In the heart of my photography business lies a deep appreciation for people and community. This has naturally led me to embrace networking as the most effective strategy for growing my clientele.

Building genuine relationships with fellow photographers, vendors, and clients has been instrumental in expanding my reach and reputation. I actively participate in industry events, workshops, and online communities, always seeking opportunities to connect and collaborate with others.

But networking for me goes beyond exchanging business cards. It’s about fostering authentic relationships, supporting fellow creatives, and giving back to the community that has embraced my work. I believe that when you approach networking with a generous spirit and a genuine desire to connect, it creates a ripple effect of positive energy that ultimately attracts the right clients to your door.

I also prioritize client referrals, encouraging my happy clients to share their experiences with friends and family. Word-of-mouth marketing has been incredibly powerful for my business, as it comes from a place of trust and genuine recommendation.

By focusing on building relationships and nurturing a supportive community, I’ve been able to create a sustainable business model that aligns with my values and passion for connecting with people. It’s a strategy that has not only grown my clientele but also enriched my life in countless ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jnicholecaptures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.nichole_captures/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jnicholecaptures/about_contact_and_basic_info