We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Ajeman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Don’t get me wrong, being a business owner has it’s perks for sure, but it definitely comes with it’s own set of challenges. It is hard trying to wear all of the hats, making sure everything gets done, take risks, deal with setbacks- just to name a few. People sometimes ask ,”why did you leave your 9-5 to work 24/7?” Yes it is hard to physically and mentally clock out when you own your own business. Over the past 8 years I’ve had to really manage my time especially as being a mom. When I’m with my kids I try to be fully present and when I’m working I do the same. Trying to do both at the same time has never worked well. It is hard and unrealistic though to 100% not to think about your kids while working and while being with your kids not think about work at all. It’s a constant balance act and some days are better than others, but the end goal is always the same and that’s what I strive for. The mom guilt never goes away, but I want my kids to watch me pursue my dreams by doing something I love so that hopefully when they are grown they will have the courage to do the same if they choose to. Being honest though, I’ve wanted to throw the towel in and call it quits a number of times over the last 8 years as a business owner. The toll can be extremely taxing especially if you don’t have systems in place or aren’t using them. I’ve thought about what it would be like to work for someone else and the idea never sits well with me. Sure it would be easier to clock in and out everyday, leave work at work and come home, do family life, and repeat it all over again. But that life doesn’t serve me. I am a dreamer and always will be. I love creating. I love that I don’t do the same thing everyday and get to make all of the decisions, pivots and plans. There has been seasons of hustle as well as slowing down and I am so grateful for that flexibility. Also the relationships I’ve gained as a small business owner as insurmountable. They have enriched my life in a way a corporate 9-5 never could. It has blessed my life so much and being able to help others and serve my clients has been so rewarding over the years. Especially to the ones that keep coming back to me and have been there from the beginning cheering me on.

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 knew I wanted to be a photographer from a early age and got serious about it around age 12 or 14. Then in high school I always failed the career quizzes we had to take and I made it a priority to make it happen. I got my associates in business, bought my camera, and then hit the ground running learning, practicing, and taking clients on and the rest is history. I specialized in wedding photography from the beginning up until a little over a year ago. I then started to make the pivot and transition into product and commercial photography. As social media has become such an important aspect in owning a business, I saw a need and void for other small business owners that I could help fill. I help small business owners save time and money as well as increasing their sales by creating photo and video content for them. I’ve seen it happen time and time again with clients as they take me on and entrust me to capture their products. Having quality photos and video elevates and propels their business forward. Marketing can be such a headache and I love being able to ease that burden for my clients and give them what money can’t buy- TIME. More time with their family, for themselves, and importantly get them back to what they do best- creating! Whether I’m photographing a candle, T-shirt, journal, children toy, or hand sewn item- I put the same amount of time and effort with each business. I get to know the owner and learn more about their business, their why, and their dreams. I then become their own personal cheerleaders and love watching their business grow and succeed!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting to a completely different industry was extremely scary. Weddings were all I had ever known and photographing them had become so second nature. So choosing to start capturing products and brands is probably the biggest risk I’ve taken since deciding to start my own business. In so many ways I had to start from the ground up, spend so much time learning, and thinking a totally different way creatively than I ever had. I also had never done any type of videography with my business, I didn’t even know how. So again I had to learn and practice so much, but it really has paid off!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the gift of word of mouth. Especially as a product photographer working with small businesses, this is crucial. My product photography really took off from the beginning due the the fact of word of mouth. I really treat each client like they are my one and only as I put attention and detail into their sessions. I believe in making it an experience and cultivating relationships and not just a transaction. Over delivering and going above and beyond is always a goal of mine and I find it enhances the experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: jessicaajemanphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessicaajemancommerical?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: Jessica Ajeman Photography