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

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I started my business over 15 years ago, as a part time side hustle. At the time I was working full time and really wanted to learn Photography and eventually have my own business. After a few months, it became clear that in order to succeed my business needed more of me, in it.

For years I toyed with the idea of going “full time” but was too chicken to actually do it. Then, I was fired…. from my full time job, and I decided there is no time like the present to dive in full time and just “make it work”

I did this for two years, then the fear set back in. I contacted my old employer and asked if they needed part time work, I missed having co-workers. I missed having some steady income. Being a creative small business owner often puts your financials into a season of feast or famine and that can be stressful!

I went back to work part time, which started to turn into more and more days at the office… I knew for years what my business needed was more “me” and every time I let the fear take hold my business suffered. This time I went from being a full time business owner to slowly going back to a full time job… which I hated. I loved being my own boss and I was kicking myself for accepting a full time higher paying position vs leaving the job all altogether and going back to running my business.

In 2020 once again, the decision was made for me… But this time, I vowed there is no “make it or break it” only MAKE IT… Since then, I’ve not only opened a brick and mortar studio, earlier this year I moved into an EVEN BIGGER SPACE!

Jessica, 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?

Hi! I’m Jessica Lea (Pronounced Lee, my mom thought the “A” at the end was way cooler, and she was right!). I’m a colorful, fun, quirky, creative wedding and portrait photographer in Jacksonville, but available world wide. I like making genuine connections with my clients and couples (seriously, I’m totally down to chat over cupcakes!). I take pride in creating relationships so that the photos are natural and real. Fair warning, I tend to make an odd squeaking noise when we create a badass shot (I also have a bit of a potty mouth).

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If I had one thing I wish I could do over in my career, it would be to invest in mentoring and education much much earlier than I did! I spent YEARS thinking I could figure things out on my own. I’m a bit stubborn that way. It turns out that investing in growth really does pay for itself in the long run. The moment I started believing and investing in myself and learning from others the faster my business grew!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I’ve spent a lot of time developing relationships with my clients. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have many repeat loyal clients. On the portrait side of the business, this is KEY! Many families trust me to create memories for them year after year, on a repeat basis. Social media has been the best way for me to connect with clients and grow those relationships. Not only do I make it a point to become friends with my clients on facebook or follow them on Instagram, I also have groups for my clients, especially on the facebook platform. I can post about new session ideas, specials, sales, and model calls, we even play fun games in the group. It’s been a great tool for fostering brand loyalty and even growing my brand since many clients will invite friends to be part of the groups!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thejessicalea.com
• Instagram: jessicaleaphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jlphangout

Image Credits
Jessica Lea Photography