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

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

By the time I photographed my first client I didn’t personally know, I had already been in business for about three years. I spent that time learning, practicing, and building my skills by photographing friends and family, treating it seriously long before it ever paid me.

In 2015, things shifted. Within the same month of May, I booked two weddings for couples I had never met before. There were no personal connections or mutual friends. They found my work on its own and trusted me with one of the most important days of their lives.

That was the moment it clicked. I sent contracts, quoted my pricing, and when both couples officially booked, it felt different. This wasn’t a favor or a trial run. People were choosing me. The feelings of pride and joy that I felt in those moments are very hard to describe with words.

Those weddings became a turning point. They pushed me to fully step into the role of a professional – managing timelines, expectations, and the pressure that comes with documenting moments you don’t get a second chance at. Even though I was beyond nervous, I walked away from that month with a new level of confidence, not just in my creativity, but in my ability to run a business.

May of 2015 was when photography stopped feeling like something I did and started feeling like something I built. It set the foundation for the career I’ve continued to grow ever since.

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?

I’m a professional photographer based in Michigan, and I’ve been in business since 2012. I work with families, couples, and individuals who want photos that feel real, relaxed, and genuinely them — not stiff, awkward, or over-posed.

I stayed in photography because I love helping people feel seen, beautiful, and loved. Being trusted to create images that will be passed down through generations is an honor I’ll never take lightly.

I specialize in lifestyle family sessions, weddings, portraits, and seasonal minis, with a natural, connection-driven style. Most of my clients arrive convinced they’re awkward or that their kids won’t cooperate. A few minutes in, they’re laughing, relaxed, and realizing it’s actually going to be okay.

What sets me apart is the experience. After more than a decade in business, I’m calm, organized, and fully present during sessions. I guide when needed, keep things moving, crack a joke when nerves pop up, and make sure my clients feel supported from start to finish.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Many return year after year, inviting me to document new chapters of their lives, and that kind of loyalty means everything.

At the heart of my brand is connection, comfort, and storytelling.
I’m here to tell your story – one photo at a time.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, photography began as a side hustle while I was earning my degree in music education. For several years, I balanced teaching and photography, letting the business grow steadily alongside my studies.

In 2017, I had a clear realization. As much as I loved teaching, photography carried a depth of passion I couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

In 2018, I made the leap and left my full-time job to pursue photography full time. From there, the focus became building something sustainable and meaningful. Key milestones included booking consistent weddings, raising my prices with confidence, and seeing my business grow through referrals and returning clients.

Because of that decision, I now have the flexibility to be a stay-at-home mom to my two boys while continuing to grow my photography business. Being present for my family while doing work I love is something I’m deeply grateful for and proud of.

What started as a side hustle has become a career built intentionally over time, rooted in passion, trust, and long-term connection.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I focus on genuine connection and thoughtful follow-through rather than constant marketing. People remember how you make them feel, long after the session ends.

I build loyalty through experience. For larger seasonal minis like Christmas, I include small thank-you gifts as a way to show appreciation. For my wedding clients, I offer half off a session at their five-year anniversary and a complimentary session at their ten-year anniversary, which keeps us connected long after the wedding day.

With new moms, my approach is especially personal. I bring a small gift like diapers or a newborn outfit and check in when their baby arrives. Not to book another session, but because I’ve been there myself. Becoming a mom can be overwhelming, and sometimes feeling supported matters more than anything else.

Those moments of care often turn into long-term relationships. One of my clients became a close friend simply because of how supported she felt during that season of her life.

Brand loyalty, for me, is built on trust, consistency, and kindness. When clients know they’re genuinely cared for, they return, and they refer others without being asked.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jlboonephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlboonephotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlboonephotography

Image Credits

Jessica Stasik
JLBoone Photography