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

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

Undoubtedly, the best boss I’ve ever had was Jo. She was more than a boss – she served as a role model to me. After graduating from college, I worked as a nanny for her children while also managing an after-school program. Observing Jo build a business while raising two young children was a truly inspiring experience. Witnessing the beautiful chaos and fulfillment of it all was a valuable lesson. She proved that it was possible to start a business while still dedicating time to your family. I was in awe of her. Back then, I never thought I could accomplish such a feat. However, Jo’s ability to balance her work and family life was something I admired. With love, patience, and a fierce determination, she raised her boys while building something of her own. To put it simply, Jo is an good human doing good things and I’m beyond thankful for everything I learned from her.

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?

Following years of running a Montessori school, I experienced burnout and dissatisfaction, which led me to the realization that I needed a change in 2017. I initially believed that change was to become a stay-at-home mother; however I found that it was not the answer either. From my early childhood watching my grandfather’s hobby of photography, capturing compelling images has always fascinated me, and I soon launched Jessica Strobel Photography. I never anticipated that it would be as successful as it is today, generating five times the revenue of my previous employment gig. I’ve discovered that working with passion is critical to keeping my work fresh, fun, and fulfilling. I’ve always been a believer of loving what you do, or moving on. If there is an aspect of my business that I’m no longer enjoying- I change it. It’s really that simple.

Photography has always been a source of inspiration for me and I am drawn to its power to convey stories and evoke emotions beyond words. As a photographer, I believe my talent and what sets me apart is my ability to establish a connection with people and quickly make them feel at ease. This allows me to capture genuine smiles and emotions, resulting in authentic images that truly resonate with my clients.

There are a few things that I’m proud of when it comes to my business. One is that that I ensure my clients love their photos. I know how stressful and expensive, not to mention awkward, it can be to have your photos taken. I strive to make the process as enjoyable and carefree as possible. However, the most important thing for me is that every time my clients see their images on their walls, in print, or on the web, their hearts fill with joy.

One of my greatest sources of pride is mentoring fellow photographers and small business owners to help them improve their operations. Starting a business can be daunting, particularly when it comes to mastering SEO, Google Analytics, and developing a cohesive brand. I’m living proof that it’s possible to succeed without a formal business education. In 2017, I launched my business with nothing more than an in home studio and earned $5000 in my first year. Fast forward to 2023, and I now have a studio in Uptown Minneapolis and annual revenues exceeding $195,000. As a self-taught photographer, I’m well-equipped to design your website, perform keyword research, optimize your images for the web, set up your Client Relationship Management System (CRM), calculate your cost of doing business, create social media templates, develop a cohesive brand, and produce branding photographs that will help you stand out.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There is Value in Failure:

Failure is not something to be afraid of – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Failure is such an integral part of our journey, and we should treat it as such. Whenever an idea I have falls through, I gain something valuable. It might be a new idea, or insight on how to improve my workflow. There is always something new to learn that I never anticipated before and that is a gift.

I used to feel ashamed when I failed or lost, but that’s the wrong mindset to have- failure is simply part of the process to get to the top. I remind my children to be prepared for failure, to make mistakes and take accountability for them. It’s crucial to learn from these experiences, move forward, and try again. Persistence is what sets us apart. Rather than getting deterred, we can choose to get excited for more opportunities to grow.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Hands Down Authenticity.

Being my authentic self. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. I gained traction when I stopped trying to be like every other photographer out there. I shifted my focus to trusting my instincts and leaning into what I loved. I think people can see through the curated social media feeds where everything is perfect, and they’re over it. Life is messy and business is messy – but there is a beauty to be found in that messiness. These aren’t mutually exclusive. I share a little bit more than most because thats how I chose to live my life and I think it appeals to my audience that I don’t sugar coat shit.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessicastrobelphotography.com
• Instagram: @jessstrobelphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicastrobelphotography

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Nicole Spangler Photography All other photos: Jessica Strobel Photography