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

Juan, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

When my wife and I first started Goodkarrot, it was just a dream, now it’s our full-time job. We both had our own jobs but were struggling to make ends meet, so we decided to embark on this amazing adventure we call GK Photography. I started with my father-in-law’s camera and a rented lens, going door to door looking for potential clients. It’s been a long road but we have been blessed beyond measure and have met some pretty incredible people along the way. We’ve definitely learned a lot about the business and our market, but knowledge comes with experience, and experience takes time, so I’m not sure we could’ve sped up the process at the beginning.

Juan, 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?

My name is Juan Guillermo Galvez, I’m 36 and Colombian by birth but Texan by heart. I’ve been married to my wife Anna, for 15 years and we have three pretty amazing kids, Juan Manuel (14), Julieta (12), and the littlest Renata (4). As for the artistic part, I grew up surrounded by artists, so I guess it’s kind of ingrained in me. Both my parents are actors, and my grandparents are artists as well. I could say my love for photography was born during our time in New Zealand, where I had the opportunity to shoot the amazing landscapes of the country.

As, for why we decided to open a Real Estate photography company, it was completely God’s call. We were going through a rough patch and I heard God telling me it was time to do it, and since day one, we’ve been able to see his Hand in all we do. GK services all of Houston and surrounding areas, offering everything from basic photo sessions, videography, virtual staging, aerial photography and video, headshots, matterports, to anything you can think of!

GoodKarrot was created with realtors in mind… we want to be, as our company motto states, a realtor’s best friend. Therefore, we not only offer the highest quality media and service at extremely competitive prices but also strive to become part of their team and exceed their expectations. We understand all the work that goes into listing a property and want to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our team is always prepared to go the extra mile for our customers and we believe what sets us apart is exactly that… we want to be the go-to option for every listing, whether commercial, small, family homes, or luxury listings. At GK getting good prices does not equal sacrificing quality or service.

One of the things we are most proud of is how we care for each of our clients, it fills our hearts to still get calls from our very first client… to us they are like family so we are always working towards improving in every way as we want to offer only the best to those who trust us with their business.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

We had no capital. We started with a borrowed camera, found our first client, and rented a lens for two weeks to shoot that appointment. We had to go rent the lens every time we got a call, and it was the most exciting time! As we got more clients, we were able to extend the lens rental, print some promotional flyers, and eventually get our very own camera and lens. As we grew, we started to build our equipment, get our tripod, flash, etc. As for our first drone, it was actually one of our dearest clients, Mariana Saldana, who lent us the money to buy it, in order to shoot one of her listings. God has definitely opened some doors and put the right people on our path.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Without a doubt, referrals. Word-of-mouth has definitely been the most effective strategy for bringing in new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: goodkarrot.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodkarrot
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodkarrot
• Other: https://vimeo.com/goodkarrot

Image Credits
Photos by GK Photography / goodkarrot.com.