We were lucky to catch up with Julie Cordova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I launched my small business in March 2023. While it was scary and exciting all at the same time, I am so happy being a small business owner. Prior to launching my photography business, I worked in credit unions for almost 14 years combined. I started working at my first credit union job while in college. The position they needed to fill worked with my class schedule. And from there, I consistently worked in banking. I grew within the organizations and learned so much valuable information that I can use in my personal life, such as the ins and outs of auto loans, how important it is to have good credit, and how to keep your bank account in the positive! But burnout was inevitable. When the pandemic started in March 2020, my family and I were planning to move back to our hometown. Since I was going to be 2 hours away from my work site, I transitioned to working from home. I was fortunate to retain my job and have the benefits of being at home. But I could see that the end of my credit union career was coming to an end. I noticed increasing issues with my mental health and I wanted to try something new. After I ended my credit union career in December 2022, I took a much-needed break and spent a month doing as little as possible. Once I felt refreshed, I began planning the launch of my photography business. I completed the necessary documentation, set up my website, and excitedly designed my logo and business cards. I felt official. At the same time, I was already feeling the benefits of not having an eight-to-five desk job. I could make my own schedule. I had more time to tend to my home and my family. I made every decision as it related to my job. I was my own boss. I got my first few clients in the first month of business. After each photo session, I always looked forward to uploading the photos and editing the best ones. The best feeling of accomplishment would come after I had sent the completed gallery to the client and getting an, “I LOVE THEM” response. The happiness that my business was creating for me was filling a part of my soul that had not been filled in a long time. So yes, I am happy as a business owner. I do occasionally think about what I would do if I went back to a “regular job,” but I already know how it would be. Or rather what it wouldn’t be – me finally letting my creative side take the reins and doing something that truly makes me happy.

Julie, 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?

I have been married for 17 years. I have a teenage daughter and one very spoiled dog. I come from a military family and have lived in a few places, but I have lived in Texas the majority of my life so this is where I call home. I graduated high school and got my bachelor’s degree in my hometown. My interest in photography started with my dad. He would talk to me about it when I was young. He would show me the parts of a camera and how they worked to take a photo. I got my first camera, a Nikon, in high school. This is when film was still used. I took Yearbook twice in high school and I used my camera to take photos for publication. After my daughter was born, I had a compact Sony camera and took many photos of her with it. When I was preparing to launch my photography business, I decided to focus on portraits. Along with portraits, I also provide services for real estate photography, commercial photography, and event photography. I feel that my customer service sets me apart from others in my field. I respond quickly to inquiries and messages; I inform the client of what to expect along each step of the way; I have always met deadlines or sent final galleries earlier than promised. I am most proud of the fact that I am self-taught. I found photography courses online, watched as many as I could, and took meticulous notes. Then I would take what I learned and practice by taking photos of my daughter and my dog. I have also had several friends who have allowed me to take their photos for even more practice. I want potential clients to know that if they hire me as their photographer, I will provide them with a gallery that they will love and service that will make them want to come back.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to have my own photography studio. I would love to have a space where I can build sets and use interesting lighting. I currently shoot outdoors but having a studio will give my clients more options for locations, as well as provide a place when weather is not ideal. If I had a studio, I would also like to rent it out to other photographers and creatives. Another goal of mine is to provide courses on photography. I would like to teach introductory classes to adults and children.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a photographer is seeing the client’s reaction to the final gallery. When a client hires a photographer, they are instilling a lot of trust in that person. They have to trust that it is worth the money that they are spending, that the photographer will capture special moments, and that they will receive photos that they will want to share with friends and family or even print and frame to hang up in their home. So when they say they love the gallery, all the hard work truly pays off.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juliecphotos.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/juliec.photos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/juliecphotos.net

Image Credits
Julie Cordova of Julie C. Photography