Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kim Alexis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kim, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
Profitability in the Headshot world is difficult since it’s extremely competitive. It’s really important to stay current with SEO, marketing, being active on social media while also making yourself stand out from your competition. My personal biggest challenge has been staying active with my social media platforms. I get easily overwhelmed and notice that I go through phases where I post and interact with potential customers, then followed by phases of burn out. I think it’s also important to combine these tactics with other forms of marketing, such as in person, blogging and e-mail newsletters so you have these outlets during times of burn out in one area.
Kim, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a Los Angeles based Photographer specializing in Headshots and Unit Stills. I started taking photos in high school and quickly started testing with agencies and assisting Commercial and Editorial Photographers. I never really thought I could make Photography a career and it all sort of gradually happened naturally. I moved to New York after college and assisted some more and worked overnight shifts at one of the most prestigious photo studios. I learned more of the technical aspects of Photography there and then worked as a product photographer at an e-commerce/merchandising company. I felt I’d earned my stripes and decided to move back home to Los Angeles to start my business specializing in Headshots. I now shoot out of a studio in the Downtown LA Arts District and work on set of many exciting film and tv shows.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
I was shooting portraits on the side while I was working full time at my e-commerce company. Then had a retouching job while trying to take my business off the ground. It really takes persistence and grit to keep going. There were a couple clients who believed in me, loved my work and enjoyed working with me. I’d say those are big factors in being able to jump start your business and losing the side hustles. From there, those two repeat clients grow into many more.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I originally wanted to be a fashion photographer and pivoted into Headshots because I saw it was much more profitable and I really enjoyed working with actors in that capacity. Doing this has now allowed me to have the flexibility and freedom to take on passion projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KimAlexisPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimalexisphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimAlexisPhoto/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kimalexisphoto/
Image Credits
Kim Alexis Photography Hallmark Media Marvel/Team Liquid