We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krista Mason a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Krista, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In entrepreneurship, embracing change and taking a risk can be a daunting task. I used to be someone who was afraid of change, honestly I still am. I still struggle clinging onto the familiar, even if it isn’t making me happy or fulfilled. I thought that staying in my comfort zone was the safest option, but I soon realized that I was holding myself back from experiencing all the amazing opportunities beyond my tunnel vision.
My journey began with a conscious decision to approach life with an open mind and a willingness to explore new horizons. It was a gradual process, but one that ultimately led me to take a leap of faith and embrace risks.
The pandemic forced many of us to step out of our comfort zones and find news ways to live. The idea of stepping into the unknown seemed overwhelming. Transitioning from capturing moments at weddings and events to exploring Branding Photography and Newborns was a leap of faith. It required me to take risks, shed my fear of the unknown and embrace the uncertainty that accompanies new beginnings.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Confidence wavered, doubts crept in, but with each step forward, I found myself growing – both personally and professionally. Expanding my focus to include brand photography also led me to explore my creative boundaries, venturing into new creatives such as product photography and specialized dog portraits.
Today, as I continue to expand my photography business and explore new avenues of creativity, I am reminded of the power of taking risks. It’s not always easy, but it is in those moments of discomfort that we find the greatest rewards.
It’s scary to start a new venture and sometimes the fear gets in our way. Especially as sole entrepreneurs. Putting yourself out there, asking for the sale, being venerable as an artist not to mention the systems and running a business. Man it sure isn’t for the faint of heart.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I help brands stand out by capturing their essence through lifestyle portrait and product photography. My focus is on creating visually compelling images that speak directly to the target audience, boosting marketing efforts and elevating the brand’s identity. As a marketing specialist, I merge visual storytelling with strategic marketing, aiming to captivate the ideal audience and elevate brand presence through a blend of art and strategy.
A photographer, marketing specialist, and all-around adventure enthusiast! My passion lies in capturing not just pictures but emotions, making you feel like a million bucks.
I’m that person who can turn your nervousness into confidence. Trust me, I’ve got that special “feel-good” energy that’ll have you laughing and relaxed in no time.
But you know what I’m really all about? Fun, laughter, and creating experiences that feel like the best party ever! When you’re with me, you can be sure that we’re going to have a blast.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
When I started, I felt I had to learn everything on my own and do it myself, pay my dues if you will. What a load of BS! Who the heck told me that or what made me think that?! It was very isolating, lonely and, sad to say, competitive when it should have been community.
If I could go back and tell myself one thing from the beginning, it would be build a community, learn from all the people, make friends with other photographers and entrepreneurs. They will guide you, teach you, support you and relate to you. It took me years to learn this (and I mean years) and it shifted everything.
I now have a community of like-minded sole entrepreneurs, mentors, coaches and photographers and together we help build each other up. It’s lonely being an entrepreneur and guess what? No one has all the answers and we are all just doing our best.
Once I built this community throughout my career, I found that I love giving back and helping the next entrepreneur grow or giving my fellow business owner tips on how to streamline something or that push that they need because fear is stopping them.
So much so that I established our Women’s Entrepreneur Community, which gathers on the first Monday of every month right here in Los Angeles. The concept behind this community is simple yet powerful: we aim to go beyond the ordinary. Our mission is to connect, support, and inspire remarkable women while fueling business growth. By providing a unique platform for you to engage with like-minded women who share your passion and drive, we envision an atmosphere where collaboration thrives, and new possibilities unfold.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Networking is essential for the growth and expansion of small businesses. It can take place in-person or online (I mean this is the digital age after all!). However I LOVE in-person networking – it provides the opportunity to build deeper connections with potential customers and like-minded businesses.
Putting a face to the name behind a brand is a powerful way to build a relationship with potential clients, and networking events provide an excellent opportunity to do this. Small business owners can build a sense of community, create friendships, and establish referrals and business deals! Yes, all of that can happen at one small event! Crazy, but incredible right?! It also provides an opportunity for fellow business owners to learn from and share ideas with other professionals in their industry, which can help lead to partnerships and collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: kristamason.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristamasonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristaMasonPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-mason-photography/