Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latisha Carlson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Latisha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
This questions comes with a long answer seeing that I have started three businesses and all started from nothing and became something.
Growing up, I was always captivated by cameras and the importance of photos. Despite not initially pursuing photography professionally, my love for capturing moments persisted. It wasn’t until I got married in my early twenties that I saw photography as a viable career option. The turning point came when I saw someone offering family portraits for a modest fee on Facebook.
Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot and asked my husband for a camera. Despite his initial skepticism, we finally bought one, albeit a basic model. I jumped into the world of family photography without much knowledge, relying heavily on the auto mode. Borrowing a camera and winging it seemed crazy, but I was determined to try. As I started offering family photo sessions, my husband quickly realized the value of investing in a camera. While I continued to refine my skills, raising my prices gradually, the idea of photographing weddings seemed daunting. However, when I was asked to shoot a wedding, I reluctantly agreed, setting a price of $500. The wedding shoot was nerve-wracking, and the resulting photos weren’t impressive. Yet, it opened doors to more wedding opportunities. Despite being fully booked and financially successful, I began feeling burnt out and uninspired after about five years. I had promised myself not to continue if I started hating it or solely did it for money. At this crossroads, I sought inspiration from other photographers on social media whose approach to weddings seemed fresh and enjoyable. I delved into workshops and learned from these photographers, realizing that I needed to change my approach to reignite my passion. Implementing what I learned, I saw a transformation in my work. Wedding photography became exciting again, and I started to travel across states, raising my prices and living my dream.
Alongside my photography business, I ventured into other passions. Inspired by my newfound love for plants, I opened a plant shop called No Longer Wander. Despite my lack of experience in retail, the shop became a hit in New Mexico, showcasing my growth and learning curve.
1964 Haus of Modern Vintage was another venture born out of passion, this time with my best friend. We aimed to revolutionize the vintage shopping experience, opening a clean, modern space that attracted customers who previously shied away from vintage stores. Despite challenges, our venture was successful until its closure. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that taking risks and pursuing my passions has led to unexpected opportunities and inspired others. Life is too short to hold back, and despite imperfections and uncertainties, I’ve learned to embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes my way.
Latisha , 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?
Most people know me as Tish, short for Latisha. As a wife and mother to twin girls and a boy, family is at the core of my life. Photography is my passion, and I’ve successfully managed multiple businesses over the years. Drawing inspiration from interiors, fashion, nature, light, and plants, I’ve had the privilege of capturing enchanting weddings and intimate elopements, while also designing various spaces, from homes to a cozy coffee shop. Beyond photography, I’ve served as the creative director for a prominent church in New Mexico, a role I deeply cherished. Like everyone else, I’ve faced moments of doubt and feeling adrift. Yet, anchored in my faith, I persist, embracing new challenges and opportunities, driven to create and innovate in all aspects of my life and career.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I admit that managing my finances hasn’t been my strong suit. While I appreciate the value of money like everyone else, I wish I had been more prudent and sought guidance earlier. Budgeting and saving are areas where I wish I had been more disciplined. It’s an aspect of life that I recognize as crucial.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social media has been an invaluable tool for me, particularly due to my background as a professional photographer before venturing into retail. I naturally excelled at showcasing products and understood the importance of portraying what you want to attract. Just like any business, social media isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be incredibly effective when used strategically. By highlighting the top-tier weddings I aimed to attract and showcasing products from my shop that I loved, I was able to engage with like-minded individuals.Creating high-quality content is paramount, and if it’s not a strong suit, I recommend outsourcing to someone who excels in this area. I personally hired someone with a knack for retail and a passion for photography, enabling them to implement various strategies to drive business growth.For those who can’t afford to hire help, I developed an iPhone Photography Course to empower individuals to capture compelling photos with their phones. Whether it’s a mom at home documenting precious moments with her kids, a small business owner showcasing their products, an influencer collaborating with brands, or a traveler seeking to capture their adventures beautifully, this course caters to a diverse range of individuals looking to enhance their photography skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tishcarlson.com
- Instagram: @latishalyncarlson @latishalynphotography
- Facebook: @latishacarlson
- Twitter: @latishacarlson
Image Credits