We recently connected with Lilly Hampton and have shared our conversation below.

Lilly, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking a Risk.

I believe this is something that all humans should take into consideration especially if it’s beneficial for your mental health. I took on this “risk” to quit my full time 9-5 desk job so that I could be my OWN boss and create my OWN schedules. Most importantly, I wanted to be home with my family. Family means everything to me. Growing up with 5 older siblings, you grow through many obstacles and challenges that prepare you for the real world. Your parents can only teach you so much and the rest is usually up to you and the decisions that you decide to make. There was a moment with my son when he had just turned two years old, and I was so proud of a milestone that he recently experienced. I was with him through this moment and we were laughing and giggling until I realized that I had to be at work within the next hour. I wasn’t able to continue having this warm feeling that this is my little offspring which I had created in my very own body, and that he is just beautiful. I just remember his face when I told him I had to go to work and he was devastated. That drive to work was when I made the decision that I would work so hard for this next year at my 9-5 and then take the risk to quit. My goal was to become a full time photographer with my own business by that time next year…and I damn sure did it. When the time came that my husband and I saved up enough money to support our bills I was elated. I could finally become a full time photographer. This was it. This was the moment that I’ve been waiting for. On my last day at my 9-5 job, I cried happy tears all the way home. I was so proud of myself for taking this risk. Yes, it was absolutely one of the most scariest leaps that I have ever jumped towards in my whole life. Yes, imposter syndrome was pulling me back to the desk job. Yes, I was thinking to myself “Who are you kidding? You can’t do this, it’s too much for you, too complicated Lil.” When these thoughts escalated throughout my brain, I would just look at my beautiful boy and remember the reason why I was doing this in the first place. He IS my reason why and always will be. It’s now been 9 months since I took that leap and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. My business is thriving and I’m so happy to just be home with my family. When I think about where I would be in this very moment if I didn’t quit that 9-5 job, it literally brings tears to my eyes. Just thinking about all the opportunities that I’ve already experienced being a full time photographer is a blessing. I am truly thankful for the risk that I took and I will never go back.

Lilly, 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?

Hey I’m Lilly! I’m a wedding and family photographer in Vero Beach, Florida.

I’m small, kinda loud & I love laughing. I’m just tall enough to get on the rollercoasters, and I always respect a good dad joke. I think everything happens for a reason and that there’s always something to be thankful for. My husband and I are your Wedding Photographer & Videographer Duo! We also offer DJ/MC Services as well for any event or your Wedding day! Not only do we work so well together, but we are both so grateful to be side-by-side to capture your memorable wedding day with you! We also have a wild and exploratory toddler and his best friend is our dog Meko.

Photography was introduced to me when I was in my late teens and into my early high school years. I literally took pictures of everyone and everything that walked into my path! I learned so much over those young years about the art of photography and how it can bring life to others including myself. The time came when I realized that I could keep memories alive and live in those soulful moments. That I could bring those still moments back to life all while being creative in my own journey. Those days brought me so much growth and it still continues to this day. When I knew that photography was apart of me and my future journey, there was no stopping it. Now, I am running my photography business full time and I love it!

Photography was not the only passion of mine, I was also a professional dancer for most of my life! Which means that there is a 10000% chance that I dance at EVERY wedding!

I am most proud of the risk that I took to become a full time photographer. This opportunity came from a deep feeling of motivation and push to get to where I am with my business today. Mainly to be home with my family. My son is my reason why and he always will be.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

We all know that Marketing online through our social media content is a great way to grow your clientele…however, I’ve always believed that WORD OF MOUTH is the MOST effective strategy! This has been my main way of building my client list. For example, you work an event or wedding and everyone there is watching you in your craft and how you execute your style. They are all watching. You then already have potential clientele building just from the this main job. I never go out of my way to hand out my business information, but if a guest decides to chat with me, this is when I make my move! Usually they tell their family and friends about you at so-and-so’s event and then BAM!
Word Of Mouth!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Most of my clients follow my social media pages and they give me a lot of love on there. Otherwise, if I work a wedding I try to send the couple a gift on their anniversary following their wedding. During the holidays I send my clients cards and maybe a little gift as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lillyhamptonphotography.com
• Instagram: @lillyhamptonphotography
• Facebook: Lilly Hampton Photography
• Yelp: Lilly Hampton Photography