Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malia Beane . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Malia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? We’d love to hear the backstory the illustrates how you grew your brand.

There’s a perception that when you become successful within your career, that it was easy for you to reach that success. We hear the phrase ‘overnight celebrities’ often; however, almost all of the successful individuals that I know have worked relentlessly to grow their business and to reach the level of success that he or she has. Success is the result of dedication, hard work, loss, lessons and never ending days. If you work in the corporate world, you can almost always clock out at 5:00 and go home; however, when you own your own small business, you are on the clock pretty much all of the time. There are actually days that I have moments of missing the corporate world because honestly some days it would be much easier. However, when you love what you do, you put in the work and keep pushing. Owning a small business also comes with a lot of sacrifices such as family time. There are weekends that I miss out on so much family time and at times you do find yourself questioning things. Is running a business great? Yes. Does it come with a lot of sacrifice? Absolutely.

When I started my Photography journey, I photographed my first wedding for $500 which is far from where I am these days. However, the beginning stage is what gives you the urge to be great at your craft, to invest in yourself and to be the best that you can for yourself and for the clients that you serve. The first thing I did for my business was believing in myself and having the courage to take it into a full time career. I allow myself more time to focus on my clients, grow my clientele and to also invest in myself by being full time. I’ve mentored with a lot of Photographers that I look up to and adore, which has taught me so many things. However, has it been all rainbows and sunshine? Nope! Business owners are human and can’t please every single person at the end of the day, and this was a hard lesson for me to have to accept. I can do my best and give it my all, but that won’t always be enough for everyone. However, I also had to learn that its okay because ya know what? Ya can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, am I right? Haha! However, I do try my best!

I’ve been blessed to travel to many places as part of my job and some days it seemed silly to even call it a job. By that, I mean, an amazing day in the hills of Colorado photographing a stunning couple- how is this work? I love it! It’s amazing! I’m thankful for where I’ve been and where I am. Pre covid I did a lot of traveling and a lot of work on the west coast; however, we all know that covid has changed things. Even with that, business hasn’t slowed down for me at home, and I’m so grateful for that and for each client that books me. Let’s be honest, right now is a hard time for everyone so it definitely makes me extra grateful when someone books with me. It is truly appreciated.

How do you scale up? Experience. Continuously learning and becoming better. Serving your clients in the best way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Ya know most photographers will tell you that they grew up with a camera in their hand and knew that its the path they always wanted to chase, etc. However, I didn’t. I’ve always had my hands in several different things. My husband bought me my starter camera to photograph our dogs at the time. I’m a huge animal lover and he knew that, he wanted me to document their lives. If there’s one thing anyone needs to know about me is that I love animals (almost more than people) haha. I love animal rescue, and that is where the camera stage began.

A friend was getting married and asked if I would be interested in photographing it and I absolutely was! I also have to say that I have a friend, Jason, that was a Photographer/Videographer at the time and he basically took me under his wing and taught me so much. Jason joined me when I photographed my first wedding and I’m grateful that he was willing to guide me. Honestly, it’s hard to find people that genuinely want you to succeed as well; and he is one of the genuinely good ones.

What do I want people to know about me? I love to be creative for a session. When a client allows you to really explore your creativity and bring it to life for their session, it’s amazing. It’s okay to think outside of the box and to do things differently. Don’t be afraid to change things up. You don’t have to have a traditional wedding. ELOPE! Just take me with you. Be open to creativity! I have also recently started shooting 35mm film and I am loving it. Film just truly is a different element.. it captures moments in such a more authentic way. It’s a totally different vibe and I love it.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social media! We are living in the time of social media so take advantage of it. I have over 10k followers on Facebook and had a huge following on Instagram; however, my Instagram was recently hacked so there’s that. I think the best way to reach the clients that you want to have is to share and to appeal to that client.

We’re in 2022 and people are living on IG, Tiktok and Facebook. Also, I have started sharing my work to Pinterest with hopes of that helping me grow. Use all of these platforms that are at your fingertips. Also, word of mouth is huge!

If you have recommended me, THANK YOU!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Yes, there have been many times that I have heard that what I do is a hobby and not an actual career. However, you can most definitely take the non corporate route and turn something you love into a full time career. You just need the drive and the passion. I think creatives aren’t taken seriously a lot of times and it’s unfortunate. Don’t underestimate the creatives; we’re driven and ready to go!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ivoryandgracephotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivoryandgracephoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivoryandgracephotography
• Other: Pinterest: Ivory and Grace Photography

Image Credits
Ivory and Grace Photography