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

Hi Manda, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

After 13 years of doing photography on the side, I decided to go full-time for myself. Even though I graduated with my undergraduate degree in photography in 2010, I never let it become anything other than a side-hustle. Looking back, I’m not sure why I didn’t let myself go fully into it, but I think deep down, I wasn’t completely sure it was all I wanted to do. It was also terrifying to think of having to rely solely on my creative work for income. So I stayed working in corporate jobs as a safety net. I even went on to complete my MBA, thinking I would continue using my skills while working for other companies. However, I was always discontent and the more kids I had, it became harder to balance multiple jobs and a family. Something had to give. One day I saw a post online with the quote. “There are people less qualified than you, doing things you want to do, because they believe in themselves and take action.” It just kind of clicked, literally. I wanted to show my kids that you can do whatever you want as long as you work for it. So I began saving my photo income while still working my 9-5. I set an end date in my head, and began to really build up my business. Now I work solely for myself, with a greater salary than any of my previous 9-5s.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began taking pictures in high school and felt the need to document all that was around me, for I knew that every moment was temporary. I really believe it was my fear of time and its inability to stand still that made me want to pursue photography. Now I get to capture some of people’s most priceless memories, I literally get to be a time-stopper. So I treat each session as if it’s the only one that matters, because in that moment, it is. My job is to photograph the beauty I see around me and that’s why each image I present to my clients is a piece of art. Anyone can take a picture, but I pride myself on creating more…it’s a moment, a memory, a view into what once was.

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

I genuinely care for my clients and develop relationships with them and their families. Keeping in touch is vital and it’s so easy now with social media. I follow their journey, congratulate them on all their life events, offer sympathy in times of need, and try to be a friend to each of them. To me, it’s never just a client/photographer relationship. When I work with someone, I like to get to know them and find out what’s important to them. It’s the best way to give them an experience that they will want to repeat.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Every day I get to create something, and for people like me, it’s such a major component of my personality. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to have to put yourself so fully into your work and always have it on display. But that challenge also drives me. I don’t think there could be a better reward than getting to be a part of someone’s most intimate and meaningful memories. I am right there, in that moment with them, and I’m capturing it for eternity.

Contact Info:

• Website: mandajeanphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandajeanphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandaJeanPhoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mandajeanphoto
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mandajeanphoto