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

Hi Mandy , 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?

I have managed to create a business that has not only allowed my creative side to flourish, but also my entrepreneurial mindset to grow.

Mandy , 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?

My name is Mandy Kadura, I’m a wife, entrepreneur, and Photographer/ Videographer residing in San Antonio TX. I grew up here in the northwest side of San Antonio in a small artsy area now referred to as Beacon Hill. Growing up I was influenced by many small businesses including Chris Madrids and the Art Deco district. I was a child visiting these places weekly with my parents. I believe being around so many people who saw their businesses and dreams flourish influenced me to go after my own. I come from humble beginnings, I did not have the upper hand in life, I have worked hard to be where I am and to earn the money to be able to jumpstart my career. I currently work full-time as an artist and owner of Infinite Photography SA being able to sustain my livelihood, and business with my income. I believe there are key points to being able to obtain this within media.
“Art is chaos taking shape”
—Pablo Picasso

My photography is an expression of who I am and what I stand for : love, life, and creativity.
I’ve been a photographer for 10 years. Five years into the art, I created my business Infinite Photography SA After that, I never stopped my momentum. I now own 2 businesses and have become the entrepreneur I always wanted to be.

I have worked with many families along my career. I specialize in Weddings and portraits including business, fine art, and dance. I am a internationally published artist. I am on staff for Pepper Magazine a worldwide publication, as well as being the official photographer for the San Antonio childrens ballet and Dance Center of San Antonio.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

First off you need to be an artist, being talented and being analytical are two separate things, and you must have both to thrive within this specific branch of business. If I were to go back ten years I would have taken the time earlier to branch out to fellow artists and learn more before diving into the business aspect too fast. Taking the time to learn your gear and your craft, will overall sell jobs for you. Clients can see the quality behind the lens and the artist and most of the time I will get inquiries based on this alone.

Second, you must be a marketer and sale oriented this is a business after all, and you must be able to handle your clients and build rapport to sell and manage your media. If I had to give myself advice years ago, I would tell myself to use social media outlets as a tool for growth and discovery. To let me be more connected with my followers and build on that to showcase my work.

Finally, you must be willing to branch off and try new things, business is not a constant road, and as artists, we all have strong points and weak points. Being able to tune into your strengths and weaknesses and improving on those things you are not as skilled in will only help you in the long run. Being versatile is a skill, and is only obtained through time and practice.

Overall I am proud to be here, the place I have grown up as an adult serving my community. As an artist, I will never tell you it is just practice and years in the field. There is also a vision you must have to be naturally tuned in with the art you create. Passion has overall been the biggest factor that has driven my persistence and resilience in the world of small business.

Community within art, as artists we have a flourishing community from groups I have noticed popping up on social media to closely curated relationships. As a community, I would say supporting your artists is more than just a monetary point. Supporting by booking a photographer is the goal within business however, sharing, liking, and commenting on your artist’s creations helps gain exposure. Exposure is the key to success within the community of art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As far as rewards go, I believe being your photographer or videographer is the ultimate reward. By far the most rewarding thing I do as an artist is preserving lifelong memories for generations to come. I am not only a photographer and a videographer I am an artist, and a timekeeper. I freeze memories for my clients and love having the honor and privilege of being there for you and your family.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.infinitephotographysa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitephotographysa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infinitephotographysa/

Image Credits
KDB beauty mua on “eatyourheart out set” organization: Childrens ballet of San Antonio I am the official photographer