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

Margarita, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The overall starting a business was a huge risk. But, with high risk, comes high reward. Every risk I have ever taken has led to something big. When I first started photography, I was at home with my newborn, getting ready to call my boss to quit my job (couldn’t find childcare, couldn’t AFFORD it anyway). A HUGE RISK, but I knew I’d be working to just pay bills and miss out on time with my son. I remember calculating how many sessions ($100 each) I’d have to do to cover my bills. Scared. Horrified. But I made the call anyway.

I’ve grown into a successful photographer in my town, winning Best Photographer awards, reaching new cities, and the financial reward. I was creating a name for myself. I finally felt like I had a purpose.

A year ago, I took the risk of opening my first studio. It was small, but it was all I was willing to risk financially. Since then, I moved to a bigger space, and just took another leap into opening my first creative community space. The biggest risk. A tripled rent. But a community and following I trust.

I truly believe people see my heart. They see my intentions. They see my growth. Photography has given me connections and a new appreciation for “trusting the process”. As a creative, imposter syndrome hits hard, but I’ve learned to put my blinders on, have tunnel vision, and move in MY path. I work from my heart. Avoiding being self-righteous and truly pour into others the same way they poured into me.

Through the risks and grit, my new dreams will come true. But putting in the work, having the faith knowing you are meant for more.. it’s all the sacrifice. But there’s a big difference between a dreamer and a doer! Risk taking has brought me to this.

Margarita, 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?

I’m Margarita Orange, the owner and creator behind Margarita Orange Photos. I dabbled into photography during my time in college. I took an intro to media class for my comm degree and part of the requirement for the projects was to shoot on a DSLR. I lived far from campus and the rental period and driving back and forth wasn’t feasible, so I purchased my own camera. I began shooting friends and family to get practice. Then one day, one girl messaged me asking to “book”. Book? Book what? A photo session? I freaked out. I remember sitting at work looking at my coworker thinking.. “what is this girl talking about”. But, I went with it and did the photoshoot and I loved it. I did a few more photoshoots during fall 2020 until I found out my husband and I were expecting our first baby. Still working my 9-5, I decided to hang up my camera so I wasn’t overdoing myself. During maternity leave, I had no daycare options lined up, so I made the daunting call to quit my job and just “hope and pray” this little photographer thing works out. At the time, I just wanted it to cover my bills every month. Not thinking, it would grow into something big.

Fast forward to today, I am in my 4th year of business and getting ready to open my first creative space for the community. This shared space will allow so many artists and fellow creatives to CREATE art for themselves and their clients.

I shoot portraits of couples, seniors, and families. I also specialize in branding sessions for small businesses. I am also in my second year of weddings as well. I shoot on location and in my studio.

I love visual storytelling through photos. Getting to know my clients and making them shine in the best light possible. The connections. The bonds I get to create for lifetimes. I love it so much. My couples that turn to Bride and Groom, then mom and dad, or my small businesses that show off their speciality, and those seniors whom I may have known forever, and watching them on their future endeavors. The connections are everything.

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

It’s all about the little details. Asking how their family is doing. Checking in on them on their social media posts. But the biggest for me, has been going that extra mile for them. People talk, and they remember the small things you did for them.

My brand is built on loyalty and word of mouth. I have never paid for marketing. My clients do it all for me and it’s been the best.

Loyalty programs have been great. Some of my clients have “referral codes” and wedding clients are gifted a holiday session (depends on the tier they booked). For repeat clients, every 3-5 full sessions, I gift them a small session. These small gestures take no time on my end but show my appreciation for them. They see my heart and my desire to always give back. They take care of me and I take care of them.

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

My clients reaction to their portraits is the best thing! The sweet messages I get after I send galleries out. The way they praise me to the top of the mountains because of the memories I created for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Margaritaorangephotos.com
• Instagram: Margaritaorangephotos
• Facebook: Margarita Orange Photos

Image Credits

Margarita Orange