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

Mattea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

As a female entrepreneur and business owner I am happier doing the job I have now than I would be with a corporate 9-5 job.

Being your own boss gives you the freedom to choose. You get to choose where and who you work with. It also gives you the creative freedom to visualize and direct art. I thrive in an environment where I can make my art come to life. Though, being your own boss isn’t always fun and games.

Whereas big companies have different hires for marketing, social media strategy, tech, creative director, accountant, management, travel coordinator, editor, website design and photographer- I am just one human doing ALL of these jobs and so much more. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. When I first started my business back in 2018, I Googled EVERYTHING. There were so many things I didn’t know in relation to my business… I just knew how to work a camera and take great pictures of people. It can be scary being responsible for an entire company! You are the one who has to figure everything out.

With photography, much like an accountant’s job, there are slow seasons. What some people call a “hills and valleys” type of job. Since I mostly work outdoors, my busier months happen to be when the weather is warmer and when people want to be outside for pictures. During the slow season I update my website and seo, write blogs to boost my google searches, prepare for taxes, write a yearly review, set goals for the next year and create a vision of what I want my life to look like the next 365 days.

Oftentimes during the slow winter months when wedding and photoshoots are at a lull, I contemplate whether or not I would be happier with a 9-5 corporate job. Steadiness is a word that tempts me to get a “normal” job. The security that you will have a steady paycheck and consistent health coverage is a definite benefit of working for a bigger company.

With my personality, I love a challenge. Over the years, there has been a lot I have had to overcome in the wedding photography industry. Being in an oversaturated market motivates me to be the best version of myself so I can serve my clients and love them well. I think that’s one of the reasons I wouldn’t work for someone else. It is truly a joy to bring people happiness by capturing their biggest life events and all the in-betweens. My passion lays behind the lens and instilling confidence in my clients, so I really don’t see myself doing another job. At least not for the next 10 years or so. Who knows what kind of challenges then next 10 years might bring.

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.

Hiya, I’m Mattea (pronounced Matty). I’m a wedding, elopement, and couples photographer based out of Huntsville, AL.

When I was 16 I bought my very first camera kit from Costco- a Canon Rebel t2i. For the next 3 years I took pictures of anything and everything. I’d always ask my friends to model for me while I tried out new techniques or poses. Realizing I had a knack for couples and wedding photography, in 2018,I decided to start my own business. Thus Merry Moments was born. This would not have been possible without the encouragement from my parents and friends. I’ve had my business for 6 years now and it’s been an amazing blessing in my life!

One of the reasons I love getting to do what I do is because I am capturing generations. Think about fifty years down the road when your great great grandchildren are asking you stories about when you were young. Investing in photos is important to capture time and preserve precious memories.

I’ve never talked to a person who said they wish they had less pictures of themselves when they were young and in love. I’ve found it’s quite the opposite. Taking pictures is an EXPERIENCE that you will look back at fondly and remember for a lifetime.
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My favorite thing is capturing adventurous couples who are head-over-heels GAGA for each other. I’m not your typical photographer. I’m the one who has your back and will capture all the in-between, special moments. Not only will I perfectly capture your love story, but I will be there to fix your hair and hold your dress when you need it. I will be there right alongside you to make your day as beautiful, peaceful, and magical as possible!

If you love epic adventures, awkward real life stories, weirdo dance moves and a freaking fun time, we will definitely be friends!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth. Word of mouth only comes from having previous clients having a wonderful experience with you from the start. Maintaining a positive relationship will not only make your client want to return to you for years to come with other life events they want you to capture, but will promote your business by reputation. From day one of inquiry, to when the final gallery email is sent, I am sure to treat my clientele with kindness and respect and try to go above and beyond what they ask for.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

The short answer is- Email list! Offering freebies, discounts and “first to know” information for clients who sign up for your email list will motivate your clients to stay loyal to you by offering them solutions or help to their problems. Example- an Outfit Guide for Session offered to a client will let your client know that you want them to look and feel their best at their session. Discounts to previous clients who refer will keep them coming back to you and promoting your business and having them be first to know about inside scoops will make them feel connected to you more having a first look at what’s to come with your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://merrymomentsphotographyllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merry_moments/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merrymomentsphotosllc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWC4ic6fmuc&t=20s

Image Credits
Merry Moments Photography