We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Olguin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

Clearly communicate your request for support, whether it’s sharing your work, referring clients, or purchasing your products/services. It’s helpful to explain why their support is meaningful to you. Respect their boundaries: Understand that not everyone may be interested or able to support your business. Do not pressure or guilt-trip them if they decline your request. Respect their decision and maintain your relationship regardless.
Offer value in return: If you feel comfortable, consider offering discounted rates or special perks for friends and family members who support your business. This shows appreciation for their support and can create a win-win scenario.
Don’t solely rely on friends and family: While it’s great to have their support, it’s also important to expand your client base beyond your immediate circle. Building a diverse and sustainable customer network will help your business grow and thrive.
Regarding personal experiences, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid overextending your requests. A personal anecdote might be realizing that consistently asking for support from loved ones led to strained relationships. It is crucial to consider the dynamics and boundaries within your own relationships when seeking support for your business

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The story of how I embarked on a career in photography is quite interesting. At the time, I had recently dropped out of college, feeling lost and uncertain about my future. I took up a job at a café in Los Angeles, where I encountered a homeless gentleman who frequented the place. During one of our conversations on my lunch break, he unexpectedly shared some wisdom with me. He advised me to pay attention to my hobbies when contemplating my life’s path. Inspired by his words, I decided to give photography a try, and that decision has led me to where I am today.

Regarding my journey into set styling and interior styling, it was more of a serendipitous occurrence. I initially worked as a nanny for a family, and when I expressed my desire to explore other job opportunities, the mother, who happened to be an interior designer, offered me a position as her assistant. Working alongside her exposed me to the world of interior design and provided invaluable learning experiences. I began taking photographs of finished projects and assisting in their styling, discovering a deep passion for prop styling along the way.

I also had the opportunity to do prop styling for a television show through a referral, further solidifying my love for styling sets. Reflecting on my upbringing, I realized that my family’s penchant for visiting thrift stores and reviving pieces of furniture played a significant role in nurturing my love for interiors.

Widening the lens, I believe my approachability and genuine interest in others make me a pleasure to work with. I genuinely enjoy people and take the time to understand the individuals I collaborate with. This understanding allows me to infuse their essence and beliefs into the projects we undertake together. Through my interactions and connections, innovative ideas naturally emerge. Although I have never really recognized it on my own, I have been told repeatedly that I possess a creative eye and a natural talent for styling. While I may struggle when it comes to articulating my vision for a project, I have an intuitive ability to see what needs to be included, without necessarily being able to explain it in words.
Looking back, I consider myself fortunate to have encountered people who provided me with opportunities to explore things I had never considered before and helped me discover my passion. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned along the way, both personally and professionally. Ultimately, I am excited to continue pursuing my love for photography, styling, and creating unique and visually stunning imagery.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Moving to a new state, far away from everyone I knew, and starting from scratch required an unwavering resilience. Despite the tremendous challenges I faced, I persevered by constantly pushing forward, determined to prove my capabilities to others. Initially, it was incredibly tough because I held myself to high standards. I had expected to secure a full-time position within six months of relocating, but that goal eluded me. There were numerous occasions when self-doubt crept in, making me question my worthiness. Nonetheless, I refused to succumb to those doubts and instead pressed on. I attended countless networking events, reaching out to photographers and clients through consistent email communication. I actively sought opportunities to immerse myself in the creative community, yearning to expand my knowledge and broaden my connections. Throughout this journey, doubts regarding my abilities frequently resurfaced, but I persisted. It took me approximately two years to finally establish a solid client base and experience a degree of consistency in my work.

This journey of resilience has taught me valuable lessons about the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining faith in oneself. Despite the setbacks and moments of uncertainty, I remained committed to my aspirations and refused to let anything deter me. Through continuous effort and an unyielding spirit, I eventually overcame the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. I am proud of the resilience I have demonstrated throughout this process, and it has strengthened my belief in my own capabilities.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Honestly, 90% of my clients have been from word of mouth. People referring me because they enjoyed working with me and loved the outcome of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://melissacassandra.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissacassandraolguin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cassandra-olguin/

Image Credits
Melissa Cassandra Olguin