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

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My entire life I wanted to be a Lawyer. In my freshman year of high school, I applied to be in a law elective, but the school sent me an email saying the only class open was photography. The next day I went down to the school and complained about how photography is a waste of my time and that I want to be learning law, but my complaining and begging did nothing. I was still forced to take this photography class, and after 2 weeks my life changed. I fell in love with the impact that a photo can have. Being able to capture the most special moments in people’s lives. To constantly be surrounded by happiness and love. My job allows me to be a part of the moments people tell their children about. The moments I capture live on in phones, photo albums, and framed pictures for the entirety of people’s lives. I create an unforgettable experience between couples, families, and friends. I am so lucky to do what I do, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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?

Hey everyone! My name is Michelle Poura and I own/run Poura Photos. When I was in high school I started a small photography business to make some extra money to pay for gas. As I was thinking about what I wanted to do in the future, I couldn’t see my life without photography. From that moment on I have thrown everything I have into my company. I do photos for all events, styled shoots, product photography, families, couples, and senior photos, name the type of photoshoot and I will do it! I am completely in love with what I do and I love to make an experience you will never forget. My goal is to create photos you will cherish forever, and I hope we can work together someday :)

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a social media presence is not easy. I am very thankful to have very supportive family and friends who help me advertise. But other than that I have found TikTok to be one of the most helpful tools. TikTok has grown my audience more than I could ever imagine. I have also learned that Instagram reels will get you a lot of traction as well. It’s not easy, but the more you put yourself out there and post, the more attention/ clients you will get.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Gathering the funds to start my business was not easy. The starting photography equipment that I have is worth around $10,000. For a girl right out of high school, it was hard to get that kinda money and fast. I was able to do school fully online, which gave me time to work. I was working 3 jobs for a total of 80 hours a week and within 3 months I was able to raise the money to buy my starting camera and lens. Since then I have been able to slowly grow my equipment collection, and purchase a new editing computer and tools. It has been a slow climb, but I’m getting there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pouraphotos.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pouraphotos/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pouraphotos/
• Linkedin: – linkedin.com/in/michelle-poura/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/poura-photos-las-vegas?osq=pouraphotos

Image Credits
@pouraphotos