We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mila Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mila, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Yes, I do think about it sometimes. As a small business owner, I have to take on many responsibilities and make decisions on my own without a safety net. From managing clients to handling marketing, scheduling, finances, and administrative tasks it can all feel very overwhelming at times.
I remember one specific moment recently—it was late at night, and I was trying to complete editing for one client while also prepping for a major event shoot the next day. My kids had just gone to bed, and the house was finally quiet, but I felt completely drained. I caught myself wondering what it would be like to have a regular job with set hours, a predictable paycheck, and maybe even a team for support.
However, I thought about why I started this journey in the first place—total creative freedom, the ability to connect with people on a personal level, and the pride of building something that’s truly mine and doing it my way. While the challenges are real and can be tough, the rewards often outweigh them. It’s a constant balance, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
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?
One day, while out for a walk, I stumbled upon a photography exhibition. I was mesmerized by the stories captured in each image and thought about how incredible it would be to create something like that myself. A few years later, life brought a series of changes, including moving to another country and leaving my previous job. That’s when I decided to take the leap—I got my first camera and began learning the art of photography.
It wasn’t a quick journey, especially back then, when online resources for beginners were limited, and my schedule wasn’t conducive to in-person learning. But through persistence, passion, and a lot of dedication, I honed my craft, eventually became a professional photographer. Today, I specialize in portrait photography, including branding sessions. I also take on commercial projects and occasionally photograph weddings.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing my clients transform during their portrait sessions. I strive to create an experience that makes them feel special and confident. Each session begins with a makeover, followed by experimenting with different outfits and looks. At first, many clients feel a little shy, but as the session progresses, they relax and start to enjoy themselves—they feel like models for a day!
The best moment, however, is the reveal. When clients see their portraits for the first time, their happiness and confidence shine through. Knowing I’ve captured their best selves and helped them feel extraordinary is what makes this work so fulfilling.
For me, photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience where my clients feel celebrated, valued, and truly seen.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation within the market is built on my commitment to excellence and attention to detail. I’m a perfectionist, and I always strive to ensure my clients receive the absolute best I can provide.
It starts with the consultation—I take the time to meet with my clients beforehand to discuss every detail of their session. This helps me understand their vision and ensures they feel comfortable and confident going into the session. During the session itself, I never rush. I focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience, giving my clients the space to feel at ease and truly shine.
When it comes to editing, I’m meticulous. My goal is to highlight their best features while maintaining a natural and authentic look. I put a lot of care into every image, making sure it reflects not only my client’s beauty but also their unique personality.
This dedication to quality, combined with a personalized approach, is what makes my work stand out and helps me build lasting relationships with my clients.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of providing exceptional service, cultivating strong relationships, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals.
I focus on creating a memorable and personalized experience for every client. From the initial consultation to the final reveal of their photos, I strive to make each interaction special. When clients feel valued and confident, they not only come back for more sessions but are also eager to share their positive experiences with friends and family.
In addition to word-of-mouth, I invest in showcasing my work through professional portfolios, social media, and collaborations with local businesses. Social media has been particularly powerful, as it allows me to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, client transformations, and my passion for photography. These authentic moments resonate with potential clients and help build trust even before we meet.
Ultimately, I believe that when you focus on delivering value and genuinely care about your clients, growth becomes a natural byproduct.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://milajacksonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milajacksonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milajacksonphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mila-jackson-731282195/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MJP_Virginia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLk1JljXghk1k1MfgnZusJg/featured?view_as=subscriber
Image Credits
Mila Jackson Photography