We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Missy Marlaire. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Missy below.
Alright, Missy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
Starting my business was not easy. The best way I can describe getting my first ever business client, was through network marketing and building a portfolio through friends and family! This took about a year or so to solidify the targeted clientele on a consistent basis. Over the year, I focused on social media outlets and focused on business workshops around San Diego city. This increased my business names with companies and various businesses around town.
Missy , 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?
Growing up in San Diego has been such a blessing for me not only personally but for my business achievements and goals as a photographer. After graduating from PLNU with my bachelor’s degree in Media Communications in 2011, it launched my business idea and motivated me to tackle the camera more, and learn all about the beauty of photography. This process took a lot of time, networking and a lot of beginner’s mistakes, which was all worth it. Living my childhood right on the ocean beach pier was a huge motivating factor in choosing where most of my clients have their photoshoots. Capturing the natural ocean light and picture perfect sunsets under the pier with my clients has been priceless. I’ve always been able to find new cool local spots around the city to get uncaptured portraiture and landscapes. I can not wait for more opportunities to work with new clients, in new places!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
In order to create a positive business atmosphere you need 4 main personal characteristics. The number one characteristic is self motivation. I believe having your own motivation is key to motivating and creating passion within other people. Number two is having an obtainable business strategy. You need to have a personal plan on how to reach certain income goals and how that plan will be maintained. Number three includes always getting to know others around you and getting to know their stories. I believe people are the reason for a successful business, and creating repeat clients and giving them want they want in their photography session is a must. And lastly number four includes creating monthly deals and promotions for your product. Keeping your business fun and creating new ways to promote deals will attract audiences and keep your clients wanting more photoshoots.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I learned early on as a photographer was not to complicate my photo sessions or my editing techniques. Keeping my photo shoots simple and clean was key. Learning how to not add so much background noise was not easy. After a lot of trial and error with my photos, keeping surroundings simple showed more success. I soon realized that less is more, and forcing too many props etc. can be highly distracting to any photograph.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mmarlaire100.wixsite.com/marlairephotography
- Instagram: Marlaire_Photography
- Facebook: Marlaire Photography
- Linkedin: Missy Marlaire
- Youtube: Missy Marlaire