We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Molly Grunewald. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Molly below.

Alright, Molly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Eleven years ago, little did I know that I would transform my passion for photography into a thriving business. Starting from ground zero, armed with nothing but determination and a camera, I ventured into the challenging world of entrepreneurship.

In the early days, I had no formal mentor to guide me through the intricacies of running a photography biz. It wasn’t about luck or manifesting success; it was about rolling up my sleeves and putting in the hard work (even if I had no idea what the heck I was doing) The road to building a multi-six figure business was anything but smooth, filled with bumps, learning curves, and undeniable mistakes.

One of the initial challenges was establishing a unique identity in a saturated market. With a sea of photographers vying for attention, I had to find a way to stand out. It took time develop a distinct style that resonated with clients seeking something more than just traditional wedding photography. But mostly — creating a personal brand that would set me a part in the industry.

There were moments when doubts crept in (sometimes still do) but my unwavering dedication fueled me to keep going. I learned the importance of time management, strategic marketing, honing my authenticity and cultivating long-term relationships with clients and other vendors in the industry.

Building a team was a pivotal moment in the growth of my business. Initially a one-person show, the decision to expand marked a huge leap forward. Starting a team wasn’t originally a part of the plan but now it gives us the opportunity to serve even more couples at MG & Co. Managing a team introduced a new set of challenges, from communication hurdles to learning how to delegate effectively and creating a positive work culture to ensure everyone is aligned with my brand’s vision.

Specializing in weddings and boudoir photography was a choice that stemmed from recognizing where my passion and expertise intersected. Focusing on these niches has allowed me to truly establish myself as an expert. The decision to co-found a photography workshop retreat, create an online education series, “The Boudoir Bible,” and offer 1:1 coaching to fellow photographers was a natural evolution of sharing the knowledge gained through years of hands-on experience.

Rome wasn’t built in one day though. Success didn’t happen overnight and I have to remind myself of this every single day. It was the result of a lot of hard work, continuous investments & improvement, and a commitment to serving my clients in the best ways possible. Every mistake became a valuable lesson, each obstacle a stepping stone towards growth. Through hard work and dedication, I turned my photography passion into a flourishing business, leaving a lasting impact on the wedding and boudoir photography scene in Metro Detroit & beyond.

What I’m most proud of is the journey itself—the evolution from a solo photographer to leading a successful team, specializing in two distinct niches, and contributing to the education and growth of others in the field (something I didn’t have when I started). I want potential clients and my audience to know that my brand is built on authenticity, a relentless pursuit of being the best I can be for myself & the people around me and a genuine passion for capturing the most meaningful moments in people’s lives. Whether it’s through weddings, boudoir sessions, or mentorships, my goal is to create a lasting impact and provide a unique and unforgettable experience for every client.

Molly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I like to consider MG & Co a luxury wedding photography team for the classy and a little bit unconventional. I like my couples the way I like my drinks: fancy like a bottle of Dom, but can also get down with a cooler of High Noons. My team and I specialize in making our clients feel like absolute dreamboats. We’re the perfect mix of personable and professional.

I also specialize in boudoir photographer — which is totally not always just about naked photos. My passion behind boudoir lies in helping women rid themselves of body shame and the toxic narratives that have been place on women since the literal dawn of time,

I also am an educator in the industry, teaching aspiring photographers how to build businesses they love. After years of being in the industry, I’ve failed a lot and learned even more — which is why I love sharing these experiences with photographers that remind me of myself when I first started.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In the early days of my photography hustle, I didn’t just use social media to showcase my work; I made it personal.

Authenticity was my secret sauce. I wasn’t just a faceless photographer; I was the person behind the lens, sharing the messy, real parts of my journey. I let my followers in on the messy office spaces, the fails and the wins. Turns out, people dig that kind of realness.

Consistency was key. I didn’t just post and ghost; I engaged. I responded to comments and dm’s and turned my social space into a community. It wasn’t just about showcasing my work; it was about building relationships.

Social media wasn’t just a portfolio; it was a window into my world. I shared snippets of my personal life, spilled my interests, and laid out my values. It wasn’t just about the photography; it was about me behind the camera. People could see the human behind the lens, making my brand relatable and down-to-earth.

Looking back, my social media strategy wasn’t and isn’t just marketing; it is the soul of my brand. It’s the initial handshake of my brand. It’s the place where connections are started, where virtual relationships turn into real-life gigs, and where my journey from just another photographer to a brand with a personality took flight.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The book The Gap and the Gain is a book I just recently finished but it’s already played a huge role on myself and my business. This book turned my imposter syndrome into something I can have control of.

Instead of stressing about the gap between where I am and where I want to be, it taught me to celebrate the ‘gain’ – every tiny win, lesson learned, and victory dance. Now, setbacks are just plot twists in my success story. Because success isn’t measured forwards…but only looking backwards!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mollygrunewald.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mollgrune
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mollygrunewaldphoto
• Other: TikTok @mollgrune

Image Credits
Shelby Dubin Photography / Molly Grunewald & Company