We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Cabelka a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Monique, appreciate you joining us today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.
There was a lot of intentional strategies when it came to scaling up my business. For one, it was definitely hardwork that paid off in the end! Many photographers recommend someone starting be second shooting. I went a step ahead of that and started associate shooting other weddings for various large companies. One things to take into consideration, when taking on associate work, it is not about the pay, it’s about the experience. Learning, understanding and growing through working for these other companies. Building a portfolio is a big bonus part of it too. The next and maybe best thing: connecting with vendors. Being able to work with other photographers and videographers has created a great support system to encourage one another and even refer each other when we are booked. In addition, connecting with wedding planners has been a very positive experience. Not only for for the camaraderie but also being able to refer each other’s businesses. Third, MARKETING: there’s a saying that you can’t earn money unless you spend money. I’ve gotten many questions about how to create successful social media profiles and part of it is having to put forth money towards ads in each of those platforms. Also participating in Wedding/Bridal shows, venue open houses and any other marketing opportunities was a big part of putting my name out to the public. Lastly, compromising in order to build clientelle. There are many bridges who have a specific budget in mind when they are looking to invest in photo/video. There were many opportunities in which I created a custom packages to suit their needs and their budget. In doing so it created a positive client experience which encourages clients to refer my business to their family or friends. And every now and then, FREEBIES/Giveaways! It’s always great to get back to your community and one thing I love to do our giveaways on Instagram that allow my reach to broaden as well as providing a fun photo shoot for anyone who decides to sign up.
Monique, 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?
My name is Monique. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and one thing you should know about me is that FAMILY is everything to me! I am married to the best man in the world and we have two beautiful little boys. I love going on adventures, having fun at Disneyland with my big family and spending quality time with my boys. At Digital Creative Media, I believe in fostering the adventurous soul and feeling the freedom and intimacy of weddings and elopements. My goal is to capture the precious moments of today that will wow your heart tomorrow through authentic storytelling. Ultimately, capturing love in its truest form!
Photography and videography is something I adore doing. I won’t pretend that I am some sort of prodigy who picked up a camera and suddenly understood every single thing there was to know about photographing weddings. I worked behind the scenes and investing in education! It wasn’t too long after that I fell in love with the details, emotion and timelessness of photography/videography and began absorbing as much information as I possibly could in between working full time as a social worker and full-time mom. Since then I have covered countless weddings and developed a style that is pure for all couples. I combine an authentic style and the emotion to provide our couples with the most authentic and timeless version of their day.
Few few other fun facts about me: I love going to the movies, traveling to beautiful locations and playing video/card/board games. I enjoy crafting and building forts with my boys. My love language is tacos!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My husband once asked me “What kind of lifestyle do you want to live and which career will position you in the place to live it?”
My biggest desire is to the a SAHM, raise my boys and work creatively on my own schedule (be my own boss). Building my photography/videography business is exactly what I want to do to make that dream a reality. Most people get married on the weekends so I’m able to be with my boys during the week and create my own schedule based on our families desires.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
My first camera was a gift from my husband for Mother’s Day. It was then when I photographed my first wedding (for free). After that I started charging minimal fees to build a portfolio through family and couples sessions. Once I got some experience under my belt I began taking on small associate work to build a savings in order to upgrade equipment and begin investing in marketing strategies.
But it all started with the first camera from my husband
Contact Info:
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Website: www.digitalcreative.media
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/
digitalcreative.media
Image Credits
Headshot from Devin Nicole Photography the rest are mine – Digital Creative Media