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

Monique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I personally couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I went to school, finished my degree, but there was just something pulling me back. At the time, I didn’t understand or see why things were drifting the way they were. I became a mom for the fourth time, and it was like god and the universe was telling me to slow down. Slow down, and embrace these days, these moments. Because once their gone, you don’t get them back. Fast forward a couple of years, and here I am as a full time business owner but still attending all my kids field trips, award ceremonies, their practices and games. Being able to be my own boss, and create my own schedule that works best for my family and I has truly been a dream come true!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who don’t me, I am a full time wedding and elopement photographer. I do shoot other styles of photography but my passion is primarily around love, and the beginning of couples happily ever after! I am based in Arizona, but I will fly anywhere to capture your love story! For example, I am shooting my first international elopement in Switzerland this September, and I can’t even begin to describe how honored and excited I am!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Ah. This subject is one I struggled with a lot when I first started my business. How do I succeed on social media? Why is so and so getting so many followers? Why is my content not getting enough engagement? I’m gonna tell you straight up; stop. Stop looking for answers that honestly nobody can answer for you! There is no rule book on how to grow your audience on social media. I’ve looked, and I tried all those new trends but you know what has helped me? STAYING TRUE TO MYSELF. Being myself, and relating who I am through my social media is what my followers, and potential clients love to see! Having amazing communication, and customer service is key. I treat my clients like friends because honestly that’s what they instantly turn into after we meet. I don’t care about the numbers, and the new trends on Instagram are. You are not for everyone, and that’s okay! Your people, your clients are out there and they will want YOU for being YOU.!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth, client/family referrals, and Instagram. Instagram is huge for my marketing but again, being true to who I am as a photographer, and person has been a huge turning point in my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lunamariephotography.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/lunamariephoto

Image Credits
Myself, Monique Castillo, Luna Marie Photography