We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Weldon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie , appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
Become a full-time business owner has been a long time coming for me, and yes. I am so much happier!
The first year of college was the year I realized I wanted to pursue a different path and become a successful business owner. Not incredibly good timing. I pushed back that feeling and continued on to get my Bachelor’s Degree and work in the corporate world for 6 years.
My immigrant parents instilled in me how valuable it was to get a college education, have a high paying career, put money towards your 401K, and have health benefits. This was important to me too, but I knew the moment I landed my first job that sitting in an office 8 hours 5 days a week was the last thing I wanted to do. My inner thoughts kept telling me, “You are capable of doing so much more!”
I sacrificed my free time and made videos. I bought my first expensive camera, shot videos for friend’s businesses and weddings and for those 6 years I grew my business exponentially while still being employed.
When I finally quit my job because I was making more running my business, I still remember that sigh of relief wash over me. Not just because I could take my free time back, but because my parents called to tell me how proud they were of me for pursuing my dream.
Natalie , 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?
From an early age, I was the friend who always had a camera in her hand. I was the friend making movies for fun, the friend documenting everything… and to be honest, now in my 30-somethings, that has not changed!
I own a boutique luxury cinematography and photography business, specializing in bespoke media for people getting married, businesses looking for content, or events that need to be documented at high quality.
My team and I do everything from the initial consultation, shooting, post production, to delivery. I pride myself in giving clients the utmost quality and attention to detail. From the equipment we use to the skillset my team and I have accumulated, I believe this business truly gives us an edge. As the face and owner of this business, I dedicate myself to being entirely client facing, instilling a confidence in the relationship with any potential client.
My brand comes down to a few keywords: Refined, Organic, and Relaxed:
Refined: The quality of the work that we deliver is none other than refined. Clean imagery, concise editing, and exceptional events.
Organic: I have always been captivated by our natural environment. How light casts intricate shadows through the trees, how the architecture plays a role into the surroundings. Deliverables will reflect an organic, artistic feel that we believe play an integral role of any event.
Relaxed: My main goal is creating films and images that do not feel stiff or constrained. Having a genuine, relaxed flow is at the heart why people can be so moved by what they are seeing. When events feel raw and true to them, that is how I know I have done my job well.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Instagram is the best tool to utilize for new clients, hands down. Not only is it free to showcase all of your work, but I do believe in this time we are in, good social media strategies go a lot further than just your website. In reality, Instagram is the new ‘website’ for a lot of creative business owners. When you understand how Instagram ads work, you can push your outreach even further.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
The nature of my business is, in itself, pretty personal. As a wedding cinematographer/photographer I am around my clients most of the day and that has fostered some wonderful relationships! Big milestone moments are emotional, and when you deliver something they can cherish forever, it does create a big impact on their lives. (No pressure, haha.)
It is important to be kind, hardworking, and always deliver your best work. This has kept some of my clients around, hiring me annually for family photos or more milestone moments in their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natalieweldonfilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalieweldon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSiKq579KKXQHOVznH3MYyA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/natalie-weldon-los-angeles
- Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/ca/los-angeles/videographers/natalie-weldon/service/332137481840484498
