We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ne-Dah-Ness Greene. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ne-Dah-Ness below.

Ne-Dah-Ness , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

Corporate America should understand small businesses because they are vital to our economy. Small businesses create jobs and drive innovation. Many small business owners struggle with cash flow, waiting months for payments from bigger companies. Understanding this can lead to fairer business practices and stronger partnerships, helping both sides thrive and contributing to the overall economy’s health. My business has encountered considerable challenges due to the extended payment terms enforced by larger companies. Waiting for payments for 2-3 months has created a problematic cycle where accumulated bills and loans put immense pressure on my financial stability. This situation has impeded the growth and prosperity of my business, and it is an issue that resonates with many small business owners. Addressing this matter professionally is vital, as it not only affects individual businesses but also has broader economic implications.

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

Back in 2017, I decided to shake things up and moved with my daughter and twin boys to North Dakota to stay with my sister’s family. She wanted to go to work, so she asked me to take care of her kids. While doing that, I often took the little ones on random adventures, and I’d use their iPad to snap photos of all the fun we were having. I decided to share these pics on social media, and that’s when things got interesting. People started asking who the photographer was, saying they loved the photos. I was thrilled, even though I didn’t think much of it at the time.

Now, fast forward to 2019, and I’m in North Carolina, working on a farm. On my day off, I liked to scour local thrift stores for cool finds, and one day, I stumbled upon an old, beat-up camera and lens. My friend encouraged me to buy it, and even though it wasn’t in the best shape, it was new to me, and I was over the moon. A few days later, there was a powwow nearby, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” I took my new camera, even though I wasn’t super confident in my skills. Well, guess what? Those photos I took went absolutely viral! The editor of The Washington Post spotted them and wanted to buy them. I couldn’t believe it! That was a huge deal.

From there, I went from being a regular person to a business owner practically overnight. I started with small gigs and eventually worked my way up to capturing corporate events, parties, and staff photos. My friends even asked me to shoot their kids’ senior portraits, which I don’t usually do, but it’s been a blast seeing how much they’ve grown. I offer headshots, event pics, senior portraits, and editorial shots for print and magazines. What’s really cool is that most of the people I photograph happen to share my mixed heritage, even though I’d love to snap shots of everyone. I’ve come a long way in a short time, with gallery exhibitions, local magazine covers, and getting featured in big shots like The Washington Post, People magazine, Elle Magazine, and The New York Post, among others. I don’t go anywhere without my camera; it’s like an extension of myself. My work isn’t just pictures; it’s all about preserving my culture and identity. My photography style is my own, and I’m super proud of the name and reputation I’ve built for myself.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My journey as a photographer with an Indigenous perspective has been closely tied to the power of social media. It’s pretty remarkable; I’m not entirely sure how I amassed such a substantial following. Maybe it’s a testament to the compelling nature of my work, and the fact that it tells a story that resonates with people. But maintaining and growing this audience isn’t just about the pictures; it’s also about the ongoing relationship. Here’s how I’ve managed to keep my clientele interested:

Consistency: Posting regularly is crucial. My followers know they can expect fresh, engaging content from me, and that keeps them coming back for more.

Storytelling: Each photo I share is more than just an image; it’s part of a larger narrative. I use captions to share the stories behind the photos, whether it’s the history, cultural significance, or the personal journey involved.

Interactivity: I encourage interaction with my posts. This includes asking questions, hosting Q&A sessions, or even running polls related to photography or Indigenous culture. It helps create a sense of community and engagement.

Behind-the-Scenes: People love to get a peek behind the curtain. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments from my photoshoots or my daily life gives my audience a more personal connection.

Collaborations: Partnering with other photographers, artists, or influencers in related niches broadens my reach and introduces my work to new audiences.

Educational Content: As someone with an Indigenous perspective, I aim to educate my audience about Indigenous cultures, their traditions, and current issues. It’s not just about showcasing photography but also promoting understanding and awareness.

Responding to Comments: Engaging with comments on my posts, whether it’s a simple thank you or a thoughtful response to a question, fosters a sense of community and demonstrates that I value my audience’s input.

Variety: I keep things fresh by exploring different photography styles and themes. This variety keeps my audience curious about what’s coming next.

Listening to Feedback: Finally, I actively listen to my audience’s feedback and preferences. It helps me tailor my content to what they enjoy the most.

In essence, it’s not just about the photographs; it’s the connection and engagement that keeps my clientele interested and continually growing.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has significantly contributed to building my reputation in the photography business is my unwavering commitment to honesty, reliability, and the consistent delivery of high-quality photographs.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedahnessgreene
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nedahness.Greene/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedahness-greene-9212b0206/
• Other: https://alphauniverse.com/member/?fbclid=IwAR3Rppy7yBNysS4rzTsHkJUHrK9Dna7l6ihKi1_dkFVkkHxuZWXpUCildWk#/nedahness-greene

Image Credits
Nedahness Rose Greene-Photographer Madison Hand Sydney Novak Kelly Goose-Hope True Re’Sean Carter Greene Madison Kingbird Daniel White Samsoche Sampson Manoomin