We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Bridges. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?
A decade ago, my love for photography, dormant for a while, reignited when I welcomed my first son, Hunter, into the world in 2014. Determined to turn my passion into a business, I saved up and convinced my husband that offering photography sessions to friends at a minimal cost was the way to start paying off the new camera I had just bought.
In those early years, I wore every hat imaginable – scheduler, marketer, social media manager, photographer, editor – juggling it all. The intensity of running a one-person show was both challenging and rewarding. However, five years into my venture, I realized it was time to level up.
Enter Brittany, a dear friend and entrepreneur herself, who graciously stepped in to help with the back-end tasks. Her assistance in answering emails and scheduling sessions marked the beginning of streamlining operations and, most importantly, gave me the precious gift of time – time to spend with my family and take on more photography sessions.
Two years ago, Jaime, a previous client with a photography background, approached me. She wanted to work with me, learn from me, and contribute to the growth of the business. Jaime’s arrival breathed new life into my creative spirit. She urged me to explore new avenues, inspiring me to try new mini sessions, and encouraging me to take on more weddings and newborn sessions.
Recognizing the evolving needs of my clients, I decided to add a styling service to my offerings. Tamara joined the team, bringing her talent for coordinating with clients and styling them based on their appearances and locations. Her expertise not only elevated the quality of my photography but also alleviated stress for my clients.
As the years unfolded, the team expanded further. Natali and Claire, each with their photography businesses, joined, creating a dynamic and collaborative group. The diversity of perspectives and shared knowledge among the team members became a driving force behind our collective growth. In 2023, the privilege of working with Natali and Claire added a new dimension to the business. Their unique insights and collaborative spirit enriched our creative process, and the collective learning within the team has been invaluable.
Beyond the business growth, my journey has been defined by a commitment to community engagement, continuous learning, and a love for collaboration. The story of scaling up is not just about the expansion of services or clientele; it’s a tale of personal and professional growth, learning from mistakes, embracing new ideas, and fostering a team that shares the same passion and dedication.
The cornerstone of my business’s growth? Without a doubt, it’s the unwavering support of my incredible family. Their love and dedication form the foundation of our success story. Their involvement goes beyond just encouragement – it’s integral to every aspect of my business. My dad’s keen insights and brainstorming sessions are invaluable, while my mom, Lisa, is my rock, always there in times of need. Kathy, my mother-in-law, whose styling expertise adds that extra flair, makes each experience truly memorable. Mike, my father-in-law, is the master of organization during our mini sessions, ensuring everything runs like clockwork while fostering genuine connections with our clients. And my husband Justin and our boys, Hunter and Corbin, are my driving force, my reason “why.” Their love and support fuel every success. I couldn’t do this without them. Together, they’re not just a support system – they’re the heart and soul of my business
As I reflect on the last decade, it’s evident that the overnight success often perceived by outsiders is, in reality, the result of years of hard work, strategic decisions, and a team that believes in the vision. My story, like many others, is a reminder that the path to success is a journey with its twists and turns, obstacles, and moments of sheer joy, all of which contribute to the vibrant landscape of entrepreneurship.
Nicole, 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?
Hey there, lovely readers! I’m Nicole, a mom and adventurer residing on the vibrant westside of Albuquerque. When I’m not navigating the beautiful chaos of life with my two sons, you can catch us exploring the outdoors, whether it’s camping, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a run or bike ride. I’ve got a bit of a secret obsession – scouting out the most unique and breathtaking spots for capturing moments through my lens.
I’m not just your average photographer; I’ve been a proud member of the Albuquerque photography community for 10 years, passionately capturing the essence of life’s precious moments. My specialty lies in family and newborn photography, where I aim to freeze-frame the milestones that shape your journey. From senior photos, engagements, weddings, maternity shoots, to newborn sessions – I’m here to chronicle the growth and love of you and your family.
Recently, I had the incredible honor of capturing a client’s entire journey – from high school senior sessions, engagement, wedding, maternity, and now a precious newborn session. It’s moments like these that fill me with gratitude and humility, knowing that I’ve been trusted to document such significant life events.
What sets me apart is not just my lens skills, but the genuine connections I’ve formed with incredible people over the years. Watching babies grow, creating lasting relationships, and being a part of your most treasured memories make this more than just a job – it’s a dream come true.
Beyond the joy of photography, giving back to the community holds a special place in my heart. I enjoy collaborating with local non-profits, using mini sessions and events to raise funds for our community. From maternity to newborn, first birthdays to graduations, engagements to retirement parties – I’m your go-to photographer for all of life’s special events.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
As a passionate photographer, I can’t stress enough the value of investing in management software like Iris-Works. This tool has been a game-changer for me, streamlining my business processes, ensuring consistency in my marketing materials, and facilitating effective communication with clients both before and after sessions. The efficiency it brings to my workflow allows me to focus more on the creative aspects of my craft.
On top of that, I’ve found great inspiration and a sense of community on TikTok. Engaging with creative content from fellow photographers not only keeps me motivated but also challenges me to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my own work. The platform has become a dynamic space for learning and sharing within the creative community.
One principle I hold dear is the idea of collaboration over competition. In the vast realm of photography, there’s an abundance of business to go around. Embracing a collaborative mindset not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the growth of the entire community. We have so much to learn from each other, and lifting one another up fosters an environment of shared success. So, let’s celebrate each other’s victories, share knowledge, and collectively elevate the art and business of photography.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The year 2017 marked a profound turning point in both my personal life and my budding photography business. For three years, I had been capturing the beautiful moments of families as a side hustle while being the primary caregiver for my two boys. The time had come for a crucial decision that would significantly shape my future.
At this juncture, our family received devastating news that would forever alter our perspective. My dad, who had recently taken a DNA test to explore his birth family, unveiled a shocking revelation. His birth father had succumbed to Huntington’s Disease, a debilitating neurological disorder encompassing elements of Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. This revelation cast a dark cloud over our lives, not only due to the grim reality of the disease but also its genetic implications.
The weight of this knowledge plunged me into a deep depression. The realization that I had a 50/50 chance of inheriting this disease, and subsequently passing it on to my sons, was a heavy burden to bear. However, in the midst of this darkness, a determination to fight back emerged within me.
I made a resolute decision to channel all my energy into my photography business, reshaping my goals and outlook on life. It was a conscious choice to face adversity head-on and find purpose and fulfillment in the midst of uncertainty. My family and I adopted a new mindset, vowing to live life to the fullest and not take any moment for granted.
Surprisingly, amidst the shadows of the devastating news, our family found growth. We learned to cherish one another, shrug off the little annoyances, and set and achieve goals that pushed us beyond our perceived limits. This unexpected journey has transformed us into a stronger, more resilient unit.
The challenges of 2017 may have initially brought darkness, but they also ignited a flame of resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to seizing every precious moment. As I poured my energy into my photography business, I not only found solace but discovered a newfound strength within myself and my family. Life’s uncertainties may persist, but our response to them defines our journey, and we’ve chosen to face it with courage, love, and an unwavering determination to make every moment count.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicolebridgesphotography.smugmug.com/
- Instagram: @nicolebridgesphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolebridgesphotography
Image Credits
Nicole Bridges Photography