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

Reagan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you identified some of your key partners/vendors and how you made those relationships work?

Finding the right partners for my business was quite the adventure, and it taught me a lot along the way. My first business partner and collaborative event was the local animal shelter I had been volunteering at for years. We joined forces to create and promote a fundraiser, which involved organizing photoshoots that donated a percentage of the proceeds to the shelter.

When I made the move from Illinois to Colorado with my business, I had to start fresh and find new partners. I started the process by researching businesses that would resonate with my ideal clients – think local pet stores and dog trainers. I spent hours researching businesses on Google, connecting with other business owners in the pet industry, and even volunteered my photography skills at local pet events to meet new people. It was all about connecting with businesses that shared my deep passion for animals and my unwavering commitment to delivering quality.

Next came the part where I reached out to these potential partners. I made an effort to meet them face-to-face, but when that wasn’t an option I crafted personalized emails to set up Zoom calls or coffee meetups. The key, I found, was to be genuine and let my enthusiasm for my business shine through.

I’ve always enjoyed building partnerships that benefit everyone involved. Effective communication was imperative and ensured everyone was on the same page regarding expectations and shared goals. Looking back on my journey, I’d advise anyone in a similar position to spend more time upfront really getting to know your potential partners. Align your visions and set clear goals. And remember, don’t be too hard on yourself; these things take time and patience.

To all the fellow business owners out there looking to make new partners: go for it! It’s an amazing way to grow and learn. Keep an open heart, stay true to your values, and savor every moment of the journey. You never know; your perfect partner might just be a coffee meeting away!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi there, I’m Reagan Weichold, the proud CEO and lead photographer at Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Photography, based in beautiful Northern Colorado. I’m currently a student at CU Boulder and am studying marketing and accounting, with a minor in evolutionary biology and ecology.

What started as a hobby, fueled by my love for dogs and photography, has evolved into a thriving business. When COVID-19 forced my local animal shelter to have potential adopters to put an application on a pet before having a chance to meet them, I starting capturing personality filled photos so adopters could get to know the pets in a safe and virtual way. After a few months of practice, those around me asked if I would be willing to photograph their pups, and Pawsitively Purrfect was created.

Pawsitively Purrfect is my canvas for combining artistic skills with a deep understanding of our canine companions. My approach? Vibrant, heartfelt, and personality-packed photos that not only freeze a moment for pet parents to cherish for years but also tell the story of their bond with their pup. As a business owner, I’ve learned the importance of connecting with my clients on a personal level. Whether it’s easing a camera-shy pup into a comfortable pose or helping a family express their unique bond with their pet, each photoshoot is crafted to show of the best sides of my clients and their pups. For me, this isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating an experience.

But this journey for me hasn’t been just about photography. It’s also been about mastering the art of business – from branding and customer relations to navigating the digital landscape for marketing. My mission is to not just capture beautiful moments, but to create a brand that resonates with dog lovers and reflects the quality and care I put into my work. Starting my business as a high schooler involved a pretty big learning curve, but I’m so thankful I started when I did.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In my creative journey, I’ve stumbled upon a couple of resources that helped me grow. When I take a moment to reflect on my journey, there are two pieces of advice I wish I could pass on to my younger self.

First and foremost, it’s the invaluable wisdom shared by business educators on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The sheer wealth of free knowledge available there is astounding. By actively engaging with these business educators, I’ve been fortunate to access a wide variety of practical tips, innovative strategies, and refreshing perspectives. Learning from these experts has not only broadened my understanding of the business world but has also spared me the time and effort of navigating it alone.

Another resource is the world of online courses. Year after year, I’ve made it a personal priority to invest in online courses to ensure continuous growth. Whether it’s delving into courses on dog photography, photo editing, or mastering marketing strategies for small businesses, these courses have not only sharpened my skills but have also provided me with skills that I can apply directly to my business.

If I could turn back time, I’d tell my younger self to embrace these resources sooner. I truly believe that doing so would have accelerated my growth and propelled me closer to my creative aspirations. So, my heartfelt advice to fellow creatives is this: actively seek out knowledge, take calculated risks, and be open to learning, whether it’s from the generous insights of business educators or through the enriching experiences of online courses. The path to creative success is an ever-evolving one, and the more you invest in your own growth, the closer you come to realizing your creative dreams!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, being an artist and a creative is all about those heartwarming moments that bring smiles to my clients’ faces! I get to freeze those priceless memories, the genuine connections, and the playful quirks that define the relationship between a person and their best friend. Every dog, in my eyes, is a unique bundle of personality, and my mission as an artist is to capture those quirks and traits in every photo.

When I see the genuine smiles and even the tears of joy on my clients’ faces as they receive my artwork, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about creating lasting memories for each of my clients. Knowing that I’ve played a part in preserving their connection with their four-legged family members is the most fulfilling part of my journey as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pawsitivelypurrfectphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsitivelypurrfectpetphotos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reagan-weichold/

Image Credits
I took the photos