We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Amara a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

No one likes to take risks. Let’s be honest. Change can be really scary and uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary. I’ll explain. My first job was a “bus girl” at a restaurant in my little town I grew up in. I started working at 15 years old and found myself submerged deeply in the lifestyle of the service industry even years later. I began working for a big chain restaurant called Buffalo Wild Wings at 17. You may know it well. Delicious wings, beer, and sports, your perfect football Sunday headquarters. I worked with this company for over six years and dedicated more time and effort than I found myself putting into my family.

I loved photography. In the same time frame, 17, I met my husband. He actually bought me my first camera for Christmas. Then began my photography company only a few months later. I was surprised to see the amount of support I received when I first started out, but I still found myself agreeing to promotions and new positions with BDUBs. It began eating into my personal life, taking up editing time, and causing me to lose potential clients because of a lack of availability. I quickly realized doing both would be near impossible if I wanted to be successful. I’ll get to my point.

No one likes taking risks. I definitely didn’t. I wasn’t sure if photography was going to provide or if I would “make it.” I really had to trust Gods plan in my life and trust His provision. I took the leap of faith, quit my management position at BWW3 and decided instead to invest in myself to be best I could be at photography. I am so grateful that I did! God has provided thus far and my business has only grown since I dedicated that time! This is your sign to take that chance, believe in yourself, and trust that God will work all things for good in your life!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am Samantha. I am born and raised the small, but growing town, of Clayton North Carolina. I got into photography when I was about 12 or 13 years old. I would use my iPod to take pictures of my little cousin for fun. I just enjoyed going outside, finding a beautiful spot, doing her hair and makeup, and pretend like she was a model! I grew up and continued to pursue my love for the art of photography and when I was 18 I started my company. Amara Images Photography.

Amara Images offers wedding, elopement, and portrait coverage! To go into detail of what ‘portraits’ entail; we offer senior portraits, bridal portraits, family sessions, and more. My motto is “there is no limit to what I will create” and what I mean by that is, I want to provide the best service I can by being original, unique, and have my authentic personality shine through everything I do.

I think working in the restaurant industry taught me how to have good customer service and problem solving skills. If anyone were to have a less than exceptional experience with me, I do my best to make it right no matter what! I am proud to say that I go above and beyond the call of action to help make clients feel special, beautiful, cared for, and confident. I know with social media it can be very hard to find the good in your individuality. I am here to show the world the YOU that I get to know!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’ll make this one short and sweet.

Instagram, Facebook, and most recently TikTok have been great sources for reaching my target audience on social media! I have a huge sense of humor and I like to have fun when I work. I really enjoy making reels and TikTok’s that make people smile and laugh. It was really slow start, but the key is exactly what everyone says, consistency. Not every video will be a hit, but 5 out of 10 videos you share are bound to be a home run! Its important be relevant, original, and BE YOURSELF! Stand out by having people get to know who you are and why you would be the perfect fit for any of their needs!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

This is the most humbling part of my job when I have returning clients. It starts to change the way I look at my business. It reminds me that these people aren’t just supporting my small business, but they are investing in me! I get to watch families grow, kids age, and first kisses as husband and wife happen. I love following my old clients on social media because now I just love them as people and watching where the next chapter of life leads them. It is important to communicate with your clients and remind them that they are being prioritized and that its important to you that they are apart of your success!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amaraimages.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaraimagesphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaraImages
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sammiamara