We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Gordon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
Boundaries! Something I have learned within my business is that boundaries are not only important, but necessary for a healthy work and personal life. I used to think I had to do it all.. every type of session, every location suggested, all hours of the day 7 days a week, etc. I found myself lacking passion and was overall burnt out. I knew I needed a change.
Now, I am unafraid to refer clients when they are looking for something I do not specialize in. I am unafraid to set boundaries within my work hours and when I may respond. I am unafraid to let clients know my pricing and included locations. These boundaries have helped my business grow incredibly. I have truly embodied a “quality over quantity” mindset and it shows within my work. I love what I do again and the passion is stronger than it ever was.
To anybody looking to start a business, I always encourage you to set boundaries for yourself and your business. I promise it will make all the difference!
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.
My business started in 2017 when my oldest was born. My longing to be a stay at home mom with him while earning money doing something I loved prompted me to create Gordon Design Co. – a photography business based out of Minnesota. Here we are, 6 years later, and I could have never predicted my business would be where it is today. 20+ weddings and hundreds of sessions each year and every one brings me so much joy. I have made it my mission to offer affordable, high-quality photography services to all of my clients. Specializing in weddings and family photography, I love getting to know each of my clients on a personal level and making connections that will last for years to come.
I am so proud of how I have been able to grow my business while remaining true to myself and initial goals.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I love being uniquely myself. I am very genuine and honest in all areas of my life. I don’t like to hide hard things, and I love to share exciting things. Allowing myself to open up has given clients the comfortability to be themselves during our time together. Building theses connections, in turn, has helped by gaining word of mouth referrals and reviews – a priceless reputation builder!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Seeing my art turned in to precious memories to last a lifetime. It sounds cliche, I know, but it couldn’t be more true! Photography not only captures a moment in time, but relationships, family, love, happiness, precious milestones.. sometimes even heartbreak, sadness, and grief. It is an absolutely honor to take part in providing captured memories for families around the world, no matter what the subject, and turn it in to art. I like to say my photos will last beyond the trends and make it a point to remain true to this.
Contact Info:
- Website: gordondesignco.net
- Instagram: @gordondesignco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gordondesigncophoto/