We recently connected with Shawn Rochelle and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawn, thanks for joining us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

One of the most innovative things that I’ve done in my career was pivot towards helping my clients create content for social media. I was solely working as a photographer, but due to the growing social media trends. I decided to become more than just a photographer. I have become a videographer and content creator. I went from just providing photo shoots and portrait sessions to now providing content creation packages that include photography, videography, and content creation for social media. I work with a lot of entrepreneurs and what I realized is a lot of entrepreneurs realized they need to be more active on social media but don’t how nor want to create social media content because they don’t know where to start or feel like they don’t have the time. That’s where I decided to come into play. I make social media simple for my clients. I show up and create the content for them and I also provide social media tips on Instagram for entrepreneurs who are new to social media.

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

I am Shawn Rochelle, Branding and Portrait Photographer; I help entrepreneurs build their brands, tell their stories, and increase online visibility through professional photography and content creation. I got into photography because it was always my passion and I felt it was only right to turn my passion into profit. I provide photo shoots and portrait sessions. I make social simple and I also provide reels, social media posts, and templates for my client’s that don’t create content. When it comes to in-studio what sets me apart is a cozy in-home studio with all the amenities a client may need. If a client forgets anything, I can almost guarantee that I have them covered. I want my potential clients/clients to know that when you see that pink, black, and lime green know that’s my brand: Shawn Rochelle Photography. I stand by my work and I have nothing but great reviews and I have been in business for 10+ years, I am down to earth and professional at the same time and I provide excellent customer service.

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

OMG! The biggest thing I wish I would have knew about earlier in my career was a Business Coach. Man, when I started I had no ideal that was even a thing, I didn’t even know that a Business Coach existed until later in my career and I started being around other entrepreneurs. Having a Business Coach was one of the best things that ever happened to me doing my career. I knew I had to be accountable and answer to someone else other than myself as to why I didn’t do what I supposed to do in regards to my business. Whew, that’s not easy! Which is why I got a lot of things accomplished. I got more things done in my business with a Coach than without. Having a Coach set a standard for my business, allowed me to be strategic, and execute my business plans! I had a coach, joined a cohort, participated in business challenges, and it all helped grow my business tremendously! I highly recommend a Business Coach!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience on social media organically, I followed people that I felt where my ideal client, people in my area, and other entrepreneurs that have the same ideal client as myself. I also made sure that I posted consistently and that I made quality content. One thing I also did was comment on at least 5 small social media accounts and at least 5 big social media accounts daily. I made sure that I created some engagement. One thing that you definitely have to do is make sure you comment on all of the responses you get on your posts, you want to make people feel like they know you. Be your authentic self! In addition, comment on other people’s stories because it goes directly to their inbox and it can easily get a conversation started. Another thing is tell people what you want them to do, create a call to action (CTA); tell them to comment, share, or save. Remember: social media is easier than we think and EVERYTHING is content!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shawnrochelle.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamshawnrochelle
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shawnrochellephotography
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/_shawnrochelle
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shawnversations
• Other: www.linktr.ee/shawnrochelle

Image Credits
Khary Goldie, Amil Bradley, Erika Beal, Stephanie Bedell, Dria Rush, and Khalil Stewart