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

Sonya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In 2012, I was laid-off from my job due to a RIF (Reduction In Force). I was so worried how I would be able to contribute to my household. My husband said, not to worry, we will be just fine. And he suggested that I turn by part-time Photography Business into a full-time business.

I was like, what? I won’t be able to make no real money money. But with his support and investment in me, I took that chance and Sonya’s Creations became a Full-time Business. And I’m blessed and fortunate to not have to get a 9 to 5 job since.

God has truly blessed me to have and continue to have a successful business, this year makes 13 years.

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 name is Sonya Goss and I’m the owner and photographer of Sonya’s Creations LLC! I specialize in Portrait, Real Estate, Event, and Wedding Photography and Videography, as well as Custom Design Business Cards, Invitations, Flyers, and Programs. Sonya’s Creations offer Quality Service at an Affordable Price!

Most people think Photographers just snap and go…. not knowing what it takes to produce what you see. Being a Professional Photographer takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. I’ve been on Television and the Radio, my work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, Church Ads, and Websites. I made a huge investment in commercial grade cameras and equipment, and will continue to invest more into my business. We must invest in ourselves.

My prices are based on time spent traveling to Location, time spent working at Location, time spent traveling from Location, and time spent Editing, Processing, Invoicing, etc….. Everyone has the right to choose what they want based on Style, Quality, Quantity, and most importantly, Price. But if you are looking for someone to capture Memories that last a Lifetime, I am your Photographer!!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Excellent Customer Service, High Quality Photography and Videography Services, and Express Delivery.

I provide my clients with High Resolution Digital Images and High Resolution Video Footage to last a Lifetime.

And I love referrals. Most of my clients refer me to their family and friends.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

As I mentioned before, in 2012 I was laid-off due to a RIF (Reduction In Force) and I had no idea how I was going to make more money because I was only conducting my business part-time.

So with the support of my husband, who was my initial investor, in 2010 he surprised me and purchased my start up photography equipment which was high quality, top of the line, I took that leap of faith and Sonya’s Creations became a full-time business in 2012.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/sonyacreations

Image Credits
For the photos of me, please credit, The RW Creative Photography For the photo of me and my family, and the photo of me and my husband, please credit, Photos by Me’Cshell All other photos, is my work, Sonya’s Creations LLC