Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacey Gardin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stacey , appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

One of the things I realize looking back as a business owner is that I was hesitant to ask people for their help. I initially set out to do everything on my own. There are people that are willing to get on the bus with you in the early stages. When you’re in that grassroots phase, people that truly see the potential in you want to be attached to your success. If I could do it all over again, I would seek a team immediately. I would price myself to be able to pay for whatever help was possible and serve people wherever possible until I could afford to do more for them as a boss.
I know now that the most successful businesses know from the beginning that it can’t work unless there are hands on deck to make it happen.

Stacey , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an empath through and through. My profession is portrait photography. I like to let my clients know that I always lead through empathy. I am a model by happenstance and I feel that it lends well to my craft because I know what it feels like to be on both sides of the camera. My career as a photographer really took hold when I couldn’t find employment. Around the same time I auditioned at a modeling agency to make ends meet. I always loved photography and dreamed of being a model (like most people) but never thought of it as possible until I had no options on the table.
Once I saw what it was like to be a model, I realized anyone could do it. It then became somewhat of a personal mission to let the everyday person see what it’s like to be a model for a day (and not just any model, #1 on the call sheet!).
When I started on set as a model, I always felt intimidated and unsure when direction wasn’t given to me on how to move or pose, but when I got a photographer that gave direction I felt like a star.
I realized that there really is no such thing as being photogenic, but only being comfortable. When you’re uncomfortable, you don’t photograph well. This became the backbone of my portrait experience. I take the time with every client to create a vision board and we have a planning/design meeting before the session. Just like a successful ad campaign, you have to walk in with a plan. When my clients are equipped with a plan, all the way down to what to wear, and hair and makeup, all they have to do is show up and walk out the steps.
My goal of always shooting with an editorial style wraps the experience up in a bow at the end because by then, they have fully experienced what it’s like to be a star on set. Lights flashing, fans blowing, and being pampered and getting touchups all along the way!
I believe everyone deserves the chance to be seen, and that is what I provide everyday. We don’t do quick photoshoots, we provide an experience.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The saving grace of my business was being introduced to Sue Bryce Education. Her education platform led me to success. She introduced me to mindset work. You can have all the talent, resources, and money in the world, but I firmly believe that a successful business is rooted in a successful mindset. I was first introduced to her through the platform Creative Live. I spent hours on that site soaking up as much knowledge as possible. From technical skills as a photographer, to social media strategy, and more.
Sue took it a step further by speaking on the mind. Your mind in your business and the mind of your client.
I realized quickly that her teaching was not limited to photography, but that it spanned across any genre imaginable. The things she taught me were the same things they were teaching in entrepreneurial classes and masterminds.
Under her teaching, I have since began teaching other entrepreneurs the fundamentals to success.
She taught me how to have a successful business model and how to replicate it in any field.
Her latest venture since selling her photography business is Self Value workshops and I was so happy to be a part of the beta group. It’s been the best investment for my business and personal growth.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I firmly believe that reputation is everything when it comes to being a business owner. Word of mouth is, and in my opinion will always be, the most powerful tool for client acquisition. Your reputation is how you keep your name on people’s lips. The goal is to make sure the words being spoken behind closed doors are pleasant. I have always strived to serve more than anything else. Hospitality is like a love language to me. This is such a powerful truth, but especially in business. When you make sure to take care of people, they remember that. Even if you make mistakes, how you remedy the situation is what they remember more than anything else.
I’ve built a reputation of being professional and providing more than just a photoshoot. I’ve built a reputation around my value. People say I’m expensive, and it’s quickly followed by “She’s worth every penny!”.
Character is paramount in my book, and I will always strive to stay above reproach more than any other goal. I want people to look back at their time with me with joy, and I know that has made a strong impact on my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.staceygardin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceygardinportraits
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceygardinportraits
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceysmitn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@staceygardin

Image Credits
Sue Bryce Portrait (@suebrycephotographer) Stacey Gardin Portraits (@staceygardinportraits)