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

Hi Stephanie , thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I’ll say this–I wish I would have started so much earlier, and yet, I don’t think I would have been nearly as successful. I spent a decade in a career as a property manager before starting my photography business; not only did this teach me the ins and outs of running a successful business from every aspect, but it gave me the grit I would need to carry me through self-employment. I actually picked a camera back up after the suggestion of my therapist (don’t you have any hobbies you used to enjoy?), and realized quickly how much I couldn’t live without this passion in my life anymore. Covid hit the world, and I spent a miserable last year in my property management career, looking for any escape that I could use as a way out. Photography was essentially going to be a side gig and the light at the end of the tunnel to reduce hours in my full time career, and instead I put every ounce of myself into this business and went full time with my creative career in 9 months.

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

The Hennessy Photo Co brand is specifically focused on serving non-traditional couples that may not feel as though they have a traditional place in the wedding space. I focus on offbeat photography for nerdy, alternative couples and their unconventional wedding days of all sizes, from helping to plan an epic elopement for just the two of them from beginning to end, or a full party of all of their favorite family and friends regardless of guest count. Exclusive from most wedding photography brands, this space is an inclusive, weird, off the wall brand that allows for everyone and the idea that a wedding day doesn’t have to look any one way in particular.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

You’ll hear a lot of phrases that sound like this at first: “I quit my 9-5, so I could work 24/7 instead”. I will say with honesty, I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s a trade off that comes with working for yourself; the ability to ensure your clients are taken care of, but leaving space to care for yourself, and this is something I have been surprisingly successful at because of a previous career where I had entirely no time to care for myself. I’ve built my brand around a lifestyle I want to live and have ingrained the way I deliver service to my clients around that; so that I can give my very best self to them, and give the same right back to me. It’s been the most fulfilling journey I’ve ever had so far, and the most rewarding part is both being able to do something I truly enjoy for work, while earning freedom that I just didn’t know to be possible to enjoy.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Haha, if I’m honest? I’ve decided not to care so much. When I first started my business, I thought that social media was this place where everything needed to be curated to appease everyone, and the reality is that this type of thinking just turns you less and less human online over time. I’ve been able to build a community online by just showing up, not put together, not curated, and engaging with people without putting much thought into it, and it’s paid off immensely. Not only can I enjoy the space without too much stress now, but I also get to be myself in the most stripped down way, and it’s been amazing to connect with my clients on a friendship basis instead of so professionally, and they’re thankful for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hennessyphotoco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hennessyphotoco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hennessyphotoco

Image Credits
Hennessy Photo Co