We recently connected with Steven Vargo and have shared our conversation below.

Steven, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

I’ve been in and out of full time jobs for the last 10+ years. I’ve bounced back and forth between my personal business and corporations quite strategically. Being kind, eager, and working hard have been the cornerstone values while working for someone else. I have hoped that these attributes would gain me more money and opportunity but I must admit that it hasn’t always been the case. I’ve always hoped that corporations and the people who operate them would nurture my goals, mentor me, and help me succeed but It’s been more complicated to say the least.

The most important lesson that I’ve learned while working for someone else is that you have to take ownership of your personal growth but you must do it in a modest way. Sometimes shining too brightly may burn those around you- Working in a corporate setting is sometimes a long game. Tortoise vs the Hare style. Patience is key. During these endeavors I have also learned the importance of good leadership and how it can positively or negatively affect operations.

Steven, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my photographic career in High school, took it to college, and my network opened doors in bigger cities, I held roles at corporations that taught me valuable skills that I am now offering to my clients today. I offer businesses the ability to showcase themselves, their products, or event for online or print application.

What sets me apart from others is my background. I studied the arts & design, technology, & management. I find my style or brand, to be clean, upbeat, and colorful. If you care to see my work- Please check out my website. WWW.VARGOPHOTOGRAPGHY.COM

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I breezed over it before- but my jumps between full time roles and freelance have always had my independence as my main priority. Don’t get me wrong, I did also hope that organizations would propel me upward and nurture my development but when it was not the case I’d fall back on my own thing. My strategy while working full time for someone else was always to earn as much as possible, this way I could have capital to invest in my own business. It was like putting a supercharger on my engine. It boosted my ability to invest in gear, advertising, and helped me get further, quicker.

The way I turned my hustle into my career was to push both in my Full Time job and my freelance- I had so much freelance work that I had to either stop freelancing or stop working full time. I weighed my options and realized that growth potential was off the table at the Full Time job so instead of checking in and out each day for the same paycheck, I bet on myself and made my own opportunity.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Covid knocked the wind out of a lot of peoples’ sails. My business, my life, and emotional well being had taken a rocking. My hopes of having my own studio had dissipated. Our living situation was under threat, our landlord accidentally lit the garage on fire and we lost a lot of assets. I had reached a point where I needed to get out on a lot of different levels. I decided to start looking for full-time work. I took a chance and applied to a hand full of opportunities. As fate/luck/faith had its way — I landed 1 that set me up for the change I wanted.

The opportunity came with its challenges and its rewards- This opportunity got us into our own home, it allowed me the chance to save, and rebuild. I had to pivot, and that pivot opened doors and created opportunities- No matter how challenging, It was worth it. I am glad it happened the way it did.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vargophotography.com
• Instagram: @vargophoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VargoPhoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenvargo/