We recently connected with Tracy Battaglia and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tracy, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
Over the past two decades, my journey in the business world has been a testament to the idea that innovation is not exclusive to high-profile tech billionaires; rather, it’s a daily necessity for any business owner seeking survival, prosperity and job satisfaction.
In my case, innovation took the form of personal and professional evolution.
Contrary to the conventional advice of staying in one’s lane and mastering a single skill, I embarked on a multidimensional path halfway through my career. Beginning with a degree in film photography, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to mastering that craft. However, as time progressed, I began to realize the limitations of confining myself to a single skill set. I was already helping my clients in so many ways it was clear I needed to offer more not less. So I entered into a broader spectrum of capabilities within me that extended beyond the realm of photography.
Recognizing that I possessed a natural business and logical mindset alongside my creative talents, I refused to pigeonhole myself. I am not just a photographer; I am a creative thinker, a decision maker, a strategist, and a brand expert who has been building, running, and managing my own brands for two decades. I excel in systems, creative thinking and problem-solving, addressing challenges that many entrepreneurs and small business owners grapple with. They may be excellent at their skill but small businesses fail so frequently because of the inability to also manage and run the business side.
The most innovative aspect of my journey has been the transformation of my brands into something that brings me daily joy and contributes to the fulfillment of not just my own life but also the lives of my clients. By embracing my multifaceted nature and not allowing others tell me to stay in my own lane and dictate my story, I have created a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and business acumen that has proven instrumental in navigating my and others ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
The innovation in my career lies not only in my ability to diversify my skill set but also in my capacity to combine these strengths to benefit both myself and my clients. I refused to succumb to the idea that specialization is the only path to success. Instead, I allowed myself to grow, tapping into my diverse skill set to offer a holistic approach to business and creativity. By allowing myself to grow and refusing to stay stagnate my clients and I both enjoy everything I offer as an all-inclusive elevated, organized and creative experience!
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.
I am the proud owner of three companies that I have developed and grown so much that they are now under the umbrella of a single full creative, strategic and brand agency, “The Fully Alive Agency”.
This umbrella company is comprised of my three unique brands but when paired together they work in perfect harmony!
With the founding company “Fully Alive Photography” I offer photography for all walks of life -from Family, Weddings, Boudoir, Maternity, Newborns, Kids, Graduates, Events, Fashion, Pets, Brands, and Fine Art to international & national Editorial work!
With “Fully Alive Creative” I offer brand clients an even larger spectrum of services from Brand Coaching/Therapy, Websites, Consulting, Systems, Creative Direction, Micro Video, Copy Editing/Writing, Social Media Management. Graphic Design, and Brand Kits/Guidelines.
With “Fully Alive Events” I help my clients plan, create, and actually throw the event of their dreams.
Paired all together, The Fully Alive Agency is a creative and innovating agency helping our clients achieve their wildest dreams while making it a joyful elevated experience!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When I set out to start my first company, Fully Alive Photography, I didn’t have the luxury of a financial safety net. I wasn’t born into wealth, and I certainly didn’t have a sizable savings account to dip into. Instead, I relied on sheer determination and a relentless work ethic to bring my entrepreneurial dreams to life.
During my time in art school, I juggled multiple jobs to make ends meet. In addition to the demands of my mastering my craft post college, I worked full-time as a manager at several coffee shops. It was a hectic period, but I understood that laying the foundation for my business required significant effort and sacrifice.
Every spare moment was dedicated to honing my photography skills. I took on projects at minimal rates, sometimes barely covering my costs, all in the pursuit of mastering my craft and gaining valuable experience. The little money I earned went directly into acquiring equipment and gear, investing in the tools of my trade. My first wedding I got paid with a tripod and a new flash! WORTH IT!
It has been a very slow and challenging journey, with every penny and every extra minute meticulously allocated to the growth of my business. I built Fully Alive Photography from the ground up, and I actually NEVER had a loss in my business. I broke even many years but I did whatever I had to do to keep costs low and make it. Every year I balanced costs and profits to slowly grow. It took me a remarkable 15 years to see six figures in profits. The road has been tough, but the business is undeniably mine, and now it’s three businesses all profiting all giving me joy! They are a product of unwavering dedication and hard work. I can proudly say that every success, every milestone achieved, is a testament to the passion and commitment I poured into making my entrepreneurial vision a reality.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe that my reputation within the market has been shaped by a combination of dedication, relentless work ethic, and a commitment to kindness and honesty. While the quality of my work is undoubtedly crucial, I’ve always considered the human aspect equally significant in establishing a strong reputation.
Even in instances where my work had room for improvement, I consistently prioritized building genuine connections with my clients. I chose a path that emphasized kindness, transparency, and honesty over a rigid and impersonal approach. Instead of adopting a hardball demeanor, I focused on cultivating an atmosphere of grace.
Taking the time to truly understand and care for my clients has been a defining factor. I’ve always aimed to create an environment where they felt valued, heard, and understood. This approach not only fostered a positive working relationship but also contributed to a sense of trust and loyalty.
In moments where the outcome of a project may not have been flawless, my clients appreciated the fact that I was upfront and transparent about any challenges. I believe that being honest about the process, admitting when things could be improved, and actively working to address concerns played a pivotal role in shaping my reputation.
Ultimately, the combination of hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to kindness and honesty has not only helped me build a solid reputation within my market but has also led to long-lasting relationships with clients. I firmly believe that success in business goes beyond the transactional – it’s about the human connection and the trust that stems from treating others with kindness and grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: thefullyaliveagency.com
- Instagram: @thefullyaliveagency @fullyalivephotography @fullyalivecreative @fullyaliveevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullyalivephotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fully-alive-photography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFullyAliveAgency
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fully-alive-photography-tempe-2
Image Credits
– They are mine! Fully Alive Photography