Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Genae Parnell, founder of Sonāe Photography, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a natural light photographer who takes pride in working outdoors. I also direct customers with poses, especially those who are camera shy or just simply awkward. With this skill, I manage to keep my customers coming back for more since I provide them an experience by making them feel confident in front of the camera.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a nomad who started taking photos using my Samsung cell phone while hiking. Being outdoors and seeing the beauty in nature always caught my eye. From solo trips to moving to Hawaii, I began to see my hobby as art. My little brother bought me my first camera, a Sony A5100, and I took it everywhere with me. When I finally moved back home to Kansas City, I didn’t realize how many people were so supportive of my work. From then on, I started taking pictures of people, and my business started to flourish. I am now venturing into content creating by starting my influencer path and editing mini videos for social media.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making people feel good about themselves. When I’m behind the camera, I’m my customer’s biggest hype man. Seeing them smile makes all the difference.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
If you’re not prioritizing your business, it can get unorganized and overwhelming very quickly. Keeping some type of organization by adding helpful tools to your website or marketing strategies is beneficial for keeping things in order.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Lose all fear, and just start with what you have.
- All money isn’t good money. Know your worth and the worth of your product/service.
- Ask for help! There are so many resources to utilize to help you with your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sonaephotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonaePhotography/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sonae_photography/
https://www.instagram.com/im_sonae/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.