Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mila Armstrong, Owner of Mila Armstrong Photography, located in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and run a photography business. I am a lifestyle & portrait photographer as well as a commercial food photographer. My customers are definitely couples in love as well as single individuals that would like to show their unique features & character, their connection & their exceptionality. But I also specialize in working with restaurants & presenting their food in a way that makes your mouth water.
Tell us about yourself
Photography has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I happen, though, to equally like steamy sessions with couples where the emotions are "through the roof," as well as making the food look so yummy that you drool just looking at it. I mean, after all, that's the goal, right?! So at the end of the day, I couldn't choose and decided to do both. And yes, you can definitely be good at both. I am!
I am also a mom and a wife. So family and photography are my two main loves. But there are also those tiny (or not so tiny) guilty pleasures: fitness, tattoos + ocean, ice cream, summer, and everything (I mean it!) green!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say the biggest accomplishment for me as a business owner was defining and developing a clear vision and focus. I've been taught over and over that (in my scenario) I have to choose and focus on one of the things (food photography or people photography), that I can't do both, and that was the hardest thing to overcome. Then I found other professionals that I admire and aspire to be who fought through certain conceptions and beliefs and defined themselves, and built themselves despite what everyone else thought. Once I believed I could - I did it, and I can proudly say that not only do I do both, but I'm also really good at both.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
To remember that even though I absolutely love what I do and I do what I love, it's still a business. It's hard to say no sometimes, and it's hard to keep the budget and expenses in mind. It's hard not to allow personal feelings to get in the way. At the end of the day, it is still business, and you need to remember this in order to protect yourself and protect your business while still being a good, kind, and sensitive human being, without losing who you are.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in yourself. Through the imposter syndrome (I know it's the hardest), through personal (or not only) doubts, through anything that is in your way - believe and do what you believe in!
- Learn! Learn! Learn! Constantly learn. Set it as a goal to consistently learn something new that is persistent to your business every day so you can grow as the market grows.
- Even if what you do is "love at first sight," remember it's still a business, so manage it properly, think of finances, know your expenses, budget accordingly and keep the risks in mind and yourself and your business protected. Did I say "learn" yet?! This is the part you'll need to learn first!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.milaarmstrongphotog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milaarmstrongphotography/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milaarmstrongphotog/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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