Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nikki Rumph, Founder and Owner of Shots By Nik, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Shots By Nik is a photography company that helps entrepreneurs and brands create content that attracts their dream customers and tells their brand story. The problem we solve is that most entrepreneurs and brands don't know how to create the kind of content that attracts their dream customers, or they don't have the time or budget to do it themselves.
We're here to help them out! We believe in creating authentic, high-quality content for our clients, so when you look at our work, it feels like it was made by YOU: all of your hard work has been put into every single piece of it. We're not just selling photos—we're selling a solution to your problems as an entrepreneur or brand owner.
Tell us about yourself
I wasn't always the hyper-focused woman I am today, even though I was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. School was just a form of "daycare" for me until my parents came to pick me up. I was the class clown who didn't take education seriously. But everything changed in 6th grade when I discovered basketball, a sport that I fell in love with and couldn't play unless my grades were up to par. From that moment on, I became hyper-focused on my academics.
Basketball eventually brought me to Tennessee State University, where I majored in Consumer Sciences with a minor in Business. After graduation, I pursued my Masters in Sports Administration and landed my first job, earning what I referred to as "Scottie Pippen" money, which was $33,000 per year. As one job led to the next, I found myself in total hustle mode while still managing to go to school. It was during this time that I began to think about how I could start my own business.
Using my education and professional experience, I opened a digital marketing agency that focused on helping small business owners establish their digital footprint. From designing logos and websites to managing social media, I did it all. However, after moving to Atlanta, my direction shifted. With my MBA from the University of Memphis in tow, I was on the hunt for a new network and became interested in the Urban League. It was there that I met a photographer who showed me the ins and outs of becoming a professional photographer.
And that's when Shots by Nik was born. I dusted off my camera that I had used for digital marketing and hit the ground running, planning and preparing a polished and professional business that was ready to onboard new clients. I believe that "iron sharpens iron," and I am grateful for all the people, coaches, and mentors who have contributed to my success as a photographer today.
My focus now is on elevating black businesses through brand photography that's rooted in business strategy while also teaching other photographers how to run successful, sustainable, and strategic businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to pinpoint the biggest accomplishment of my business because I have so many! I'm proud of the incremental growth I've seen over the years. It's not an overnight success, but it is steady progress and helps me stay motivated when things are tough. I'm also really proud of how my photography images have enabled my clients to show up better in their business and attract their dream customers. I love seeing people achieve their goals—which is why it's also a big accomplishment for me when a client tells me that my photos have helped them grow their business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Managing your time is one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner. As a small business owner, you wear all kinds of hats—and that means there's no one to help you put on all those hats and take them off when you need to. Setting aside time for yourself when you're constantly running around trying to get everything done can be challenging, and taking that time without feeling guilty about it can be even more challenging. But it's important! Taking care of yourself is an important part of taking care of your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you're in it for the right reasons. If you're not in it for the long haul, don't start a business! Starting a business is hard work, and if you're not willing to commit yourself fully, it's going to be even harder.
- Keep your focus on what you can control—not on what others can't. This is one of the most important pieces of advice I've ever received as an entrepreneur: You can't control what other people do or don't do—but you can control yourself and your work ethic. So focus on that!
- Be prepared for failure—and know how to move past it when it happens! Failure is part of the process of starting and running a business, but what matters isn't whether or not you fail—it's how well you bounce back from those failures when they happen.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shotsbynik.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shotsbynik
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsbynik/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shotsbynik
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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