Today on the blog is my good friend Michelle of MJ’s Photography. Michelle is a Eugene, Oregon Boudoir and Wedding Photographer.
I love stories. What’s your story?
I started photographing when I was in 5th grade and started posing kids on the playground! After my daughter was born, I bought a new 35 MM film camera and had so much fun making backdrops and playing with equipment and lighting. Then I moved into digital as soon as I could and started the business in 2008. By 2012 I quit my full-time job and became a full-time studio and wedding photographer.
Tell me about your business?
I’m a portrait, boudoir and wedding photographer. I love traveling for weddings and boudoir is my absolute favorite! My husband is my second shooter for weddings and Kristi is now my wedding videographer for weddings.
Why did you become an entrepreneur?
Because I hated working for others and telling me how to treat clients. It was my biggest problem while working in the medical field. When patient care became less important than the money being collected was when I knew after 18 years I didn’t want to be in that field any longer.
Who is your ideal client?
Someone that values photography, memories captured and is excited to have my team/or me be apart of their special day or session.
This is also someone that isn’t trying to just get a good deal, someone has some vision as to what they would like.
As an entrepreneur we face a lot of challenges, what has been your biggest challenge?
Like most small businesses, highlighting what sets me apart from others, talking about myself and even my business isn’t always easy. Pricing is always a challenge because of others that are just trying to undercut others to get the job. Based only on cost and not business and what they have to offer.
What has been you biggest accomplishment in your business?
Empowering women to see themselves as beautiful as their loved ones see them.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself as an entrepreneur?
I’m better at selling “myself” than I ever thought I would be.
What advice would you give someone who just started or wants to become an entrepreneur?
Don’t give up, you will have things that don’t work out or don’t go as you thought. Don’t give up, never give up. Keep going, evolve and change as needed, but don’t give up.
Share one fun fact about yourself?
I’M A HUGE BON JOVI FAN!
What’s your favorite quote?
“Believe in love, believe in magic, Hell, believe in Santa Claus, believe in others, believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, if you don’t, who will?”
How can my readers connect with you?
They can check out my website at www.mjsphotography-eugene.com, email michellejphotographer@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjacksonphotography/
facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MJsphotography.eugene/
To book your free Personal Branding Photography photo session click here.
To view more blog posts from the 52 Women Entrepreneurs Series, click here.
LYDIA GILLIS PHOTOGRAPHY is Denver based and Destination Wedding Photographer, Seniors and Personal Branding Photographer.
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