Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tia Goff, Co-Founder of Cameron & Tia, located in Minnetrista, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am one half of Cameron & Tia. We are wedding photographers and photography business coaches. My husband and I spend half of our time photographing couples getting married in Minneapolis and San Diego. The other half of our time is spent coaching other photographers through courses, guides, templates, and Youtube.
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I met in second grade at Jonathan Elementary School. Sixteen years later, Cameron proposed to me at that same elementary school. Cameron is an ex-attorney, and I am a past dance teacher who transformed our passions into a career that allows us to have a life together filled with independence and tons of travel. Now, we teach others to others to create the same flexibility and freedom in their own businesses.
I first got into photography with the encouragement of my husband. I was just interested in starting a business and doing average things like creating a logo and an email address, haha. But I was hooked!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is when we took a one-month sabbatical in Europe last year. We got to enjoy time off and prioritize traveling, eating good food, and learning about new cultures. It was so amazing. Afterward, we came back to our business rejuvenated and excited to make big things happen!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Owning a business can be all-consuming, and it's easy to find yourself working long hours, skipping meals, and sacrificing time with family and friends in pursuit of success. However, it's important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business. Without proper self-care and balance, burnout and stress can quickly set in, leading to a decline in your productivity and overall well-being.
Finding the right work-life balance will look different for everyone, but some strategies that can help include setting clear boundaries around your work hours, delegating tasks to trusted employees or outsourcing to third-party services, and scheduling regular breaks and downtime to recharge.
Ultimately, prioritizing your health and well-being will benefit not only you but also your business. By taking care of yourself, you'll be able to bring your best self to your work and create a more sustainable and fulfilling career as a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Dream big and create a vision board: Starting a business can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity to bring your wildest dreams to life! Get creative and make a vision board that showcases all the amazing things you want to achieve with your business. Whether it's traveling the world or launching a product that changes people's lives, let your imagination run wild and use your vision board to stay motivated and inspired.
- Treat your customers like rock stars: Customers are the lifeblood of any business, so make sure to treat them like the VIPs they are! Put yourself in their shoes and think about what would make their experience with your business unforgettable. Surprise them with little extras, personalize your communications, and always go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. When you treat your customers like rock stars, they'll keep coming back for more and singing your praises to their friends and family.
- Embrace new technology like a superhero: Technology is constantly evolving, and it can be overwhelming to keep up with all the latest tools and trends. But instead of feeling intimidated, embrace new technology like a superhero! Use it to automate repetitive tasks, streamline your workflow, and reach new customers online. With the power of technology on your side, you can take your business to the next level and save time and money along the way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cameronandtia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronandTiaPhotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronandtia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-goff-b976a7122/
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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