Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chava Oropesa, Owner of Chava Oropesa Photography + Motion, located in Oakland, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm an Oakland-based commercial photographer and creative director whose love for photography, food, and even the packaging it comes in, has transformed into my life's purpose and passion. My customers are mostly CPG brands and food entrepreneurs looking to level up their brand images and visual communication.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in Mexico City, surrounded by a vibrant and colorful culture that has deeply influenced my design style and photography aesthetic. I love to collaborate and immerse myself in assignments, whether working with a large creative team on set or on a personal project in my home studio. I have a background in design that allows me to understand the complete life cycle of an image, from marketing to web and print. My clients appreciate that I'm able to see beyond the photograph and fully grasp where and how each image will be used.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to wear other hats besides the creative one, I have to be a business manager, accountant, marketing expert, social media manager, production specialist, and retoucher. I'm proud that I am not scared to learn something new, and if I need help, I will ask for it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Doing a lot of tasks that are not your specialty and keeping everything going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Look into learning about business and sales, and learn about the best way to market yourself. Sometimes running a business is really 30% doing what the business is about and 70% taking care of that business through networking, marketing, sales, accounting, etc. Don't be afraid to take imperfect action. Perfection is procrastination.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.oropesacreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chava_oropesa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chava-oropesa/
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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