Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colette LaPorte, Owner of Colette Elyse Photography, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an Austin, TX based travel wedding photographer. I serve couples who value candidly charged imagery that makes you feel something for years to come. I believe that every couple deserves a story told as uniquely as they are, and it's my biggest passion to be able to help tell their story.
Tell us about yourself
Photography has always been a passion and "dream career" of mine. I started out by doing photography on the side, taking pictures for friends, etc., but I was not sure how to break into it full-time. Once the pandemic hit, I had a lot more time to really reflect on my life, and I had a "now or never" moment where I realized I needed to pursue my dreams. After that, it was just a lot of small steps that accumulated into creating my business. I have never been more fulfilled than I am now. I seriously love my job, and because of that, it truly does not feel like work. I get to connect with amazing couples and tell their love story. Which is something I have always dreamed of doing! Because I am so passionate about what I do, I believe that translates into my work. It can be felt, and that is what makes my experience stand out.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is the impact I have on my couples and the important days they allow me to be a part of. Being a wedding photographer, I am one of the only vendors who they will leave the day with something. I am their eyes for the day that allows them to re-live their special day over and over again. It is such an honor, and I do not take it lightly!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Because I am so passionate about what I do, I often forget to take time for myself. There is always something that you could be doing for your clients or your business, but I have to remind myself to take time for myself because you can't pour from an empty cup.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams. When I was first actively pursuing photography, I had a whole other career that I had invested many years into. I had peers who advised me not to pursue photography because "it's hard to make it." This is true. But it is also hard to be unhappy. I did not want to have any regrets later in life and wish I hadn't tried. I am so grateful I didn't listen to those people and went after what I wanted.
- Just start. You won't be perfect at first. You won't have all of the answers (heck, there are still a lot of things I do not know). But you have to start somewhere. Then, when you are further down the path, you will see how far you've come with all the small steps you've been taking and realize it is possible. You just have to start!
- Don't compare yourself to others. I think this one is pretty common advice we hear all the time, but it really is so true. You can't compare your day 1 to someone else's day 100. Also, when we live in a day of social media, you are always seeing people's highlight reels for the most part. You have to remember that we don't have the full picture. One of the best things I have ever heard and always remind myself of is: comparison is the thief of joy. Just focus on what you can control, which is yourself. It will all happen how it's supposed to!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://coletteelysephotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coletteelysephotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coletteelysephotography/
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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