Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography and videography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeph Chiao, Founder of Genesis II Media Productions, located in Richmond, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is that I capture wedding and portrait photography/videos. My target customers are those who are getting married and those whose stories need to be told.
Tell us about yourself
Well, it was about 10-11 years ago when I was graduating from high school. A photographer took my photos for my graduation, and unfortunately, it did not turn out the way I would love. I was already feeling low at the time, and it made me feel a lot less. A few years after, while I was in the kitchen with my wife (now, girlfriend then), I saw something in her that made me smile, and I wanted to keep that memory forever. So I took a photo of her through my phone, and it turned out great because there's a relationship in that story, a beautiful connection/bond. Up to this day, I still have that image.
After that moment, I wanted to help newly married, getting married, or non-married couples capture these beautiful moments for themselves and show the bond they have with each other. So that in the future, when they are their senior age, they can look back and remember those moments through thick or thin. This is how I started my wedding and portrait photography/videography. There were some rough times within the year of being a photographer/videographer, but she motivates me every day to be more creative and not give up on my dream to be that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment, I'd say, was capturing my first wedding and finally being able to capture these moments now. Helping them remember these moments that God has gifted us with.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I'd say the hardest things that I had to come up with as a business owner were the financial stages, which led to competitiveness with other vendors and trust. I think many business owners would agree that without any financial stability, your business may not succeed, which leads to less traffic. Another issue I'd say is that many portray themselves as professional photographers and videographers even though they did not have the experience and hardships that some of us had to work for.
Trust is very important in a business, especially when it comes to building your team. Trust is one of the foundations of building your business. Without it, your structure may fall.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Expect the long hard hours but never give up or surrender. Keep working hard, and it'll eventually turn out well.
- Have a backup financial plan.
- Most importantly, DO NOT let anyone know your plans. Keep it to either yourself or with someone you could trust the most.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenesisIIMediaProductions/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisiimediaproductions/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/genesisiimedprd
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.