Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alisha Hunter, Owner of I Am Alisha Nicole, Inc., located in Detroit, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides personal and commercial branding photography. I love to tell stories that capture emotion and energy. I'm passionate about helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and career leaders show off their professional identity and individuality through beautiful images.
Tell us about yourself
My journey began while studying Digital Media Production for my BFA and taking photos of my sons during their early years. As those snapshots became more intentional, I realized photography was my creative outlet and decided to pursue it as a full-time career.
I started building my portfolio with other children and families and eventually segued into cabarets, baby showers, and weddings. From there, I started photographing conferences, headshots, and corporate events. All the while, my favorite images were candid moments that captured energy and emotion from unexpected angles. And that's what I became known for.
Eventually, I developed a passion for helping other Detroit business owners tell their stories. It's what allowed me to satisfy my creative itch while also helping them see themselves in a way they had to discover. And along the way, I found it super satisfying to be a part of their journey.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My most significant accomplishments have been helping my clients realize their untapped potential by providing first-hand visuals of how great they and their businesses are. My images have helped clients:
- Increase their prices by over 150%.
- Sell out second and third product launches in weeks as opposed to having inventory left over with their first launches.
- Win grants to fund their enterprise initiatives.
- Command greater recognition as reputable leaders in their industries.
- Provide validation that their intricate work matters and a way to showcase that to their peers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Believing in yourself and continuously finding the will to keep clawing forward when it seems like everyone else advises you to give up. That is one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner. You learn the true definition of resiliency and how to use others' fears as fuel, yet not let it stay a chip on your shoulder.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't wait for "perfect" to start a business; there is no such thing.
- Do research on what you want to start a business in. Understand what you want to offer, what problem the offer is solving, and who the offer is solving the problem for.
- Don't just throw numbers around because it sounds good. Gain knowledge on how much you need to go out so you know how much needs to come in. Taxes included!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.iamalishanicole.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamalishanicolephotog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamalishanicole/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishahunter/
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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