Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josselyn Gomez, Founder of Los JG Photography, located in Magnolia, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My husband and I are a team of two photographers capturing all the meaningful and creative moments. We tag team on weddings and events so our customers can live in the moment and remember the feeling when they look back at the photo galleries we create for them. Storytelling with images is our jam, and we customize gallery vibes based on our clients. Everyone is different and capturing them in different lights and angles helps us amplify their experience. Styled and themed shoots definitely hold a special place in my heart; it's a mixture of my artistic view with the person in front of my lens.
Tell us about yourself
I started my photography business as another form of content creation. I needed to get out of a depressive state in my life. I just had my last daughter, and having dealt with depression and anxiety before, I needed to give myself an outlet. It all started with storytelling, most of which was comedic. Making people laugh was something that helped me since I was a child. I guess I was living unfamiliar happiness through others. It's hard to explain because I hardly understand it. My husband has always been my biggest supporter, so he got involved with my business and is now my partner! Working together is so much fun, and it changes the dynamic of our marriage; it helps us remember that we were friends first!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to provide an additional income helped our family in the midst of the pandemic. I was a stay-at-home mom for years, and watching my husband's stress grow when his hours were cut sparked something in me. I knew I could give him a different kind of support. Being able to create my own hours and work around my kid's routines is a dream come true for us. It saved our family when times got tough, and now that we've stabilized our income, we can manage our business out of passion and not just out of need.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest part for me is being self-taught. I've learned everything I know through videos and lots of trial and error. Definitely more error than I compensated for! I can't make everyone happy, and I've had to learn that that's okay.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Come up with a plan and goal and stick to it. You have to keep showing up and giving it your all; no matter how tough it gets, keep going. There are going to be times when you aren't getting the response you want, and you have to push past that. Your time will come, and you've got to be ready when that dream client reaches out. Have your prices consistent with your work, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Check on your funny friends. Ask them if they're okay and show them they have value and that they matter. Remind them they are loved; you just never know what darkness they're going through.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.losjgphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losjgofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losjgofficial/
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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