Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krisleen Jones, Owner of Photography by Krisleen, located in Falcon, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Photography by Krisleen specializes in vintage pin-up and boudoir photography. We work with resilient, independent, confident women to celebrate their sensuality. Our photos capture their essence so that they create a lasting memory of the woman they know they are. Women often find me when they are ready to celebrate a milestone or transition in their lives, such as turning a certain age, finalizing a divorce, or even transitioning careers to step fully into their passion. Of course, we also love celebrating loving relationships with boudoir photography for people's partners.
Tell us about yourself
In my life, I've done multiple things, including 26 years as an Air Traffic Controller. However, my true passion has always been taking pictures. My friends have always asked me to take photos for their online profiles. Due to our friendship, they'd even reach out for sexier pictures they could give to their significant others. One of my hobbies is dressing in pin-up style from the 1920s-1950s and attending car shows and various events. People would ask if I'd also take their photo or do a full photoshoot. At the photo shoot, I would let them borrow my clothes, and we utilized my husband's vintage vehicles as props. The process would bring out women's confidence and allow them to tap into their inner goddess.
My clients are wearing garters, cabled stockings, petticoats, etc. They frequently want to do an additional set of photos featuring them in only sexy undergarments. They just felt pretty, enchanting, and confident. So we would capture that feeling of being a sensual goddess by taking a few images in the "boudoir." That's how I realized that I truly enjoyed doing this. I REALLY enjoyed watching women's confidence grow right in front of me, showing women how we see them and not how they see themselves in their heads. Eventually, I decided to do this professionally.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to turn something that I love to do into a business. And doing it in the middle of a pandemic. In doing this, I was able to create the 'Goddess Experience.' Through my 'Goddess Experience' photo session, my clients viscerally realize their own sensuality through a carefully curated environment. With my team of professional goddesses, we help women reveal their Goddess within by creating a safe, judgment-free zone where they can freely express & capture their true essence for a lifetime.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think it was really deciding what I wanted from my business and where I wanted it to go. When I first started, I just wanted to take pretty pictures. I had no idea about the business side of it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out your Brand early on. It enables you to know who you are so that you do not flounder in your decisions and you do not seem wishy-washy.
- Don't try to do everything available at once. Pace yourself. It is tempting to try to do all of the courses, etc., all at once. Don't. This will overwhelm you.
- Have a good business coach you will be accountable to. And not just anybody. Make sure that they know what they are doing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://photographybykrisleen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographybyKrisleen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photography_by_krisleen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisleenjones/
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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