Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cindy Ralat, Owner of Ralat Photography LLC., located in Passaic, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hi, I am a professional photographer who loves to create memories for people of all ages. I love to work with children and families, as well as business owners in need of new headshots or photos to showcase their brands.

Tell us about yourself

I am 33 years old, married to a wonderful man, and a fur mom to my sweet little Yorkie. I am also a lover of Christ, dedicated my life to serve God as a young girl and He is truly the reason I am able to get through each day.

I've always had a passion for photography. As a child, my parents would record every moment, from trips to the zoo to celebrating birthdays each year. Whether it was a video recording or an album filled with photos - I was able to hold onto memories because of them. This truly inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others hold on to memories.  It truly fills my heart with joy when I'm able to capture moments of children laughing or parents playing with their children. It's the happy tears moment when dad is dancing with his little girl on her wedding day, or mom has her newborn son wrapped in her arms after waiting nine long months to meet him. Knowing that I get to freeze these moments for someone to remember one day is the best feeling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to leave my corporate job and pursue my passion full-time. It was probably one of the scariest moments, but I knew it was time to go.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is staying consistent every day. This is your business, and you are responsible for its success. Every day you have to strive to improve it for yourself and your clients.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't be afraid of failure. Failure is not always a bad thing, especially when it means you have tried something new. It may not have worked the first time, but keep trying, and soon it will work out.
  2. Educate yourself. Always remember that knowledge is power. The more knowledge you invest in your business, the better the outcome.
  3. Learn to say no. You will not be able to please everyone, and that's ok. Learn to be able to turn clients away if you feel you can not provide them with the service they are asking for. Think "quality over quantity." It's not about how many clients you have or how much money you make. It's about the quality of the work you provided and how you made those clients feel. So if you feel this may not be the right client for you, it's ok to say no and refer them to someone else.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't be afraid to take risks. My biggest risk was leaving my full-time corporate job to pursue a career doing something I loved, and I do not regret it. Yes, it comes with a lot of responsibilities, but the end result is always rewarding.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.ralatphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralatphotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralat_photography/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyralat/

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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