Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samantha Moberg, Founder of Topaz & Lace Wedding and Boudoir Studios, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Here at Topaz & Lace Studios, we capture special moments in people's lives. Whether it is weddings, a new baby, family milestones, or family love, we aim to capture and freeze those moments so our clients can look back on them fondly and remember meaningful and memorable moments in their lives.
Tell us about yourself
I first shot a wedding when I was 16 years old. I had a DSLR and a dream to turn this into a career. I went to school for Photography and Business at Algonquin College. I shadowed professionals in the industry to get hands-on experience in the field and learn from the best. Now we have made it into a studio that photographs a collective of 30-45 weddings annually all over Canada and at destination venues.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be setting up the life I want and working with my family and lifestyle while creating a career I am passionate about and can share with my kids. We now have a team of associate photographers who work for Topaz & Lace, and each year we keep growing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Saying no. I am guilty of wanting people to please and not wanting to say no to anybody for fear of missing out on something great. It took me a while to realize that every time I said yes to a client that I shouldn't, I was saying no to my sanity and family time.
I found out the hard way is the most essential part of life. Sharing it with your family and loved ones. While trying to build your empire, remember those who love and support you. They are the most essential things in this life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just keep going. There will be challenging moments that make you want to give up but stick with positive thinking, hard work, and motivation, and the universe will reward you with determination and hard work.
- Also, create and maintain boundaries. I found it at the beginning. It was so hard to say no. It ate my family time and kept me up all night doing work on my computer. Fear of missing out is accurate, but we should never miss out on family time as we build our businesses.
- And finally, have patience. It won't happen overnight. Everything happens in due time, and by rushing it, you have the increased factor of burning out and failing. Good things take time, so enjoy the process and the journey. And then, one day, you'll look around and realize how far you have come and be glad that you set yourself up early with these things, and it'll be so much easier to maintain without burning out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.topazandlace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topazandlacestudios
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topazandlacestudios/
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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