Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwendolyn Houston-Jack.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve carried a camera since I was a pre-teen. There has always been a want to document the world around me, and I’ve done that. In 2009, I found myself being underemployed and I was in search of a new avenue for revenue. I decided to pick up my camera to make a little extra cash. Before I knew it, I was completing photo jobs on the regular. I decided in 2012 to make this hobby an official small business and I haven’t looked back since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The small business life is hard! There were moments where I felt I was going down the wrong road. Photography isn’t the cheapest business to get into, so there is always the concern of getting the return on the investment. This is also a creative arena, so the idea of others appreciating your art is always in the back of your mind. And I won’t even talk about imposter syndrome… I’ve had my battles. Yet, I pushed on and it’s been amazing! I’m been blessed to have an extremely supportive circle of people who believe in me, my art, and the message I share with my art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait artist focused on delivering joy to others through my photography. I’m a huge believer in celebrating self, so my portraits are as close to natural as possible. I provide a safe, inclusive community where my clients can show up as their authentic selves and shine for the camera. I’m creating wall art for my clients, so we work together to design photographic items to decorate the home.
I’m known for my high energy and storytelling skills. I write as well as create visual images, so I have a way of framing a person’s portrait to tell a complete story. My voice is like none other, so just being my authentic self sets me apart from others.
What makes you happy?
Seeing others happy, succeed, or fulfill dreams makes me happy. I’m a small business cheerleader, so I love networking with other small business owners. Whatever I can do to assist, I’m all in. This doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. There’s enough pie for all of us, so I’m looking to help other small businesses. It may be blogging about their business to hosting an Instagram live session… I do what I can to create exposure or buzz about town.
I also just genuinely enjoy bringing joy to others. My portraits allow persons to see just how amazing they are. When I see clients in tears or overjoyed, it absolutely warms my heart. I live for those moments. Last year when the pandemic started, there were hundreds of seniors who had prom dresses and suits with nowhere to go. My company ran a contest for prom king and queen where six students won a major prize. In the end, every senior who entered the contest was gifted a portrait session. I will never forget the smiles on the faces of the seniors and the parents.
Pricing:
- Portrait session starts at $250 for two hours
Contact Info:
- Email: info@gphotographybyg.com
- Website: https://www.gphotographybyg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gphotographybyg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gphotographybyg/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFWjSghDd44oiO2l7g9xHYA
