Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Barnes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began my photography journey in 2012. I had just gotten married and quit my teaching job to travel with my husband with his job. I had always had an interest in photography, so to occupy my time, I dove in headfirst with classes in photography, lighting, posing, and business. I began my first portrait photography business in 2015, Sweet Nothings Photography, which is still going strong today. Under this brand, I photograph families, maternity, newborns, and high school seniors. After moving to the Houston area last year, I took a few months off work to get settled. I used this time to acquaint myself with the area and joined several women’s entrepreneur groups on Facebook. It was there where I noticed a growing trend and need for personal brand photography among my fellow boss babes. So, in January of 2019, I opened my second portrait brand, The Brand Creative Photography, and Design, where I shoot personal brand photos for entrepreneurs who need branded images for their websites, blogs, and social media platforms.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting your own business is never a smooth road… there are so many things to learn along the way. My biggest challenge has been moving with my business and rebuilding my client base. I’ve moved three times, and each time I’ve had to start completely over in a new area! Luckily, Houston in our permanent home now, so I look forward to what lies ahead for my business and my family.
For other women just starting out in their own business, my best advice is to set yourself up for success by creating a smooth workflow and a team (or programs) to support your goals. As a solo-preneur, you wear ALL the hats for your business. You are the owner, sales director, marketing manager, editor-in-chief, and so much more. Creating a smooth workflow in all departments is vital to the success of your business and your sanity! Also, finding a mentor in your industry is an invaluable resource, if you have that opportunity.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Brand Creative Photography & Design and Sweet Nothings Photography – what should we know?
With The Brand Creative Photography & Design, I help entrepreneurs and small business owners create a personal brand that is not only visually beautiful but also highlights their unique personality. In these sessions, which I lovingly call Story Sessions, we work together to tell the story of your business and your own personal story in an effort to humanize your business and connect you with your social media audience and potential customers in a fresh, relatable way. I offer personal brand photography services, story branding consultations, and brand identity design services to help your business and brand stand apart from the crowd.
With Sweet Nothings Photography, I tell your family’s unique story by capturing the natural connections and beautiful moments you will cherish forever. My style is a beautiful mix of classic portraiture and casual lifestyle moments. Capturing those sweet smiles, loving gazes, and silly giggles are so important because days turn all too quickly to months, and those months to years. I specialize in creating heirloom-quality art for my clients to enjoy for a lifetime and then pass down to future generations.
No matter what niche I’m shooting, I love serving my clients and providing an amazing portrait experience, unlike anything they’ve had before.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Earlier I mentioned creating a consistent smooth workflow. I have several programs I use to keep my businesses running smoothly – 17 Hats, Canva for Work, Later, and MailChimp are among my favorites!
I’m a big believer in being a life-long learner. I’m always taking online courses to keep up on current trends, hone my skills, and improve myself. A few books that have been a big influence on me: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller, and Winning Her Business by Bridget Brennan. I love Ben Hartley’s Six Figure Photography Podcast, as well as the Ambitious Motherhood Podcast by Katie Fleming and The Jennifer Allwood Show. And my number one source of inspiration is Pinterest – I’m addicted!
I work from home, and as a mom of two boys, ages 9 and 2, life gets hectic. My saving grace and best advice for other mompreneurs is to have a great planner. Plan our life down to the smallest detail. I start with the monthly overview, then break it down to weeks. Each morning, I map out the day. I schedule in time to work around play dates, doctor’s appointments, and other miscellaneous events, and I’m very specific on what I want to accomplish each day. I also have a set routine in place for my kids that allows me time to nurture my businesses, but also have plenty of time for my family and self-care.
Pricing:
- Story Sessions with The Brand Creative Photography & Design start at $399
- Portrait Sessions with Sweet Nothings Photography begin with a $175 portrait session fee
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebrandcreativephotography.com
- Phone: (832)510-4450
- Email: suzanne@thebrandcreativephotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebrandcreativephotography, www.instagram.com/sweetnothingsphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebrandcreativephotography
- Other: www.sweetnothingsphotog.com
Image Credit:
©Suzanne Barnes 2019
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