Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Pierce.
Hi Jacob, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My parents taught me from a young age to always work for what I wanted. We never really had much growing up, but my mom always put 110% into everything she did and she always did her best to provide for us. I have my mom to thank for teaching me to always put pride in everything I do and my dad to thank for my level of tenacity. He taught me that if something isn’t right, you do it over and over again until it is.
As with most of us, my childhood really laid the foundation for my character and ultimately would influence the type of worker I became. My professional career started when I was 16 years old – I began working for a popular fast-food chain restaurant that I’ll leave unnamed. It was here that I learned many of the skills that would develop me personally and professionally. Since the age of 16, I have had commitments between school and/or work that has had me working 70-80+ hours per week.
Throughout college, while most of my friends partied, I worked and studied. After being offered a position to be a part-owner for the franchise group I was working for, I dropped out of school and moved to a small town in Texas called Mexia. While working as an operating partner for this franchise, I learned just how difficult it was to be a business owner. I consistently worked 80+ hours per week and faced some of the most difficult business decisions I have ever faced but I grew immensely as an entrepreneur. After doing this for 3 years, I decided to move back to Houston to be closer to my family.
When I moved back to Houston, I enrolled in school again and began looking for work. I worked a couple of jobs that I didn’t really care for before landing where I am now. I really enjoy my job now but it took a lot of work to develop the skills necessary to land the job. I have started two businesses since moving back to Houston, with Jacob Pierce Photography being the second of those. I feel that this business is the first of many and am excited for what the future has in store!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. While I have faced many challenges and hardships along the way, I am thankful because those challenges have helped me grow into the person I am today. Rarely do we ever grow from the easy times in our lives. I can choose to be a victim to the struggles I have faced or I can choose to channel that energy into something more positive.
Most of my struggles have surrounded making sacrifices. I didn’t enjoy the typical “college experience” that most kids did; I worked 50 hours a week and went to class/studied another 30. While my friends were partying, traveling, and having fun, I was working and studying. While these sacrifices were difficult, the biggest one has to be the time that I sacrificed being away from my family.
I have always been close to my family but after moving to Brenham to go to college when I was 18, I haven’t always had the most time to talk to or spend with them. When I was 21, I moved to a town called Mexia, Texas to be a part-owner of a restaurant. franchise. I consistently worked 80+ hours per week and lived about 4 hours away from my family so I rarely saw them. This was a very difficult time in my life but I learned so much and grew immensely as a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was actually inspired to start Jacob Pierce Photography after looking for work on LinkedIn. Despite being a platform for professionals, I noticed that many people’s pictures were everything but professional. In an effort to help my brother, I decided to break out my DSLR and help him get professional headshots for his profile. I decided to learn more about photography and I fell in love with the process. From there, I decided to start Jacob Pierce Photography.
I specialize in headshots and business professional photos but also do regular portrait photography. I feel what sets me apart from others is my commitment to the client. Perhaps they want great professional photos to help them stand out and land a dream job – I fully understand and commit to that purpose and do everything I can to help them reach those goals.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Just put yourself out there. It isn’t complicated, but it isn’t easy. Everywhere I go, I feel that I am a walking billboard representing my business. I don’t force it into a conversation, but every chance I get I like to bring up what I do. Best case, I get a response such as “Oh really? I’m actually looking for a professional photographer” or “Well, my brother/sister/cousin is looking for one, I can send them your way!” I always carry business cards with me and I’m always prepared to share what I do with someone.
As far as finding a mentor, just ask. Seriously. The worse someone can say is no. Best case, you find someone to teach you and help you grow. You have to be willing to offer something in exchange though such as your time and energy. Approach someone who does what you want to do and offer to volunteer your time or current expertise in exchange for the experience. Many people love what they do and you’d be surprised how far they are willing to go to teach someone that shows the same level of enthusiasm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacobpierce.photography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacob.piercephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.piercephoto
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacoblpierce
