What is your name? Jennifer Wheat
What is your business name? Wheat Photography
What is your website URL? www.wheatphotography.com and www.wheatphoto.com
When did you start your business? 10 years ago in my home – I’ve had a physical studio space for 3 years.
Why did you decide to start your business & why did you choose the type of business you chose? Photography has been a hobby of mine forever – I love seeing the world through my lense and couldn’t think of a better way to make a living. I love the quote “If you find something you love you’ll never work a day in your life”
What is your favorite thing about being in business for yourself? Having creative control over my brand and business decisions.
What turned out to be harder than you thought? EVERYTHING! Just kidding – kind of. You have never had a meaner boss than when you work for yourself. Running a successful photography business is about 10% photography and 90% everything else.
Looking back, what is one thing you know now, but wish you knew back then? Buy the best, most expensive equipment right off the bat. If you don’t do it right from the beginning you’ll buy everything twice!
Do you participate in any business groups (mentoring, networking, etc) ? I’m on the forum www.ilovephotography.com – the professional page side of the forum.
As a business owner, it can be easy to work all the time – do you have any tips for balancing your business and your personal life? No, please let me know if you have any suggestions.
What have been some of your best business successes? Hiring my sister-in-law who’s organized, task-oriented personality rounds out my creative, “big picture” thinking. Also – stretching myself creatively and doing the projects that scare me a little.
What are you planning to do with your business in the future? We plan to fill out our commercial photography sector and do lots more in this realm!