Starting a business in your twenties
Starting a business in your 20’s more and more people are doing it and I thought I would share my insight and experience on the past 8 years of my photography business. If you’ve seen my article on my life with a Disability you would know why it feels like I’ve already lived a lifetime but I am only 28. I never really sit back and appreciate the growth and commitment I have put into my business ( honestly don’t think many business owners do).
How did it begin? During University I started taking photos for uni balls, families other events and even some university marketing images. This led to capturing images for a display home company and a real estate in my post-graduate year while I worked for my university in social media. Biting the bullet moving to Geelong randomly selected on a map to explore the idea of commercial photography further. Here we are 4.5 years later now a company offering a range of other services.
I thought I would share the top 5 things I have taken away from my experience in business so far:
What comes your way is meant for you
Money is an interesting topic and something that is at the forefront of your mind when starting a business. How will I make enough to live? Well for me I quickly learned that what comes your way is meant for you and what leaves allows room for new opportunities. I also learned that I don’t want to live my life around other people’s life goals constantly. So for me, I’m okay with the fact I may not be booked out for months in advance. For me, the flexibility of running a business is what I need for my health and my disability. No way could I have as much time off as I need with my health working for someone else as my life ebbs and flows so often.
You aren’t going to know it all
I’m still stumbling through this whole business world. Learning along the way and am always so appreciative of my clients who allow me to give projects my best go and allow me opportunities to continue to grow over the years. I get excited when a return client books a shoot and I will happily tell them how excited I am because I know I can produce something even better than last time. Accepting the fact you will constantly change and having people support you is the best thing to come out of this job.
You will constantly be inspired
I don’t compare myself. I was recently on a podcast and they asked me who I look up to and who is a role model of course other than my parents I have never really aspired to be like someone else. Even in my personal life artists, and celebrities I am not your stereotypical fan girl ( it’s okay if you are, be passionate about the things you wish). I draw inspiration rather than idolising. I allow something I see to make me want to create magic as well.
Your social life will look different
This was a major one for me, instead of attending events at 21 I was capturing them. From my University balls on residence to the social networking events and life milestones of new work friends. I experienced many social activities from an outside perspective. For me, this meant when I didn’t have a camera in hand attending an event I was so unsure how to approach people to chat. This is something I am constantly working on. How to find a balance between work and actually participating in the world. Sometimes it’s okay to just want to attend the ‘thing’ instead of watching it unfold.
You still have so much time
But I remind myself constantly my business doesn’t need to be the biggest or the best. I don’t need to be the most well-known photographer nor do I want to be. I want to impact and create for those at the right time in the right place. Some years my business will do better than others and all I want to do is live and pay my bills. I think when you run a business you feel the need to also be growing and getting bigger but sometimes it’s okay to fly under the radar and do what makes you happy.
Did you start a business in your 20s? I’d love to hear about other experiences of navigating and growing a business during a period of such personal growth. If you'd like to know more about our business head to our website www.carlonandco.com for all your photography and creative content needs!