Donna’s Business Story
‘I'm a portrait photographer that brings honesty, rawness and storytelling to my images.
I tell people that I was inspired to start my business because I was doing lots of interiors photography and when I started photographing people there was a magic that captivated me and now I am obsessed with people's stories and their faces. Though honestly I fell into it and it took on a life of it's own. But 6 years on I can see that I feel so deeply compelled to tell other's people's stories and help them bring the change they want to see in the world.
The hardest part of running my business day to day is boring admin and constantly finding clients. The unpredictability of the industry in certain periods of the year. And the continual questioning myself and whether I'm good enough…
I mitigate this by talking to other creatives and freelancers/business owners, looking after my mental health and constantly tryint to grow my skills in these areas.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is not feeling good enough. At the minute I am trying to pitch conceptual ideas to bigger brands and imposter syndrome is so real. But I am determined to overcome it!
Owning my own business has taught me SO MUCH about myself! It really has felt like a mirror of honesty of my deepest self - both the absolute best and worst bits. It has shown me what I really care about and what I feel my purpose is as well as shining a light on the shadow insecure parts of me that want to be seen and healed. Since the very beginning I am constantly learning about myself. I'm not sure if that would happen quite so much if I was employed…
The best thing about owning my own business is freedom. Not having anyone telling me what to do. Nurturing amazing relationships with clients. Taking time off when I want. Not feeling I have to please anyone other than myself.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from owning a business is the importance of building good relationships and as an aside to that networking. Marketing is not my forte but I love networking so that helps me to grow.
If I could give other business owners one piece of advice it would be to find something that makes you jump out of bed in the morning. Something that sets your soul on fire. Because when things get difficult (which they will) you won't be tempted to give up.
If I could do anything else career wise I would love to be a doula, a synth player in a band, a pianist or an actor/film director!!!!’
You can find Donna’s business (and her beautiful portraits) here.