W.O.W. interview – Andrea Farmer – “Being an entrepreneurial mother, I love having the freedom to plan my own schedule.”
| February 8, 2013 | Posted by krista under Amazing Nashvillians, Be Inspired, Creativity, Solopreneurship, W.O.W. interview |
Photography is an art many enjoy, but the rare, faithful few jump into it as a business. Although, I remember when Mr. Dial and I were researching wedding photographers in the area. Wow. Google can hardly contain them all. Of course, in addition to wedding photographers, there are a number of other subsets – boudoir, maternity, family, commercial, etc.
It’s always interesting to meet the person behind the art. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea Farmer, owner of Andrea Farmer Photography. She offers a variety of unique, photographic art and can capture your special memories – maternity, newborn, children, family, seniors, professional headshots, engagements or weddings. We met through a fabulous local organization we both volunteer with that is all about historical preservation. As I’ve gotten to to know Andrea, I understand why her clients love her and her beautiful work. She has an irresistible personality, a contagious laugh, an eye for capturing unique shots and perspectives and knows how to get the job done! She’s also an incredible mom and wife, too! I’m very excited to introduce you to…Andrea Farmer!
Andrea, tell us how you discovered your passion for what you do.
When I got my first Fisher Price camera as a birthday gift for my 6th birthday. What a lucky girl- I found out in Kindergarten what I wanted to be when I grew up. That left the rest of my life to just learn, have fun and play!
Who is your target customer and/or reader?
People who value the priceless nature of photographs – the ability to capture a moment in time and to portray people genuinely and at their very best.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Having two children and a husband who is also an entrepreneur makes balance a tricky thing. Time together, QUALITY time together, is our top priority. I spent too many nights falling asleep at the keyboard doing late night edits and missed out on bedtime stories and quickly realized that was not the kind of family life I wanted. So I took a workshop on Life/Work Balance and it really put some things in perspective and I had the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.
Communication is paramount. Its not fair to assume the other person assesses life events and appraises them with the same value you do, and visa-versa. For example, to YOU saying yes to the double-date with your best friend and her hubby on Friday night may be a 5 but to your husband it may be a 2. To your husband, taking a run together on Sunday morning may be a 5 but to you it may be a 2. Say so. Communicating what’s important to you and what you NEED your partner to say yes to is vital. Also, I try not to ever turn down an opportunity to play with my children when they invite me into their sweet worlds. That time, you can’t ever get back. 
Do you have employees / an assistant / intern program? If so, how did you adjust to letting go of the work and entrusting someone else with it?
After trying to do everything myself as a one-woman show, I was running low on spare time to spend with the people in my life (refer to Question 2). So I made the executive decision to take the roles that I either a.) enjoyed the least or b.) wasn’t extremely adept or skilled at doing… and I sought out experts in those fields and selected pros in those areas to delegate to. I have found illustrious leaders in the Graphic Design, Lab & Printing and Website Design fields and have had great success with our partnerships.
What has been your best method for generating new business?
I am a grassroots kind of girl so up to this point, it has only been word of mouth. I preferred this kind of growth as it’s grown organically and given me the opportunity to build my business without many growing pains.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you’ve had to make because of your business?
Honestly, time with my family. But that’s a work in progress and I’ve made huge strides in finding that balance over the past year.
What aspect do you most enjoy about your business?
EVERYTHING- working with people, getting to know the families, playing with props, sets, styled shoots, my camera, lenses and other gear. The post-production side of things… all of it. The photography community is just an amazing group of individuals- some who are wired for the creative side and some who are wired for the technical side. I try to learn from the best of both sides.
What is your favorite thing about being self-employed?
The freedom to plan my own schedule so I can be there for the soccer games, art classes, story times and family dinners. That’s the most important aspect, for me, of being an entrepreneurial mother.
If you could go back and give yourself one tip from day one of the business, what would it be?
Don’t compare yourself to others. Especially in a creative field.
Are you involved with any community outreach / non-profit organizations? If so, tell us about it/them and why you got involved.
I am. Community so important to me. I am on the Board of Next Generation Heritage Foundation, which holds community involvement and historic preservation at the helm of our mission. My husband and I also do a lot of work with Autism Speaks. We do a lot of volunteer work and charitable donations. We try to do a lot of the monetary donations anonymously because, to us, that’s the true definition of altruism.
Where do you go for inspiration? (Person, website, location, book, etc…)
I get inspiration from EVERYWHERE. A cup of tea, a conversation with a friend, a children’s story book, a day at the park, movies, EVERYWHERE… I really respect the work of other photographers and artists and draw a tremendous amount of inspiration from perusing others’ work. I love that we can all draw inspiration from one another- it keeps us all connected and can provide a fresh view of an old landscape when you see it through someone else’s lens.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
Shoot a traditional Indian wedding. Go on a photo safari around the world- especially Eastern and Western Europe, South Asia, Eastern Asia and Africa.
What gets you excited about the future of your business?
Watching the families grow, add new family members, reach exciting new milestones, get married, graduate high school… and to grow alongside them
What activities make you lose track of time?
Pinterest- OBSESSED!
What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?
Wish people would let go of bitterness and one-upmanship and just open themselves up to being happy and lifting up those around them.
What’s your favorite joke? 
A: What’s a nosy pepper do? Get’s jalapeno business! heehee
How can we connect with you?
Thanks a ton, Andrea! Wow, I don’t know many people who actually knew at such a young age what they would choose for their career. I certainly didn’t! At that age, I wanted to be a veterinarian, an astronomer, a marine biologist and an actress. Clearly, none of those panned out, but I’m okay with that.
So what did we learn from Andrea? Did you take away a few great nuggets? I hope so! Although I’m not a mom yet, I will say that family is one of the biggest reasons I’m thankful for my business. I love being able to set my own schedule and be a daughter, wife or friend when it’s most important…not just on the weekends or after 5pm.
In closing, a HUGE thanks to Andrea Farmer! Please do connect with her on Facebook and check out her lovely portfolio on her website. You have big weekend plans? I’m in Dallas learning about some MAJORLY exciting announcements for my business. I can hardly wait to share! Until next week!
Wait with confidence.
| February 5, 2013 | Posted by krista under Be Inspired |
Waiting. Difficult for a society that thrives on instant gratification. Even now…as I anticipate some big goals and projects I’m working toward…I find myself glancing at the Gmail tab on my browser…curious who has tipped my new message count from 0 to 5 in just a matter of 2-3 minutes. In fact, I find the only way I can proceed with writing this blog post is to close all tabs but WordPress.
Let’s face it. Waiting isn’t always fun. We want to see progress and we want it NOW. Some folks agonize over even small windows of time. What good does this really do us? Why the constant rush and/or distraction? It’s in these periods of patience that we truly see growth and progress. Much like a caterpillar needs a specific amount of time in it’s cocoon before it transforms into a butterfly, so we all must confidently be patient with our respective journeys. And if we rush the process, we’re losing vital components necessary to personal growth and development. There is purpose behind our struggles.
This parallels well with my business. What I do really boils down to a numbers game, however, everyone’s numbers are different. In my business, I know that if I’m engaging with enough people, I will continue to see growth and success. This past year is a clear indicator of this. If I came into this business saying “I hope this works,” or “I hope my business will grow,” then I might as well throw in the towel right there. We have a proven, duplicatable system that WILL work…given that one follows it. Now, everyone’s path is going to be different. Some businesses are going to grow quicker than others…again, because everyone’s numbers and networks are unique. What’s key is that you keep following the system and you keep stepping out in faith, knowing that your patient persistence will be rewarded.
I came across this lovely image and Bible verse that fits well with this:
…See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm…(James 5:7-8 NIV.)
We must follow suit with the farmer – who doesn’t question or rush the process. Whatever your career or endeavor, know that your desires will be fulfilled if you continue to walk in faith, serve others and continue following that little voice inside your head that says you’re destined for great things…
W.O.W. interview – Maryn Williams – “I love the flexibility of working around my life as opposed to living around my work.”
| February 1, 2013 | Posted by krista under Amazing Nashvillians, Social Media, Solopreneurship, W.O.W. interview, Word-Of-Mouth Marketing |
I do a LOT of networking both online and offline. Maryn Williams was one of the very first people I had the pleasure of connecting with back when I first launched my business. She has seen me evolve from young, driven entry-level employee to young, driven entrepreneur. We’ve had many dialogues over the last few years about business, life and, in general, making a difference in the world. I always walk away with a new, refreshed perspective after speaking with Maryn. She enjoys serving others and has a variety of fun personalities, which you will discover in our interview today. I’m thrilled to introduce you to…Maryn Williams!
Maryn, tell us how you discovered your passion for what you do.
I was in corporate America for many years climbing that ladder of never ending carrots and knew something had to change. My husband had a marketing consulting company and we recognized that marketing was going online. We bought into an organization in 2004 that provided us with ongoing and top notch training, systems and a global network of resources and providers. My passion is to Simplify the Internet for others and help businesses find the right tools and solutions to be remarkable!
My passion kicked in when social media entered the scene! I never liked the “push” style of advertising and am not a social butterfly but I do love the authenticity inherent in the successful use of social media. I enjoy working with clients to understand their customers, how the client approaches situations and finding their strategic social voice.
What services or products do you offer?
Our company is called WSI WebSense and we offer all things digital – site, search, social and mobile. We are unique in that we are not selling any one product or a specific area of expertise like many agencies but instead we find comprehensive solutions to the business needs of our clients by taking a strategic approach. We develop websites, provide search engine optimization and paid advertising, develop and manage social media profiles and local presence, build mobile websites and apps as well as email marketing and analytic support.
Who is your target customer?
Our ideal customers understand the power of digital communications and are looking for a partner in developing their digital presence. We have worked with a diversity of clients from large engineering firms and health care communities to local retail outlets and restaurants, to industrial products distributors and home improvement providers and have found solutions that work for each!
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I don’t! I can work 24/7 and since my office is in my home, I often do. But I can also take time out in the middle of the day to have a cup of coffee, water the plants or pick up the grandkids. I love the flexibility of working around my life as opposed to living around my work.
Do you have employees / an assistant / intern program?
My husband and I are partners so we work together. As far as delegating, my absolute best talent is delegation so I have no problem letting go! We outsource some work to our remote/virtual partners and contract some work with local professionals. We are also currently seeking a part time sales person.
What has been your best method for generating new business?
Word of mouth, online and offline, continues to be our best method of generating new business.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you’ve had to make because of your business?
It took a while for our business to generate enough income to support us both and so there are some financial sacrifices that were made. However, these pale in comparison to the sacrifices in the name of “My Corporate Job”.
What is your favorite thing about being self-employed?
The flexibility and ability to seek new options when I have a “hunch”.
If you could go back and give yourself one tip from day one of the business, what would it be?
Believe in myself and invest more up front.
Are you involved with any community outreach / non-profit organizations? If so, tell us about it/them and why you got involved.
I am a member of CABLE, a non-profit organization that connects women and opportunity. It is a great network of professional women who help to balance my perspective and inspire me to do better. I am a member of Church of the Advent Episcopal and I volunteer for Luke 14:12 who serve the homeless. Most of the homeless are mentally ill and I feel that this is the least I can do to help those who are unable to help themselves.
Where do you go for inspiration? (Person, website, location, book, etc…)
There are many websites and books that inspire me but my best soul building exercises are being still in nature and my monthly Dining Diva groups. I am continually inspired by Marty Nord who is so graciously embracing her illness, I am inspired by Allison Christian who moved to Paris and became a Chef de la Patisserie, I am inspired by my daughter who gives her whole self to efforts she believes in, by Leigh Williams whose creativity amazes me, Beth Tanner and Stephanie Bleecher whose words are “like butter”, by you who charged off on your own at such a young age. People are so incredible, it is easy to be inspired!
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
There are too many to count but lately I find I am trying to prioritize. My next thing to do is to get my bum knees replaced and then maybe I can think about going and doing more.
What gets you excited about the future of your business?
The past. Look at the changes and progress made in the past eight years. It is amazing! We have just scratched the surface of the potential that the connected web provides us. I am looking forward to moving beyond how to use the tools (ie Facebook, Twitter, Ebay) and into what we are going to DO differently, what behaviors will change, what new business models will evolve and what new opportunities will arise.
What activities make you lose track of time?
Words with Friends, Pinterest and other shiny new apps – thanks to Krista Dial
(I don’t know what you’re talking about! ~Krista)
What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?
I am not really interested in changing the world, I would just like to enjoy it more and argue about it less. I think that every problem we face has a solution in our world and if we listened more, searched further and argued less, we would find it.
What are you working on now that excites you?
I have started a new blog for my alter ego “The Dalai-Nana”. As a Blooming Baby Boomer I recognize that most of us who were not born into the internet age struggle with the details, the language and the complexity of this new world and are in fact digital immigrants. My goal as the “Digital Sage for Grandparents” is to help guide others through the maze of information and technology and create simple solutions to make life as grandparents more connected, inspired, productive and fun!
How can we connect with you?
Well now you have hit on my split personality! It depends whether you are asking about me personally, my business or my alter ego. LOL I have a few profiles!
WSI WebSense can be found via these channels…
You can connect with me personally via these channels…
Discover DALAI-NANA via these channels…
What a FUN interview today, Maryn! I hope you will follow Maryn’s many profiles. Make sure you tell her I sent you!
As I continue to interview these incredibly inspiring entrepreneurs, I’m curious if you’re noticing the same patterns I’m noticing. Their biggest business growth has been fueled by word-of-mouth. They’ve all made small, temporary sacrifices in regards to lifestyle or income, but agree that the rewards have been far worth more than the risk.
It’s clear that the business world is changing, friends. If you have the desire to be self-employed, start considering your options TODAY. Don’t wait until tomorrow…because tomorrow never comes. The world needs your passion, energy and desire to make a difference. Not sure where to start? Let’s have a conversation. Until next week…I hope you have a fabulously inspiring weekend!
Choose anticipation over anxiety
| January 31, 2013 | Posted by krista under Be Inspired, Business |
Do you consider yourself an anxious person? Or do you find yourself eagerly anticipating what’s ahead?
I encourage you to wait in eager anticipation for what’s next. Anxiety is a stressor. In fact, Seth Godin says that anxiety can be defined as experiencing failure in advance. Why would anyone want to live that way?
When you wake up and work with anticipation each day, you’ll be more optimistic and more excited about what you’re doing. Being anxious, on the other hand, can be the surest way to disaster…because it encourages you to “play it safe”. And as the old saying goes…the rewards go to the risk-takers.
I came across this great image that I thought was fitting for this post…
Worrying is weak faith. You were made for more. Have faith and hope that good things are ahead. You won’t be disappointed. Until next time…
W.O.W. interview – Jessica Bishop – “Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others.”
| January 25, 2013 | Posted by krista under Amazing Nashvillians, Be Inspired, Leadership, Social Media, Solopreneurship, W.O.W. interview |
Jessica Bishop is one of the most driven, dynamic women I’ve ever met. I initially discovered her in my wedding blog days. Mr. Dial and I were on a very tight wedding budget, so it was only natural that in my Google searching about Nashville weddings that I would come across The Budget Savvy Bride. I immediately fell in love with her and with her highly-engaging blog. Not only does BSB keep her busy, but she also has a bustling graphic design business. And on top of all that…she’s also relocating from beautiful Nashville, TN to The Big Apple! In fact…I’m fairly certain she’s moving as I construct this blog post! SO exciting! Presenting…Mrs. Jessica Bishop!
Jessica, tell us how you discovered your passion for what you do.
Blogging has really combined a lot of my passions and strengths. I’ve always enjoyed writing, I wrote poetry and kept a journal from a young age. I have also always been interested in arts- always doodling, sketching, crafting, painting and trying to do other creative things. Blogging combined the best of both worlds for me!
What was the catalyst for starting your blog and the purpose behind it?
I was planning my wedding and wanted to keep a journal or scrapbook of sorts of my wedding planning journey. Little did I know it would turn into a career path! The purpose of Budget Savvy Bride is to inspire brides who want to have a beautiful wedding on a small budget by sharing realistic inspiration, tips, diy projects and advice from other real budget brides.
So you launched The Budget Savvy Bride in May of 2008 and recently launched your design business in October of 2012. Tell us a bit more about that.
Yes, through Jessica Bishop Paperie I offer wedding invitations, personal stationery, various other paper goods and gift items. To read more about why I’ve started this new business, click here.
Who is your target customer?
Savvy and stylish girls who appreciate quality for a great value.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
It is something that I struggle with but you have to set boundaries. Since I work another job in addition to running my blog, I schedule specific ‘blog time’ to work on it. I also make sure to schedule coffee dates and social time, too. I think the hardest part about finding balance is that I LOVE what I do, so it doesn’t always feel like work!
Do you have employees / an assistant / intern program? If so, how did you adjust to letting go of the work and entrusting someone else with it?
It’s pretty much just me behind the curtain. I have contributing bloggers who write for BSB on a voluntary basis about their own weddings. I decided to go that route because I felt that the thing that draws brides in to the site is hearing from other girls who are going through the same things they are.
What has been your best method for generating new business?
Social media! I wouldn’t be where I am in either of my businesses without creating relationships via social networks.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you’ve had to make because of your business?
Time, really! There are evenings that I spend on my laptop working late into the night to get things done, but luckily they are few and far between.
What aspect do you most enjoy about your business?
I think the feeling of accomplishment and ownership- knowing that I built it and it is mine. I feel a huge sense of pride for creating something that other people find valuable and helpful.
What is your favorite thing about being self-employed?
Meeting other entrepreneurs and small business owners. I love the community I feel with others who are like me, and the wonderful people I’ve met and gotten to know and support over the years.
If you could go back and give yourself one tip from day one of the business, what would it be?
Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others. Only measure your success against yourself to see how far you’ve come!
Are you involved with any community outreach / non-profit organizations? If so, tell us about it/them and why you got involved.
I participate in community outreach through my church, and I also like to support the ASPCA because I am an animal lover!
Where do you go for inspiration? (Person, website, location, book, etc…)
I’m a Pinterest junkie- I love how visual it is. I also love to read other people’s blogs, especially different traditional artists, illustrators, watercolor artists, etc.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
Travel to Europe!
If you could ask one person, alive or dead, only one question, who would you ask and what would you ask?
I’d ask Martha Stewart if I can work for her.
What do you imagine yourself doing 10 years from now?
Running my own business with my hubby, maybe a couple of kids? Who knows! I take it day by day and trust in God’s plans for my life!
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Moved to NYC with no job! Feeling the fear and doing it anyway… stay tuned!
How can we connect with you?
Jessica Bishop Paperie Fan Page
Jessica Bishop Paperie on Twitter
Isn’t she inspiring, friends?! Thanks again to Jessica for taking time from packing for her big move to share some of her valuable insight with us. I don’t know about you, but I can empathize with her in a number of areas – being so passionate about my work that it often doesn’t feel like work and remembering that we’re each on our own journeys, so it’s futile to compare our paths to others’.
I hope today’s interview fueled a desire to “take the leap” towards whatever passion you have. Life tends to pile up on us and bury the goals, dreams and desires we once had. Just take a step forward. Every step counts! Until next week…be inspired…an have a delightful weekend!
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