Category: Be Inspired
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…
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!
W.O.W. interview – Kia Jarmon – “Entrepreneurship is disruptive to what most people think and believe.”
| January 18, 2013 | Posted by krista under Amazing Nashvillians, Be Inspired, W.O.W. interview |
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Kia Jarmon over the last few years. Being that my background is public relations, we’re both graduates of Belmont University (just 6 months apart, in fact!) and we’re both female entrepreneurs dedicated to making change in our local communities and beyond, Kia and I have many commonalities.
The first time we met, I felt like we’d been longtime friends. And I now see why she’s so successful. She comes up with brilliant ideas on the spot and makes everyone around her feel important – both vital qualities for a PR professional. I always learn something new when I’m around her and guarantee you’ll have some great takeaways from our interview below. Enjoy today’s power-packed interview with Kia Jarmon, owner of The MEPR Agency!
Kia, tell us how you discovered your passion for what you do.
I was working in social services in college and my long time mentor, who was also the CEO of the organization, asked me what my future plans were and what I enjoyed. I rattled off several things I did in college; started a promotions and marketing company, pitched to our on campus media, worked in leadership for a few organizations, and loved to speak, write, and generally communicate. She told me “sounds like you are interested in public relations.” I had heard the term but I really didn’t know what ‘those people’ did. I had a series of lunches with three high-level PR pros in Nashville, got a paid internship, and fell in love! 8 years later and it’s been amazing!
What services or products do you offer? Who is your target customer?
We are a boutique public relations and brand strategy firm and we bridge the traditional with digital and social platforms to communicate our clients message. We offer services like media relations, community engagement, social media, internal communications, brand strategy, as well as some areas of marketing like media buying and internet strategy.
We offer services to established small and mid-sized businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. Our ideal client understands the value of public relations and realizes that it is an ongoing function of their company.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I believe strongly in balance and it comes with practice and training. I set boundaries with my telephone and texting time, family time, and other miscellaneous distractions. Unless it is an emergency or I am finalizing a project I rarely answer a business call or text after 6 or 7pm. I am also pretty selfish with my nights and weekends. I work a lot so it is important to get as much rest and ME time as possible.
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?
The way the company works is that we hire specialists, which are usually entrepreneurs, to create the ideal team for our client. We entrust them with their area of expertise but myself or our PR coordinator will handle the project management. That method ensures we have the most accountable individuals working on the project and we don’t have to micromanage each task.
Also, we have an intern program that has been revamped and allows for college juniors who are entrepreneur, business or marketing majors an opportunity to be a part of the team and learn actual processes that will serve as a case study for them as they enter the workplace.
What has been your best method for generating new business?
For the first five years of business, new opportunities came through referrals and word of mouth. I have now completed a business and sales system that will allow for others to lead some of the business development of the company. I have started with writing out the businesses that I would like to work with and then researching how I can be a good fit for them.
I also believe in creating products so I have several products that allow for more people to experience our assistance outside of being an ongoing client.
Did you encounter criticism from friends or family when you started your business? If so, how did you respond?
I probably receive more criticism now—six years in—then I did when I started. Part of that could be because I still had a full time job up until two years ago (2010). I believe that entrepreneurship is disruptive to what most people think and believe. I have learned that people will criticize anything they do not understand or wish they could do, but feel they can’t. I am honest enough with those people to laugh about their questions like “do you make money” but educate them by sharing that I don’t work for free and my time is valuable.
What aspect do you most enjoy about your business?
I enjoy teaching people how to run a more effective business and also the strategy. Those two areas allow me to see the most growth with clients and allow them to see my interest in their long-term company goals.
What is your favorite thing about being self-employed?
I love a few things but I would say the freedom is one of the most gratifying parts. Not just freedom to run an errand in the middle of the day, but also the freedom to work with those businesses and brands that I can appreciate and want to represent. I am not forced to work with those who do not fall in line with our core values and platforms.
If you could go back and give yourself one tip from day one of the business, what would it be?
Listen to your first mind, your first thought or intuition. I adopted that about a year into business but I found that learning it early on could really save me from a world of trouble. You often know when the client is not a good fit or when a relationship won’t work with a business partner but ignore those feelings.
As an early entrepreneur you also second-guess every decision and sometimes even clients can make you feel bad about the decision. It is our responsibility to guide them and we must feel confident in that.
Are you involved with any community outreach / non-profit organizations? If so, tell us about it/them and why you got involved.
I am extremely interested in organizations that work towards the equality of people, particularly diverse groups. I am on the Junior Board for the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, the marketing chair for the TN Economic Summit for Women, and on the board for the TN Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
I also work with each of our clients on their social responsibility commitment to the community. It is important that our clients impact others along with their financial bottom line.
Where do you go for inspiration? (Person, website, location, book, etc…)
I have an amazing peer/colleague network that I consider a part of my personal board of directors. Speaking with them absolutely allows me to breath a sigh with relief. I also have a couple of accountability partners who keep me in line and inspire.
Also, I meditate, listen, and seek inspiration from my Source.
Lastly, I have a great family who serve as constant inspiration and have always been a large support.
What impact do you want to leave on the world?
I aspire to impact people to change and action. I hope that my fiery influence will excite others to create movement in their lives and their communities.
What gets you excited about the future of your business?
As a business we have come a long way but I get so excited to see where else we can go. We have so much more to accomplish and many more areas to evolve in.
What has life taught you recently?
Life has taught me that things are not always black and white but can be grey or in color! I am an extremely colorful person, but in business I am pretty matter of fact. I found that allowing myself to color outside the lines could be beneficial in seeing more opportunities for myself and the company.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself teaching on the collegiate level, publishing a couple of books, international traveling, and training more businesses and professionals.
Where else can we find you and your work?
I have a candid blog at www.KiaJarmon.com, I also have a segment called ME Factor Business Segment on 760AM at 8:25am CST and am a co-contributor for the Tennessean.com’s Biz Talk show on Tuesdays at 3pm EST. I am also the Brand Strategist contributor for SheOwnsIt.com
How can we connect with you?
What a great interview! Thank you, Kia, for taking time to answer these questions and share your experience in business with us. I’ve had similar experiences with some of the things you shared – particularly how people criticize what they don’t understand. Over the last few years I’ve learned that one of my major roles is “educator”. I spend a lot of time educating people about my industry and how my business works. It’s fun to watch those “aha” moments occur.
Well, that wraps us up for today. Come back next week, friends. I have some great topics lined up for you and another FABULOUS W.O.W. interview to share. Until then…have a great weekend!
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