Conversations with Donna Sweetin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Sweetin.

Hi Donna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my business fairly late in life, after my kids were launched and I could truly do whatever I wanted to do. I had taken pictures all of my life, and had often thought of having a photography business, but with family responsibilities, it just wasn’t a possibility early on. The funny thing is that I actually started my business on a dare from my best friend. She knew I had just finished up promoting a women’s event that had ended, and she lectured me on how she thought I had a talent I wasn’t using, and I should start using it! I decided I would try making photography a business for one year and see if I liked it. I think I was concerned that taking something I loved, and making it work, might not be so fun. However…from the very first month, I found an amazing mentor, got business immediately, and I’ve never turned back. It’s been 8 years and I still love what I get to do!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall it’s been a great ride, but certainly not without some bumps in the road. I think most creative people I have known, aren’t necessarily wired to do spreadsheets, set up CRM’s and keep track of numbers. That was my biggest struggle for sure. Learning the non photography part of running a photography business was the most challenging thing for me personally. Also I definitely went through a period in the beginning, where I wondered if others would see value in what I had to offer. I invested so much of my time, energy and finances into my business, and there were moments I thought…”what if this doesn’t work?” Thankfully though, I quickly received validation and feedback from clients and mentors that let me know I was on the right track!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When people ask me about my business, I tell them that it is “relationship driven.” 99% of my clients come by word of mouth from friends and clients who have worked with me previously. I love really “knowing” my clients and working with them from year to year. I may start out doing family photos for a client, but then they need new headshots, have a high school senior graduating, or have a son or daughter getting married. Knowing my clients and their families, helps me serve them better by knowing their preferences and personalities, and putting them at ease because we have know each other over time. I believe my clients feel that I genuinely care about them and the precious memories they have of their growing families, businesses and milestone events. I truly do care, and always hope that it shows through in how I run my business!

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve always loved working with others. I am grateful to have mentors in my life who encourage me and strategize with me to help me grow and serve my clients well. In addition, I love collaborating with clients who have a vision of what they want their photo session to encompass. As we talk through options, we come up with details and ideas to make their vision come to life. For those clients who really don’t have a particular vision, I am able to offer many creative options for them to consider!

Pricing:

• I am able to provide custom pricing based on client needs and requests.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetinphotography.com