Conversations with the Inspiring Jackie Zoeller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Zoeller.

Jackie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was growing up in my mom’s house, I glued things I liked to the wall; papers, plastic bags, photos, dollar bills. I saw it as beautiful, and my mom saw it as “we’d better pray more and maybe consider therapy.”

I soon learned that putting a ball through a hoop can actually pay for me to do more art so I graduated to sticking things to dorm room walls instead and formally studying studio art and psychology. It was then that I took a photography class and became enamored by portraiture.

It became evidently clear that I was borderline unhireable for most jobs because of my inability to color in the lines. However, I’m blessed to say that my defect ended up serving as an asset and I was fortunate enough to be hired out for years, and flown around the world to take pictures before Instagram existed and make part of people’s weddings and helping them put art on their own walls.

Being open to risks and change and embracing curiosity has always worked for me which is why currently I am transitioning away from the revelry of weddings and getting into something new which is equally as challenging and meaningful but for different reasons, which is working with companies on the photography part of their brand. It still scratches the creative itch and the hours are such that I can come home in time to clean up the messes made on the wall by my own kids.

Has it been a smooth road?
Over the years, I’ve learned and am learning that my understanding of what smooth is changing. My primary goals are no longer just to have enough revenue or to be the best or the most sought after. Things that measure a good day and a good year are more like – I’ve grown. I’ve worked hard. I handled conflict respectfully and confidently. I listened and executed as best as I could. Updating that mindset takes a lot of the bumpy pressure off of running a business and gives me more control.

Women? I feel confident that being a women does not change anything.

Young? Don’t be afraid to seek out support and advice make yourself seek it out. I would have had a much more successful if I had checked my pride earlier in my career. Learning from others experiences and mistakes is much more efficient than learning from your own. Ask people, shadow people, carry their bags. Blog articles will only get you so far.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Denver Headshot Co story. Tell us more about it.
Over the last 10+ years, I’ve had seven different photography brands! I’d understood that it’s not good to look like you’re the jack of all trades so I secretly made a bunch of different websites and brands so that I could appear like a specialist.

Despite that, my primary focus has always been capturing the essence of a person and a relationship – always leaning towards a more unique and artistic perspective. Looking at inner beauty more than outer.

Most of my energy has been put into weddings, however after 12 years, three kids and a practically wise husband I’ve taken all of my experience and am focusing on the most boring of all types of photography (or is it?)- business headshots. But no need to feel like I’m losing my soul as most of my peers do, at Denver Headshot Co., we’re working on building a beautiful business that will support and enhance many creatives, entrepreneurs, everyday workers and give people some really great jobs that can help them to have a life outside of work.

I am really proud of how all of the different avenue’s of photography, experimentation has to lead me here. It’s been a journey of learning and not giving up.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Of everyone I’ve encountered, the first person that comes to mind is a lady named Ellen. When I was ready to take my business from novice to, not-vice, I found her growing web company, and she took me under her wing and was so incredibly generous to me. She taught me about sales, conflict resolution, business, treating people well and valuing your skill. She believed in me, and I can honestly say I’m not sure I’d be where I am in business without her. Making a difference in the world can be done by sharing your gifts and knowledge with just one person.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.denverheadshotco.com
• Email: info@denverheadshotco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/denverheadshotcompany
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denverheadshotcompany/
• Other: selahphotography.org

Image Credit:
Jackie Zoeller, Denver Headshot Co., Selah Photography

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