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Life and Work with Kate Williams

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Williams.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kate. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After six years as a public educator and another six years as an instructional designer, I found myself spending all my free time taking and editing photos of my family, friends, and the beautiful landscapes around me. I’ve always had a love of telling stories with my camera, so I decided to take a chance on myself and my passion and formed my photography company Sunshine Lady Photography.

After dabbling in family, weddings, and commercial photography over the years, I have decided to focus primarily on motherhood (so maternity, newborn, and family) and female creatives business branding. I believe that we look back at our experiences, it’s the everyday moments that mean the most to us- from a mother soothing her crying baby, to a child laughing with joy, to a weaver setting up her loom- because this is real life.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting a business is daunting when you don’t have any formal knowledge of marketing, finance, sales, etc. As a former educator, I knew that if I wanted to have a clue about what I’m doing, I’d have to attend photography workshops, read business literature, research marketing, outsource things that I’m not good at and take me away from what I do (such as accounting). I’ve also taken advantage of the robust small business development program in Fort Collins and work with a mentor, a marketing strategist, and a social media wizard. Owning a business is a LOT of work, so if you’re not passionate about entrepreneurship as much as you are about your craft, product, or service, you will most likely want to hire someone to do that part for you.

Another challenge for women is imposter syndrome. Why would anyone pay me for my service when it already exists? The answer is that people like choices and you have something unique that sets you apart from others. Comparison will rarely if ever help you move forward with your business, so it’s important to focus on who you are, what you’re selling or sharing, and who your ideal client is and market specifically to that person.

When I feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or unmotivated, I often listen to entrepreneurial podcasts or watch a marketing video on social media, and I immediately feel refocused and ready to work. Take advantage of all the free resources you can find! There’s no need to reinvent the wheel if there are trusted, successful people out there willing to share their tips and tricks for running a successful business.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sunshine Lady Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a lifestyle portrait and brand photographer who focuses on motherhood and female creatives. As a mother and creative business owner, I find these two genres speak to me on a personal level and because of my familiarity with them, I see the nuance and beauty in the extraordinary and everyday moments.

After working in both the public and private sectors, I observed and experienced the challenges of trying to lead in a male-dominated society. Our culture teaches women to question themselves, to subordinate themselves, and to stay humble at all costs. I’d like to challenge this mindset by documenting, celebrating, and supporting women with imagery that showcases their strengths, their gifts, and their intrinsic beauty.

Despite sounding like a super serious person, I’m actually equally the opposite. I pride myself on creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for my clients, especially with hesitant or reluctant ones. I’m cheerful, friendly to a fault, and deeply interested in getting to know my clients during our sessions. I see no reason why photo sessions shouldn’t be fun, and I’ve learned the best, most beautiful images are typically the result of relaxed clients who are enjoying themselves. I absolutely love what I do and am relentless in giving my clients a fun experience with beautiful images to remember it by.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
My most important piece(s) of advice for a young woman just starting her career is to hone in on what it is she is selling, who she is selling it to, and why. Once these foundational aspects of her business are crystal clear, she will be able to build a strong business framework upon them. Unfortunately, family and friends are rarely your biggest supporters, so join Facebook groups, follow female entrepreneur leaders, seek out related podcasts, and find a community that shares your passion for taking this non-traditional path. If you can find a mentor, take advantage of it and learn all you can from him or her. Become confident in telling people that you are a businesswoman in whatever area your business lies, even if you don’t feel comfortable with this title until you become it becomes second nature. Spend money on your business in areas that you can’t easily or very well do on your own, like designing a website or developing social media images. If you’re short on money, seek out grants for women or small business loans from a lender you trust. And finally, always, always, always to continue to learn more about your craft/product/service and entrepreneurship through books, podcasts, mentorships, publications, etc.

Pricing:

  • Bossbabe basic branding package- 1 4 hour, multi locations, multi scenarios session- $500
  • Bossbabe quarterly branding packages- 4 sessions per year, same details as above- $1500
  • Newborn/Maternity/Family portrait packages- start at $450

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
all images are by Sunshine Lady Photography

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