Six years ago De Lisa Patterson started taking pictures as a creative outlet and to meet people. Today she is a published photographer with her work featured on print and online magazines including Elegant Magazine, BFB Magazine, and many more, you can check her work out here. She recently started a mentorship program for emerging photographers who want to take their business to the next level but need some guidance. Read our interview with the lovely De Lisa below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I started my photography business because I wanted people to feel great and look great. When you are a photographer, you are able to create an experience for a client that makes them feel amazing and see themselves in a new way.
Tell us about your business.
I am a woman portrait photographer, wedding photographer, and a mentor/business coach for photographers & creative entrepreneurs.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Invest in a canon T3i and watched and invested in tons of photography videos and tried my best to photograph everyone I could.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Going out there and talking to people. I always make sure I talk about my services and how it relates to them. For example, everyone needs to have an updated portrait of themselves that reflects their brand or/and personality.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I’ve started a mentorship program for photographers & creatives, a lot of photographers/creatives don’t understand the importance of investing in their company and working with a professional who can help them grow. I still do that because its important to consistently grown and develop your brand.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I am getting on the phone each and everyday talking to photographers and creatives and letting them know that they too can have the lifestyle and dream business they want. As well as letting them know that they have someone who is there for them.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I remind myself why I became a photographer and my purpose. I know that I still want people to feel great about themselves, but now that my business has evolved to include mentorship, I want the business owners I mentor to feel great about themselves and their business as well.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I believe it’s because I work with a lot of woman entrepreneurs and since I am one too, I understand their business’ and personal needs.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
It is not the product you are selling but how your product can help and benefit the lives of others.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Invest in your craft and business and also balance work with your personal life.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Not that I can think of at the moment other than my most loved item – my Mac computer.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
· Instagram @delisacarol
· Facebook www.facebook.com/delisacarol
· Website www.delisacarol.com
· Personal Blog – She describes her journey in detail and offers mentorship and guidance for emerging photographers and artists read it here.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Living a Life as a Thank You: The Transformative Power of Daily Gratitude” by Nina Lesowitz.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I hope to work with photographers and creatives and help them grow their business and help them to create the life and business they desire.