Jamie Reinhart is a passionate and talented wedding photographer. She was lead to this career because she wanted to spend more time at home with her new baby. Two kids later, an incredible portfolio and a virtual assistant under her belt, Jamie is thriving!
Her go to business hacks are learning and taking notes. Jamie loves reading about new ways she can improve as a businesswoman. She talks about fining her niche, boundaries and the various aspects of running her business.
When and why did you start your business? Give us the backdrop to your story!
I started my business in 2013-the year that I had my first child. I was really looking for something where I could do most of the work from home so I could stay home with my babies. At the time I was taking a photography class so I could actually use my camera so I took a stab at starting a photography business. Although I have had a business for 5 years, it was a little over 3 years ago that I shot my first wedding. I was hooked immediately, and that is when I started to make the switch from child/family portraits to wedding photography.
How is running a successful business different than what you thought it would be?
I definitely thought that I would be spending more time actually taking pictures, but out of all the hours I spend working , my actual shoots take up the smallest chunk of time! I never realized how much time and energy goes into editing, marketing, client meetings, networking meetings, etc.
I would describe myself as:
Quirky, Cheerful, Social, Optimistic
What is the biggest thing you struggle with as an entrepreneur? Either past of present.
Budgeting! I’m slowly getting better, but yeah. Definitely budgeting!
Describe to me the most exciting minute of your entrepreneurial journey.
This is going to sound so silly, but the most exciting minute of my journey has been the day that I dropped both of my children at daycare and came home to work…in an empty house. Knowing that I had enough success to justify needing some type of childcare was quite satisfying, and then the experience of being in a quiet, empty house after having toddlers running around for years-it was magical.
What was the tipping point for your business?
The tipping point for my business was the day I went to my first networking event. It changed everything! Hiring a virtual assistant is a very close second!
What do you consider to be your single greatest achievement (personal or business)?
My family 🙂 I have wonderful husband, a sweet almost-4 year old and a crazy 2 year old.
What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entrepreneur?
I make sure to learn something new each day-I subscribe to many (too many) email lists that send out educational information on a daily basis and I am always reading books, so I make sure to read something new each day, even if it is just a quick little tip or one new chapter in a book. I write quick notes down on how I can implement what I learn in my business and call it a day. It is quick and simple, but over time it really adds up!
Share some knowledge! What is one tip that everyone can use in your niche?
One of the best things I did for myself was ditching the word “balance” and replacing it with the word “boundaries” Trying to achieve a perfect work/life balance in an industry that has distinct busy and slow seasons is setting yourself up for failure. You do still need to be sure you are not neglecting the other aspects of your life (including the laundry), which is where boundaries come into play. Quality vs. quantity is so important during chunks where work is in full force, so be sure to turn off the emails, silence your calls, and be sure to totally separate yourself from your work while you are spending time with your people 🙂 Be sure to schedule in some time for yourself as well!
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? (Yes, you can only pick one.)
Chocolate!
About Jamie:
Hi everyone! I am Jamie Reinhart and I am the owner and main photographer at Jamie Reinhart Photography. In addition to loving beautiful photography, I love all things wedding! Bouquets, centerpieces, dresses, wedding cake-basically all things pretty! My job makes me happy and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I also like to take a little bit of time to introduce my second shooter-my husband Wes. Although he spends his weekdays making video games (always a hit with the grooms), he is my right hand man on the wedding day! He came along with me to help with my first wedding ever, and it kind of stuck! Because we enjoy working together so much, two photographers are included in all collections!
A few fun facts about me: I drink way too much coffee (who doesn’t?) I love champagne (again…who doesn’t?), and I have two toddlers at home that are responsible for my addiction to both the coffee and the bubbly. I love Justin Timberlake, sports, concerts, and baths that are way too hot for any normal person! Find out more about Jamie here: Website, Blog, and Instagram.
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