I am beyond excited to launch this brand new Small Business Small-Talk Series today! This is something that has been in the works for a while and I’m excited to finally get it off the ground.
My goal with this series is to introduce local small business owners by telling their story and sharing what makes their business special. I believe in supporting local businesses if at all possible, and my hope is that through this series, I will be able to introduce small businesses in the North Alabama area to local readers, who will in turn show their support by “shopping small.”
ELLES PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
It seems only natural that the first business I would feature is Elles Photography Studios. Danielle, the owner of Elles Photography Studios, has been taking our photos since Raley was just 6 months old. You have probably seen her incredible work over here on the blog, but today I want to share more about Danielle! She now has two locations – one in Athens, Alabama and one in Panama City Beach. If you’re looking for a photographer in either of these areas, be sure to contact her! She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and she always does a tremendous job (just wait until you see Raley’s Tinker Bell photo shoot she did recently for her birthday…sneak peek below!)
Q: I’d love to hear your story! How did you get started? What inspired you to open your photography business?
A: I began photographing people several years ago mainly as a hobby and then a little over 7 years ago I decided to open Elles Photography. Since then business has boomed seeing as we now have 2 separate locations in two different states and we have a following of over 7.000 people! I love the personal relationships that I build with these families and being able to watch all of these beautiful children grow up and grow into people with their own little personalities.
Q: What can people expect when they book a photo session with you? What makes you unique?
A: When a new client books a session with us, that’s all they have to do! All of the props and decorations as well as headbands or wraps are provided in studio! We also only include digital images in our session packages with the option of ordering prints individually, but every customer receives digital images! Also the fact that I absolutely love what I do and the people that do business with me. I promise to always have my heart in it and to always be truly passionate about what I do!
Q: What inspired you to open a second location in Panama City Beach?
A: My husband and I have always dreamed of one day living in Panama City Beach and with my business being as successful as it has been there was no better time than now! I have always loved beach sunsets and wanted to incorporate my work into that.
Q: What types of photo sessions are most popular?
A: Our most popular sessions are probably Family Session in both locations. Baby Plans would also rank high and definitely Santa Mini Sessions!
Q: What challenges have you faced as a small business owner and how did you overcome those obstacles?
A: As a small business owner the business isn’t just your income, it becomes your “baby” so to speak. And that alone can make it difficult to make those tough decisions when you have to tell someone “no” or when you just can’t seem to keep up. This year I brought on an assistant to help manage the business aspect and handle all of my correspondence which has helped immensely!
Q: Is there anything new or exciting coming up that you’d like to share with your clients?
A: Cotton Minis and Santa are right around the corner and we can’t wait!!!
Q: I can imagine that taking the leap to start your own business can be nerve-racking. Is there any advice you would offer to someone who is considering opening a business of their own?
A: First off, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP! Secondly, remember that everyone has to start somewhere and that it may not happen overnight. But also realize that when business does start booming that it is ok to bring on other people to help manage the “craziness” as I call it! And most importantly, have fun and love what you do!
Q: What is the best way for people to contact you if they are interested in booking a photo session?
A: We can be reached on Facebook and Instagram through the Elles Photography Studios page as well as on the internet at website www.ellesphoto.net
Follow along!
Make sure to show Danielle some support and stay up to date with Elles Photography Studios at:
Instagram: @ellesphotographystudios
Facebook: Elles Photography Studios
Contact her at: www.ellesphoto.net
GIVEAWAY
Head over to Instagram to check out an awesome GIVEAWAY opportunity! Elles Photography Studios is giving away a free Cotton Mini Session to one lucky participant. Just hop over to @poppy.and.grace or @ellesphotographystudios and follow the simple steps!
Support Small Businesses
Then be sure to check back here to learn about a new local business every Thursday. I am partnering with Elles Photography Studios during this Small Business Small-Talk Series to bring beautiful, professional photography to these features. The best way to never miss a feature is to sign up via email subscription (in the right side bar or at the very bottom). You will only receive emails when new posts are published. We appreciate your support in this so very much. Stay tuned!
*If you are a small business owner in the Madison/Huntsville/Athens area and would like to be featured, please contact me via email at heather@poppyandgrace.com. If you know of someone who may want to be featured, send them my way!
Heather, this post and the Grounded Coffee post are excellent! I want to move to North Alabama now just so I can utilized these businesses!
Thank you, that means so much! We’ve got some good businesses around here and our area is only going to keep growing, which is why I wanted to start this series. You’re always welcome to come visit!
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