Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Blair.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a freelance photographer from Memphis, TN. I’m a 2016 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Mass Communication (Photography). My passion for fashion and photography first began at the age of 13.
From there, I started taking graduation pictures for my friends and colleagues around my college
campus in 2015. As more opportunities arose the following year, I decided to birth JessPerfect Photography, which is now named JessPerfect & Company. I have worked on many projects, such as branding for small businesses and family photography. My business and I, expanded, allowing JessPerfect to branch out into the fashion world. I now offer fashion styling and image consulting.
I take pride in being detail-oriented and making sure that each person I encounter feels comfortable. I strive to produce the best work, while always being willing to take advice and learn new things. I am a growing businesswoman that is passionate about my craft and open to new opportunities and ideas.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Being a photographer definitely comes with some challenges, but it is all worth it if it is your passion. Some weeks I’m up, and some weeks I am down. Some weeks get very slow where you may have little to no clients at all. You might have some weeks where you have so many clients with so much work and it can become overwhelming. That’s just a part of entrepreneurship and offering a service. But the goal is to always keep pushing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance photographer that specialize in portrait photography. I mostly capture images for birthdays, branding sessions, graduation sessions, maternity, and family. I also capture children. I am mostly known for working with women and their families. I rarely have male clients, unless they are accompanying their fiancé, wife, or family for images.
I am most proud of my growth as a business owner and for not giving up. Every hardship I have faced, I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. There were many days that my work wasn’t looking how I wanted to look and I wanted to give up. It was days clients would pull no call no shows or constantly rescheduling and that would deter me. But, I never gave up. I continued to push myself, post my work as much as I can, and put my faith in God. I continued to find ways to educate myself on how to become a better photographer and how to continue to grow my brand. This has allowed me to get better and more wiser as a business owner.
I believe that my passion for photography sets me apart from others. I believe in taking timeless and meaningful images that can be passed down years and years from now. A lot of people are not doing things for their passion or liking of it. They do it for the money, or for the popularity, it may bring them, and it shows in their work. My ideas also set me apart from others. I have been told that I have a multi-million dollar mind and it will take me places one day, and I truly believe in that.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have no advice for finding a mentor because I have never had one. I would love to have one in the future. As far as networking, I would say just put yourself out there. If you have the opportunity to speak about yourself and what you have to offer, just go for it. Always keep business cards on you, and place them everywhere if you can. Place your business cards in the hands of people you encounter on a day to day basis.
It may feel weird, but you never know, that very person could be your next blessing. We are in the generation of social media, so use your accounts to promote yourself. Do it as much as you want and as much as you can. One of those post could very well be your next big break. I find all of these things helpful to me and my business.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessperfectco@gmail.com
- Website: www.jessperfectco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessperfect_/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rOiWtgTcZInEPBgu9s8Gw
