We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Bernabe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.
Hi Hannah, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
For self-care, I’ve adopted “CEO days” recently. I usually pick one day a week where I take on what an active rest day of sorts. My CEO days consist of catching up with friends or creative colleagues, or doing a solitary activities like going to the park or an art gallery. Eventually I would like to incorporate hobbies that I don’t monetize, something to call my own. Allotting one day to not focus fully on the business allows me decompress from the pressures of owning a business.
Personally, it lowers my stress levels, and having a “do nothing” day really does wonders to my creativity.
I acknowledge that it’s a privilege to have something like this as a business, so I treasure my CEO days and always make sure I have one each week.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Sure, some things about myself is that I’m a photographer and creative producer for HB Photos. HB Photos helps brands reach the next level of their business through photography and creative production. Through our unique approach and love of vibrant color, we beautifully capture the vision and aesthetic of Black, POC, LGBTQIA+, and Women-led businesses.
One of my goals is to become a positive force within my community, using my experience to amplify the creative voices of creators of color.
When I’m not delivering amazing imagery to my clients and collaborators, you can find me on the hunt for the perfect grocery store ramen, practicing her pilates stances to KPOP, and making Spotify playlists for every mood and occasion.
During the height of the pandemic, I hosted the How You Doin’ podcast, a refreshing and raw interview series with folks of all walks of life, discussing how they coped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, I am promoting Take What You Need, a workshop series focusing on providing a space for photographers to level up in their professional photography journey.
Each workshop will be partnering with local San Diego community leaders to talk about business development, legal and creative client services. The workshop series aims to encourage a new mindset and approach to professional photography, adopting community and collaboration over competition, ultimately breaking the gatekeeping tendencies of the industry.
Our workshops this summer will be on August 12, August 19 and August 26 in San Diego, CA.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Always coming from a place of curiosity 2. Always being a student
3. Always be willing to be wrong
I think keeping those three qualities in mind has shaped me not just as a creative, but as a business owner as well.
Being able to remind myself that I don’t have all the answers and to lean on experts of fields that I’m not familiar with is essential to stay in the long game as a creative professional.
I encourage folks early in their journey to also not be afraid to make mistakes. Failure can be a stepping stone towards the right direction. I’ve made plenty in the seven years of being in the photography industry (four years side hustling & three years in business full time) and all the mistakes I’ve made and led me to this point in my creative career.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth and improvement in the past 12 months is I’m allowing myself to delegate tasks more. When you’re starting out as a photographer, or any business really, you tend to keep everything very close to your chest.
In the past 12 months, I’ve prioritized having assistants during projects that I would really need help in, and I’ve also reached out to other freelancers to help boost my digital marketing efforts.
I’m learning that being a creative professional is more of a team sport rather than a solo venture. The more I find trusted individuals that share my vision, the more I know I’ll be able to thrive in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: hannahbernabe.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/hbphotos.co
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hannahbernabe
Image Credits
Photographed by: Hannah Bernabe, HB Photos
