We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Summer Barnhart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Summer, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Everyday we take risks. Some of them small while others big, I made the choice to take a risk and start my business on New Year’s Day of 2017. My kids were young and I knew how much I wanted to find a way to create a schedule that allowed me to be present while my husband worked. I also knew how much pleasure I took from shooting. The thought of making photography an actual business felt exciting but came with lots of fear, hours, and working. I spent countless hours developing the skill set to deliver a product clients would love. Designing a website, building a social media presence, etc. Networking and collaborating. From being my own office manager to accountant, the roles we take on as an entrepreneur are countless.
But the reward paid off. I’ve been able to build a thriving business that lets me build my own schedule while serving some of the best people out there! Every wedding is a gift and being able to be the person who captures it is humbling. I don’t take for granted what I have or where I came from because I can remember all too well the hours spent trying to get to this particular point in my business and in life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Photography is a second career. Being able to provide for my family and being paid to be creative is amazing. There are amazing opportunities online and I feel like I’m a perfect example of someone who came from the 9 to 5 job to embrace the entrepreneur life. My family motivates me to keep pushing and I always strive to keep a balance between them and my work.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In any creative field, I would say that perseverance, persistence, and a hint of good luck is essential. No successful business wasn’t built without effort and work. Being able to give it your all and keep at it, even when things feel overwhelming, or as if you’ve hit a plateau, is important.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
In this day and age, mental health is real; and in this field, being able to find a balance that allows you to walk away from your work is important. Photography is a personal endeavor and the art we create is often subjective. Finding a way to remove yourself from that mindset is the key to longevity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summerbarnhart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_summerbarnhart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerbarnhartllc
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
