We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tara Dunn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tara, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
Working with so many beautiful people, photographing their brand story and businesses has given me a chance to meet so many entrepreneurs. I’ve learned about their lives and how they started their business ventures. I’m inspired by the way that others have been so generous toward me as I was starting out in the photography industry about a decade ago.
One of my favorite things to do is connect people and help others there find where they belong. I’m so grateful to have a home that I can invite everyone to as they come as they are and connect with others. Monthly I head over to my local Trader Joe’s and grab some snacks, drinks and goodies. Set it all out and open the doors, all are welcome! Right now I have about 120 women that follow along with what we are about and connect with one another.
This simple act of hosting a place where women can come and meet a friend really has given me a chance to be generous with my time. Some have become clients and others found just the person or service they were looking for! It warms my heart to know that they feel seen, heard and loved.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Tara Dunn and I’m an Arizona Branding Photographer. I work with local businesses and entrepreneurs to create imagery that sets them apart. We dream together and plan their photo sessions to depict their specific values that in turn attract new clientele.
These past few years my business has grown and I now have clients that I work with multiple times a year. The relationships and dedication is unparalleled! The content that we can create in our time together leaves the clients with so many options for their website, social media and more!
Working with my amazing clients regularly gives me an opportunity to get to know them and share with everyone I know as well. I work with a custom home builder, Modern Splendor Homes, that I was able to refer to a friend as she searched for someone to construct her new home. There are so many I would love to name them all if I could!
I’m very grateful for all the friends and clients I have the chance to work with, their support and confidence in me means the world. There are connections made all over the community I live in and I will continue making more!
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?
Having a growth mindset has been the key to my on going practice, I am successful because I keep an open mind. The tools I have learned from mindset business coaches help me to continue this practice.
Finding a community, friend or accountability partner has giving me a chance to rise up from any shortcomings. This is priceless in the world of a solo entrepreneur.
Giving back to your clients and truly showing them you care. Finding small and big ways to love on the people who invest energy, time and money into my services. Even as simple as creating a blog post to promote their business, service or products go a long way.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My dear friend and photographer bestie, Quianna Marie, has been the biggest blessing in my life. Her friendship and love, both professionally and personally, have given me the opportunity to shine. She has helped me realize that I am worthy of the success that is coming my way.
As two branding photographers in nearly the same area one would think it would be a competition. It’s everything but that, it’s a beautiful working relationship. We encourage each other to push forward, we swap photo sessions as the other one shines, we meet for coffee dates and dream.
I’m forever grateful for her friendship and I truly would not be where I am today without Quianna!
Contact Info:
- Website: taradunnphotography.com
- Instagram: @taradunnphotography
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tdunnphotography
- Linkedin: Tara Dunn Photography
Image Credits
Tara Dunn Photography
