We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Hyder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.
Hi Victoria , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a business owner who is woman & living in Columbus I have found myself in many rooms where I was the only woman. Alongside being the only women it was more often than not that I was the only Latina as well. It can be difficult to navigate a room of people who are not used to working with someone who looks like you. However, I have realized that adjusting my mindset can be extremely advantageous. I have found that when under-estimated as a woman, it can be easier to command a room once you find your confidence. In my personal experience, all it takes is one person to take you seriously and the rest will follow suit. Be bold with your words and trust that your journey has led you here for a reason. You are in this room because you have something to offer those around you and you can learn from them in return. You earned the seat at the table just like everyone else in the room.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
V. L Hyder media is an Ohio based photography company that I founded in 2020. Until my big move to Ohio, I focused my love for photography to capture weddings and elopements in El Paso alongside the ever so talented French photographer, Stephane Lemaire. In 2020 V.L Hyder Media was born in Columbus, Ohio. When I saw there was a major lack of business in the restaurant industry, I decided to devote my skills to food photography. I was able to use my marketing and branding skills to help bring awareness to the struggling restaurant industry. I was extremely fortunate to work side by side with restaurant owners, talented chefs, bartender’s and staff to throw experience driven events with exquisite culinary menu items and cocktails. This allowed businesses to reignite a flame in their current customers and also drive in new customers. I am forever grateful for that opportunity and the restaurant industry for breathing life in to my camera again. Working alongside prestigious brands and well known restaurants in the area, I was able to fully develop a niche in food photography. By providing marketing material for those hit hardest by the pandemic, I was able to realize my true passion, capturing moments that evoke emotions.
I currently am working on growing the company to work with other women business owners like myself. I offer special rates for women owned businesses & I really want to see the women in my community thrive. I truly believe there is more than enough room at the top for us all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of my three qualities I would say that were most impactful on my journey was my persistence. During COVID I heard “No” a lot more than I heard “Yes”. Businesses were not looking to allocate any money towards photography or marketing during a pandemic. Luckily because I was persistent and saw every “No” as a “not right now” I was able to land working with my dream brand Mikey’s Late Night Slice, a local favorite in the Columbus community. This was extremely dear to my heart because they were one of the first places I ate when I moved to Columbus.
Hearing all the “No’s” then leads me to my second quality, appreciating my failures. When I first moved to Columbus I came with nothing but my art, clothes and dog. I worked at an art gallery alongside serving at numerous spots. After trying endlessly to make ends meet I realized the things that were working for me in my life, and against me. From there I was able to separate myself from working with people that drained me and started putting energy into my own company. At first it was rough to transition from what I always knew to what I NEEDED. Looking back I appreciate the time I spent building other companies because I was able to learn all the do’s of business. But most importantly the DON’Ts. Readjusting your mindset to look at failures as a test instead of a circumstance goes a long way.
Third quality and definitely I think the most important one is humility. I think that my humility has allowed me to land the brands I have. I appreciate raw honesty from business owners and being able to fully be myself while working with others. I also do not claim to be an expert or the best at anything. I truly believe we always have something new to learn/experience.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for ways to further my portfolio. I love working with all sorts of clients from commercial photography to lifestyle. I truly appreciate working with anyone who is as creative as me or even more so. Clients who are also open to experimenting with poses, lighting and props are always a fun time! Product photography is also great for those who do not live in Columbus, Ohio, You can send me your products and I can shoot them for your business. My goal is to partner with amazing brands to create intentional, expressive product photography that you can use and re-use on marketing channels like social media, websites, menus, print advertisements, and more.
If you would like to collaborate you can reach me at vlhydermedia@gmail.com or visit my contact page at my website: www.hydermedia.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hydermedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyder.media/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555717161150
- Other: vlhydermedia@gmail.com
Image Credits
All Image Credits: Hyder Media
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