We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jace Stenersen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jace below.
Jace, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Owning a business in general is going to require resilience, however, I think my resilience comes from my upbringing as a photographer/artist – not the business side of the aisle. It takes resilience to get the shot you’re really after. When I first dream of the picture I want, I know there are mistakes I have yet to overcome for that particular picture. Over my lifetime, I’ve spent countless hours learning resilience through creating art. Spending 5 hours photographing a bee would not be unheard of in my world. “Please, bee, stay on that flower while I get my camera set up…” Tripod set up, macro light ready, camera settings dialed in.. perfect! If I can dream it, and I mean really see potential, I’m totally after it.
Lights, camera, action! (and then the bee flies away before I get the photo).
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Jace Walker Stenersen, an Artist/Photographer.
I’ve been selling my printed photographs of nature and wildlife since age 16. I opened my art gallery in downtown Long Beach, Washington at age 19.
Recently, I have decided to take on the task of portrait photography as well. Last summer was filled with amazing photoshoots with so many amazing people. The more portraits I do, the more I fall in love with the work I’m hired to do. If you are interested in getting your portraits done, whether it’s for couples, families, etc., head on over to jacewalkerportraits.com to see what we got going on!
Additionally, I have updated my shop to include more gift items such as; more apparel, earrings and jewelry, books, and so much more! If you’re ever in southwest Washington state – stop by the Jace Walker Art Gallery/gift shop in Long Beach and say hi! We’d love to see you.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Communication, an open mind, enthusiasm.
I feel that these three qualities are vital to running a business. Communicate; talk to other people – customers, friends, and family to get ideas. This ties into; an open mind. Don’t shoot down all the ideas you hear – take them in with an open mind and be thoughtful about your next business move; learn from it. And finally, enthusiasm; feel passionate and excited about moving forward with new, fun ideas. Look, I haven’t been running a business for long, but incorporating said qualities into my business have kept me going. Good luck out there.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents supported me, that’s the most impactful thing they’ve done for me – and it’s the most Impactful thing I could ask for. I’d mentioned in a previous segment that communication is a vitality in business. Communicating with my parents to receive feedback on my ideas is blessing to say the least. Thanks, mom and dad!
Contact Info:
- Website: jacewalkergallery.com
- Instagram: @jacewalkergallery
