We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shea James. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shea below.
Hi Shea, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
I learned the importance of self-discipline early on in life but truly understood it when I attended college for my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I worked really hard and set goals for myself so that I could focus on growing and learning more every year. I knew 4 years was going to fly by so I wanted to make sure I got the most out of it during my time there. Starting as a freshman until graduation, I attended majority of the campus events, reached out to my professors, and spent so much extra time in the studio. I would spend hours upon hours outside of class time to utilize the studio equipment and learn other art processes that weren’t even taught in class because the semesters only covered a certain amount of projects. I had so much fun exploring and living in a creative environment – it was so inspiring! If I hadn’t disciplined myself to get out of bed, go to class everyday and make myself go to the studio after hours, I know for a fact I wouldn’t have learned as much as I know today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the business owner of Shea K. James Photography & Marketing. I started this business 2 years ago when I noticed the need for small business owners to have access to high quality content and photos to use on their websites and social media pages. I had seen so many businesses not flourish or struggle just because their online presence wasn’t attractive or didn’t match the quality of their products and/or services. I combined my professional photography skills and marketing knowledge to provide custom social media marketing and content creation services to small business owners that don’t have an established online presence or that simply don’t have the time to keep their pages active. I am currently offering new and affordable monthly marketing packages that also include photoshoot sessions to ensure your business will never run out of new and trendy content to post.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are so many skills and qualities that are so important to have when becoming a business owner. But I would say after starting my small business journey 2 years ago I have learned that #1 is to stay open minded and always be willing to learn about the newest trends and resources in your field. This will help not only you grow personally but your business will grow with the knowledge you have. Being a business owner means you are a life long learner. #2 is stay organized and stay on top of your tasks. It’s easy to fill up your schedule and lose track of time, especially on social media, but you need to line yourself out and keep a consistent schedule. #3 I would definitely say know your target audience and know who you want to network with. Being a business owner comes with a lot of new opportunities and you need to stay focused on what will benefit you and your business.
If you are thinking about starting your own business or you are a new business owner, I highly recommend you start and set goals for yourself and watch over time how you succeed and grow! It is a journey and takes time, but its so worth it! You got this!
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone that owns a local small business in Austin and wants to have an established online presence that generates leads for their business, but struggles with posting consistently, needs help creating content, and wants to engage with their target audience. I offer a variety of custom social media marketing services to fit my client’s needs and goals. My main goal is to offer social media services that business owners don’t have time for and that need someone to take them over so that they can focus on growing their business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sheakjames.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photography_shea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheakjamesphotography
- Other: https://goo.gl/maps/Bu3rWBEuWD54RyqN7
Image Credits
Shea K. James
