ZOOM IN Podcast - Trailer One
The Zoom In Podcast highlights the stories & experiences of women photographers. The intention is clear: inspiring & empowering other women photographers to succeed on their own terms using the blueprint from other women who’ve done it. This doesn’t mean other service providers can’t benefit from these stories. Photography is still a business at the end of the day. But this podcast will serve as a vessel for their stories.
When I started my business, I didn’t see a lot of photographers, specifically Black women or women of color sharing their stories or the ins & outs of building their photography businesses. I’m not saying they didn’t exist, but they simply were not on my radar nor were their stories amplified.
Moreover, I noticed these stories of success were not amplified until someone considered she/they “has made it.” Which is great aspirational content and clicks. But it doesn’t always offer a look into how a person is growing their business in real time or as my friend likes to call it workshopping.
It’s why I started sharing my experiences on Instagram.
With my enjoyment around studies about what makes people tick & how it relates to business, statistics, my natural willingness to share what actually works in building a creative service based business, I used Instagram to share my story.
Some of you saw when I booked my first 4 and 5 figure client, when I hit my first 6 figure year. When I had a course launch flop… when a male photographer asked if I was a hobbyist even after knowing I had my first published feature in Essence magazine, and recently when I opened my studio space. I’ve shared it all.
But somehow I still felt depleted. I didn’t feel satisfied for many reasons. Maybe the algorithm is to blame as well. There seemed to be this constant need to post in order to maintain relevancy.
This is an exhausting way to live.
I knew I needed to make a decision, did I still want to be on this hamster wheel creating reels to expand reach or do I want to use marketing strategies that align with how I want to live my life & business?
That looked like, not feeling compelled to always post online and really build a marketing strategy based on my strengths & what allows me to shine: quality conversations & connections.
I just needed some quiet time & to be away from a social media schedule. I adopted the strategy of posting less & doing a lot of the marketing work offline.
And if you’re curious, not posting constantly online is not hindering the financial success of my business. Today, a significant percentage of my clientele comes from repeat clients (about 93%). Statistically, this makes sense. It’s more expensive to bring on new clients than keeping your current ones happy. 5x more expensive to be exact. Repeat clients spend 65% more than new clients. [Insert Statistic]
I’m slowly weening my business and myself from needing Instagram or most social media platforms in order to sustain my business & that was always the goal.
And it feels good.
Even though I was shedding a lot of what was unnecessary for this new arc in my life, I still felt like something was missing from this small, intimate ecosystem I’m building. I still enjoy sharing stories & stat. but my ego doesn’t feel so wrapped up in it anymore. I still want to contribute my knowledge in a capacity without losing my sanity & confidence in the process. I wanted to work on building community with others without creating something I needed to manage, like a coaching container or membership. I wanted something to live somewhere not heavily reliant on social media.
Since launching Darden Creative, I’ve recognized that my purpose above all else is showing women that we have options. You can create the life you want as a creative & not lose yourself in the process. You can earn more money and build your own ecosystem.You can literally change the trajectory of your life with one decision. I know I have.
And that is why we’re here today with the ZOOM IN podcast. I believe success leaves breadcrumbs. The more stories you hear from women who look and sound like you, the more you’ll believe that anything is possible. And more importantly, you realized that we’re really not alone.
So, let me re-introduce myself. I’m Tamera, the creative director, photographer and founder of Darden Creative, a photo & video full production agency. I launched my business with $40, an iPhone and 2 soft lights and I’ve grown it into a 6 figure business in 5 years.
I’ve created bright, colorful and modern content for brands including Madewell, Teleflora, Macy’s, Framebridge, Wedding Wire, KINLO by Naomi Osaka… Yes a flex… I’m that girl, honey. But I also love researching data, long walks to clear my head, a great cheeseburger and fries and naps. Hey… it’s balance.
And this is ZOOM IN, a podcast highlighting the stories & experiences of Women Photographers.
This is 1 of 2 trailers for Season 1 of the Zoom In Podcast. I know 2 trailers? Trust me, it’ll all make sense once it released!
The next trailer will share the theme for Season 1 as well as the first episode release. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait for you to hear what’s next.