Tracey Roberts & Leslie Waters of Visage Photography ~ How they run a successful photography studio in conjunction to raising children!
Q. What is your proudest business moment so far?
A. TS - Building something from nothing. A person knowing who we are makes me very proud.
A. LS - If I had to pick one single moment, I would say it was opening the new studio. It was an amazing feeling to open the door and know that it was mine. I felt such a huge sense of accomplishment.
Q. What is your New Year’s Resolution?
A. TS - To face all fears. To put myself in uncomfortable situations consistently. Stop being comfortable, embrace challenge. I know by doing this my business will become more recognized, I will finally gain some notoriety for my talent, and personally, I will be happier.
A. LS - I want to stop procrastinating. I want to just do it! No more excuses. I want to learn more about money management. Having a BFA in fine arts leave you lacking in that field. I want to make better decisions regarding financial matters.
Q. How do you relax?
A. TS - Fortunately, for me, making meaningful photographs in a stress free environment is extremely relaxing. I love lighting candles, and listening to new age music while creating something. It took me a while to accept this, but relaxing for me is not relaxing.
A. LS - Going to work is actually more relaxing than staying home, as most working moms know. When I am home, I look forward to the end of the day when the kids are asleep. This is when my husband and I can be together and hang out.
Q. What’s your secret to balancing work and family?
A. TS - From my experience, juggling business ownership and motherhood has been quite challenging, personally and professionally. The lifestyle that all of us have “chosen” does nothing but disconnect us from our families. I always make sure that I connect with my family at the end of every day. To me, that will mean playing a board game together or simply reading a book on the couch, and of course there is nothing more satisfying than a group hug! Fortunately, for us, having built a competent team of employees, coupled with an extremely supportive husband, has given me the opportunity to be present for all of the important times in my child’s life. Thank you Tommy, Leslie, Corinne, Melanie and Shauna for that.
A. LS - I have learned that I need to separate my two worlds. When I am working, I am a business owner. When I am home, I am a mother of three children. I have tried getting work done at home. I found it to be extremely frustrating because I couldn’t follow through with one task without being interrupted several times. My work wasn’t as good as it could’ve been and it wasn’t fair to the children because I was constantly putting them off.
Q. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
A. TS - Spending money on front row seats for any show. It sparks my passion for life!!!
It truly does, I am intrigued by talent.
A. LS - Shopping. Nothing like a trip to Target for one stop shopping. Even if I go for one item, I end up with a wagon full of stuff. I love it!
Q. What is the best advice you could give a fellow mompreneur?
A. TS - You shouldn’t try to figure everything out on your own. – You cannot build and grow a successful business by yourself. We found out the hard way.
- Be passionate and get creative – Passion is the fuel to your product or service, being creative sets your product or service apart from the rest!
- Stay focused – Don’t act on “you shoulds” too spontaneously, think it through.
- Trust your gut – Listen to your little voice!!!
- Find a network of people who truly want you to succeed.
- Become the “purple cow” in your market. Be different!!!!!
LS - When you are spending too much time doing tasks that anyone could do, hire someone.
That way you can concentrate on improving your product and increase business. It will also free up time to spend with your family.
If you make a mistake, don’t harp on it. This is advice I have a hard time following myself. Learn from it, and then put it behind you.
Thanks Tracey & Leslie—you guys are completely inspiring and your work is purely the best!
www.visagephoto.com
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