Allie is a local photographer from Wichita. She has her own photography business- Allie Burns Photography. She specializes in family photography capturing lifestyle photos.
What made you want to start your own business?
“I have always had an interest in photography and dreamed of one day having a flexible schedule and the ability to call my own shots!”
Tell us more about your business.
“I am a family photographer specializing in a more lifestyle/documentary style of photography.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“I am typically up at 7, I walk my little dog (Poppy) get my workout on, eat breakfast and am typically sitting down, ready to edit photos or answer emails from 10-1, I take a short break for lunch and spend the rest of the day reading, editing (depending on my workload) more or prepping for my evening photo session if I have one.”
How do you set yourself apart from others in your field?
“I try and really focus on capturing my clients in their quieter moments, my sessions tend to be a lot less “posed” than people are used to and therefore are able to be a little more relaxed and “go-with-the-flow”. My number one goal is to capture honest, flattering moments that my clients will look back on and treasure for years to come.”
What’s the hardest part of owning your own business?
“I think knowing when to say “no” and knowing when to put my laptop away for a while can be a challenge for me. When you own your own business there is a never-ending list of things that need to get done. I am solely responsible for every aspect of my business so handling everything solo can be a little overwhelming, especially in my busier seasons. Understanding when I need to step away and fill up my own cup is a constant challenge but it’s definitely getting easier with time!”
How can the community be a support system for local female business owners?
“I think anytime you can champion a fellow woman in business it’s a blessing. Anytime you share their work/business on social media, tell your friends about a good experience you’ve had and refer people to a particular, female-owned, business you’re doing us a great favor!”
What’s one piece of advice you would give to young women who want to start their own business?
“Trust your gut. 9 times out of 10 YOU will be the person who knows what’s best for your business. I think sometimes young people, especially women, are taken advantage of when they first start their businesses by people who think they “know better”. I would have saved myself a lot of grief in my early years of business turning down jobs I knew I wasn’t right for, pricing myself fairly and accurately (I spent SO long thinking I was asking people to spend too much), and trusting my own instincts.”
Supporting small businesses is a vital aspect of keeping money in our communities. It helps pay for kids’ school supplies, a doctor visit, groceries, and so much more. Supporting women-led businesses encourages women’s economic empowerment, growth, and gender equality in the business setting. When you shop small, you make a big difference. Learn more about Allie and her work online at www.allieburnsphotography.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram!