I’m celebrating growth at Meredith Green Photography. Last year I rebranded and revamped Meredith Green Photography and started renting an office at The Collective – Shop Small Fort Worth. I will admit, getting an office space and changing business models in the middle of a pandemic was exciting, yet terrifying. There have been several nights where I woke up at 3:00am full of self doubt. Change is hard. However, I’m grateful for these experiences, despite fear and uncertainty. Read more about my journey below. Small business owners, can you relate to any of these?!

1. Growth for Meredith Green Photography as a Business. 

I went into business in 2015 as a creative. I had a camera and passion to take pictures of everything I could. Six years, two kids and a lot of experience later I realized I needed to start thinking as a creative and a business owner. This year, I started offering different services and price points. It felt scary, knowing that it would potentially mean losing clients who I enjoyed working with. I often questioned if I was making the right change.

After reading just the first few chapters of “The E-Myth Revisited” I breathed a sigh of relief. It felt like a sign to keep going the direction I was headed. The author explained how my business was meant to grow. In fact, he explained, if MGP didn’t grow, it wouldn’t survive. It hasn’t been without times of doubt since then, but I’m celebrating my growth and change as a business owner!

2. New Meaning In My Work. 

I love designing albums and wall art for clients to have as cherished heirlooms. This addition had breathed life into my photography. Seeing my work in print gives it new meaning. It’s also helps me think differently about what I capture. It’s fulfilling to watch clients see their images in print. Plus, I appreciate when they share a photo of their artwork displayed in their home. 

3. Battling Imposter Syndrome.

I worked fo six years in the Oil & Gas Industry. Do you know what I said at my first interview for a job in the Industry? “I know that gas goes in your car.” Yikes! I cringe now for saying that, but the point is I had no problem being an imposter when my livelihood depended on it. And I got the job! I knew nothing about the industry, but was eager to learn, work and make a living. I was single, newly relocated to Texas and needed a j-o-b! I learned and grew at my company. I was promoted because of my work ethic, willingness to be teachable and desire to learn more, not because of my expertise in Oil and Gas.

While in the industry, I had no problem telling people about my job. It was work and I didn’t feel like an imposter there. But when it comes to photography, because it’s my business and I have a personal connection to it, I often compare myself to others. And guess what? I continually fall short. I often wonder when other photographers will call me out for being an imposter.

However, after my business growth this last year, learning the world of print products, doing in person sales (hello, nerves!) and networking in new ways, I’m allowing myself to stop with the imposter syndrome. I still have that same work ethic, willingness to be teachable and desire to learn that I did while working in the Oil & Gas Industry…just as a photographer now. 

4. Finding My Customer.

This year I did my best at being okay with not being the photographer for everyone. I often struggle with wanting to be liked by everyone and unfortunately, this trait bled into my business. Before last year, I was trying to run my business to suit others. However, this year I was able to see that the vision I had for Meredith Green Photography fit a small group of client’s’ values. They invested in my services because of that. If you’re reading this and that was you, thanks!

5. Meeting Women Owned Business Owners.

This never gets old! It can sometimes be intimidating, see #3 🙂 but I always love hearing another woman say, “Here’s how I got into business…”