Michelle Moore Photography founded in 2006 by Michelle Moore was recommended to YFE by Ayako of vlvstyle. Michelle has done the fashion photography work for Ayako’s new shirt line and has built up a successful business that serves teens in the Seattle and LA area. Her photography is stunning and the niche she has carved for herself is noteworthy. Find out more about how Michelle has kept her business growing over the last five years…
Website: michellemoore.com Twitter: @iammoorephoto Facebook: facebook.com/iammichellemoore
What is your business all about?
I am a fashion editorial and high school senior portrait photographer living in Seattle, and working both here and Los Angeles. I had the pleasure of shooting my first Magazine Cover last October with 90210 star Jessica Lowndes. My passions is helping high school seniors see their inner and outer beauty with my boutique-like portrait experience, and bringing awareness to healthy body image through my fashion and celebrity editorial work. I offer a unique twist with all my portrait sessions – in that hair and makeup services are included all-inclusive, and that we specialize in working with teen girls.
What does your background look like? What did you do prior to starting your business?
I studied math and science at the University of Washington before changing gears half-way through and studying Photography. I have my BFA in Photography from the UW and graduated in 2007. From there I am self-taught in business and marketing (thanks to a LOT of reading and experience!).
Why did you start your business, launch your first product, or build that community in the first place? What was your motivation?
I started my business in college because I had a desire to “figure out” what I wanted to do with my life before graduating. I fell into my niche (High School Senior Portraits) by accident and developed my product as it stands today from the get-go. I wanted to give high school teens a truly memorable experience that allowed them to see their true beauty (inside and out) as seen through my lens, and give them a piece of confidence to hopefully carry them through on to college, and then life.
What are your favorite things about being young, female and entrepreneurial?
I love having the flexibility to create my own schedule and build my own business goals and dreams. Achieving them at such a young age is very rewarding, yet sometimes I am too hard on myself. It’s great to be able to have a career and be able to own each success. It’s hard work, but when you don’t have the stress of kids, a mortgage, etc. it gives you the freedom to go all out. I am very fortunate to have very little holding me back, and be able to pursue my career full-time.
Do you have mentors or people you admire that you think of when making business decisions?
I have had a few really fantastic mentors, but mostly I refer to them as my friends and support system. They have been extremely helpful during critical points in my career – whether it’s giving advice about specific business decisions, or support with tough clients or situations. I think mostly they have given me the strength to make critical decisions on my own, but I always know they are for me when I need them the most (and in turn vice-versa).
What have been the advantages of being young and female while building your business?
Being young and female – especially working with high school teen girls for their portrait sessions – really gave (and still does give) me an advantage. I feel like I can still relate to them in some way (and vice versa) and their parents are trusting of me to hang out with them and deliver amazing photos of their daughter’s true personality!
What are the disadvantages you’ve faced, if any?
It’s hard to be a woman, and young – especially when you are first starting out. It can be hard for people to take you seriously when they realize your age. I have worked hard to create a brand that is professional inside and out so that people look at that first, before my gender or age. I have learned to stick to my ground, and earn respect. It’s a constant battle, but as I gain more experience it becomes easier. I have had my business full-time for 5 years now (8 total), and it’s gotten better over the years. I truly believe the advantages to being young and female are greater than the disadvantages.
What is your advice for a young, female entrepreneur just starting out or in the research stage?
Create a clear business plan! It takes hours and hours and TONS of research, but it is SO WORTH it to have a mapped out plan of your business and where you want to go with it. Update it every year (something I need to work on more) yet is so helpful. And my biggest piece of advice (and a lesson I had to learn the hard way) is start everything organized from the beginning even if you are SO SMALL. Having your business set up with proper invoicing, quickbooks, etc. from the beginning is critical and will save you hours of headache later because you already have working systems in order. Be ready to work hard and put your heart and soul into whatever you are passionate about!
What is your drink of choice?
I’m simple and boring and drink water always. But if I’m getting up early, or am craving something sweet I love a non-fat iced Mocha.
What can we find you doing when you are not working on and in your business?
I try to schedule time for myself and relax otherwise I would just continuously work! I always have two days off a week to spend time with my family, or going on adventures. I love running and am trying to join more workout classes when I can (hot yoga, hip hop, and boot camp classes are my fav). I love shopping, and I love being outdoors, and more than anything I just love spending time with my best friends, even if it’s just enjoying a glass of wine at home and watching a movie.
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