We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Vinita Salomé of Vinita Salomé Photography
Tell us about your business:
Your brand in images
The images you use tell a story of your business and brand. They are a powerful tool with which you can express what you do, how you do it and what sets you apart. With one glance at your photos, be it on your website or social media, your client forms a connection with you. And we all know how important first impressions are.
So, what is the story you want to tell? How you do want to appeal to your clients and build a long-lasting connection? And above all, how can we share this story through the medium of images?
As a Personal Branding Photographer my job is to let your clients get to know you and your business better through photographically expressing you and your brand.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Personal, Connection, Expressive , Powerful, and Playful
What are your most popular products or services?
Brands in Images which is the visual storytelling of your business and all you have to offer.
What do you like best about owning a business?
There is such freedom and responsibility in owning a business which appeals to me. Decision making and the independence is big. There is so much personal growth that takes place sometimes is unpleasant but in hindsight it has opened up many paths. I am challenged to use all my life experience within my business and if I don’t know how to do something, knowledge, thanks to technology is at my fingertips.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
My father used to have his own business and I always knew I would start my own at some point.
What makes your products/services special?
It helps you make an instant connection with your client and makes sure your client keeps recognising you and your brand.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My spiritual mentor is Daisaku Ikeda is a peacebuilder, Buddhist philosopher, educator, author and poet. He is also the thirst President of the Buddhist organisation called Soka Gakkai International, where I am a member too. Having a spiritual background as a foundation has greatly helped my entrepreunerial journey.
I really enjoy Peter Turnleys work who is known for his photography of the realities of the human condition . There is so much beautiful connection in his images.
I love Van Gogh’s paintings and his whole story is told beautifully.
I follow Kylie Flavell on You Tube who is very inspiring
What is your biggest fear?
Not living my purpose or mission in life.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
Life in it’s entirety. The challenges and the beauty. Knowing that life is fragile and practicing gratitude on a daily basis sets that groundwork for motivation. What I have really begun to understand in all the years of having a business is, it comes down to discipline. Start and motivation will follow..
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Not recognsing my illusions whether it be in business or personal life.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
You don’t have to do everything yourself. There are others who walked your path, observe, learn and make your move. Surround yourself with lifeminded people who will help you grow. Tenacity helps with business too.
What is your favourite business book?
It isn’t a Business Book but a life book. It’s called The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger. which will help in business too.
What are your top tips for networking?
To show up in the first place, that is half the work. Once you are there allow things to flow.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
This is something I do organically, I’m not sure of this concept in the first place as life is fluid and there may be periods of ebb and flow. Going out into nature is something I have adopted in the last few years. I think it’s a quesiton of what you prioritise at that point in your life whether it be business or personal life.
What is your motto or theme song?
Not a motto but a reminder to myself that things could always be worse, helps me to reframe when I find myself in a place where I am complaining or low life energy.
How do you relax?
Having a glass of wine and dinner with friends, go to the lake/beach, watch a movie.
What place inspires you and why?
Italy and it’s language, cinematography, romanticism inspries me to my core. I’m not sure I can explain why as it’s a knowing.
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
That my clients have images that they are happy with and will cherish for a very long time. Be it a personal branding session, or prints and postcards they have bought in my shop.
What are your future plans?
Growth and expansion in terms of collaborating with other business owners and expanding ones capacity. To bring out new photography services that the world needs currently and prodcuts to match that.
Are you running any offers or promotions that you would like us to mention?
I am raising my prices to reflect the expansion taking place with the new projects in February and any clients that book till 31st of January will avail of my 2021 pricing.
For more information about Vinita Salomé visit her website.