A lot of people have a dream of one day becoming successful entrepreneurs in the field of their interest be it dairy farming, poultry farming, aqua culture, photography, curio business among many others. Deep in their mind they have got a lot of answered questions on how to go about it. These people normally have these very beautiful ideas on how they want their business to be and the unique products or services that they want to introduce into the competitive world of business or market. Neha Manoj Shah shares with us her story on how she managed to confront her fears and venture into photography business which she was passionate about from the word go.
Kindly tell us your name and what your profession is?
My name is Neha Manoj Shah and I am a professional photographer based in Nairobi.
Do you have any family member who plays a part in the photography business?
Yes, I do. Both my parents are photographers. My father Manoj Shah is a wildlife photographer and my mother Sudha Shah is a professional wedding photographer. They have played a major role in my photography business. I am proud of them for having mentored me in the process of establishing myself in this very exciting field.
When and how did you start your business; and how much capital did you invest on it?
Well, I can start by saying of how I was working over the weekends as a sales assistant in a retail shop while a student at Loughborough university in UK. It was not easy because you can imagine doing my dissertation paper work while working part time in order to earn that extra cash for myself. The good thing is that I had built the culture of saving whatever little money that came my way. By the time I was graduating I had saved about Ksh.200,000 which I used to buy my first camera.
What was your motivation for starting photography business? Did you take any training before ?
Well, my motive by then and until now has always been about creativity and being able to document emotions. I had training at the Loughborough University in the UK and this helped to hit the ground running. I was able to weather all the storms that I encountered along the way.
What was the biggest hurdles you faced in the process of growing the business and how did you overcome them?
It was a stiff competition by those who were already in the field of photography! Also I realized that here were many young photographers coming up as the DSLRs became affordable. (Editor’s Note: DSLRs stand for Digital Single Lens Reflex, a digital still image camera that uses a single lens reflex (SLR) mechanism). I overcame this hurdle by giving quality work in record time and this helped me to build a good reputation for myself.
What is your best advice on sourcing for funds and cash flow management?
I would like to advice all entrepreneurs out there to learn how to spend their money wisely and if possible to look out for interest free credit. This comes in handy. Spend only on absolutely essential items.
What is the wisest way to invest the profits of a business?
I would say it is to reinvest in shares and bonds.
Is there any mistake that you may have made that helped you advance to the next level?
I don’t have any yet though you never know what may happen in the near future.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in this business?
Well for me it all about delivering what you promise and on time. Excuses are forbidden in this industry. Your clients have placed their trust in you and you shouldn’t break that trust at any cost whatsoever.
What keeps you motivated and grounded in your work?
I must say it is creativity, new ideas and then style. This is simply because your clients don’t get bored and the most important thing is that YOU also as a photographer you don’t get bored as you do your work. It is always good to remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and to better yourself.
How do you market your business – what works best for you?
Personally I market my photography business through various avenues such as recommendations by satisfied customers and also through word of mouth by those who happens to know me personally. We live in a social community and when one recommends you, they have vouched for you in one way or another.
Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel?
I would say not quite, though you can a times lose faith when a client doesn’t pay for the services rendered even after promising to do so ASAP!
How do you source for your staff and keep them motivated?
The people I hire or the ones that am currently working with, I have seen them work and deliver on time. I only take in the best. I motivate them by treating them well. Mistakes do happen, but at the end of the day, we are all but human beings.
How do you rank your business achievement – Do you feel like you have reached your goals or are yet to get there?
Allow me to say that I am constantly learning and growing in the world of professional photography. I’m happy to say that I have attained the short term goals that I’ve set for myself on the path to achieving my bigger or long term goals.
When should an entrepreneur start earning a salary from the revenues of their business?
Personally I would suggest that they do so once they realize that the business has picked up and is growing fast and bringing in good returns. When one gets busy with their work and people book and pay them in advance this is the time to do so.
What fresh opportunities you see in business today?
I can talk of the new techniques, ideas and even technology. Things are moving very fast and we have different innovations coming up frequently.
What are you reading (on and offline), watching (TV and online) or listening to (radio or recordings)?
I read different photographic magazines, and various online content that address the issue of photography
How do you unwind?
I like teaming up with my friends and having a good time together, watching movies and just doing other things I love in my free time.
Any tips for balancing work and private life?
Always leave one day free from work. Spend time with family, clean your house or just take time for yourself to unwind.
Where do you see your business in 10 or 20 years from now?
I will own a top photography company by then.
What is the most important advice you would give to a budding entrepreneur?
I would encourage them to work with professionals who have already made it in this photography industry and never stop learning new things that may help take it to another level.
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