The art of business is never static; it evolves with each decision, pivot, and innovation an entrepreneur brings to the table. Ali, a seasoned photographer, and business owner, provides a wealth of knowledge and experience as she discusses her own journey and offers a behind-the-scenes look at branching out into new entrepreneurial territory. From managing a photography business and studio space to the challenges and aspirations of opening a wedding venue, Ali’s story is a window into the multifaceted world of creative business ownership.

Key Takeaways

• Embracing Change: Being adaptable and open to pivoting is crucial for business growth and dealing with unforeseen circumstances.
• Venue Vision: The importance of venue aesthetics for photographers, including how a venue’s design can influence the quality of photographs.
• Strategic Planning: Research, financial management, and contingency planning are vital when expanding business ventures, especially when tackling a wedding venue.

From Photographer’s Lens to Venue Owner’s Blueprint

The decision to expand into a new business, especially a wedding venue, isn’t taken lightly. Yet, photographers like Ali find themselves intrigued by the potential of such venues through their unique lens – quite literally. As a photographer, Ali’s experience shooting in various settings has directly influenced the aesthetics of her own venue, ensuring it’s not only visually appealing in person but also photographically favorable.

Merging Creativity with Logistics

Photographers possess an innate ability to see the potential of a space through a creative lens. When a photographer steps into the shoes of a venue owner, that creative vision must merge with practicality. Ali narrates her journey of meticulously planning the design of her venue, Selmer and Stone, to accommodate her photographic eye.

The Aesthetics of Functionality

A venue’s visuals can set the tone for an event, but they do more than that; they define the memories documented in photographs. Ali is mindful of such details as ensuring natural light through strategic window placement and curating spaces that aren’t just pretty, but also photograph-friendly. “I thought of everything in terms of photos and what I would be most excited to capture,” she shares.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Adaptability

Entrepreneurship requires a continual readiness to adapt, and Ali’s narrative is a testament to this. With every twist and turn in their venture, Ali and her husband exemplified the necessary flexibility to overcome obstacles. They illustrate the importance of adaptability, from contingent offers to navigating new liquor laws.

The Waiting Game

It’s not just about reacting to change; it’s about the anticipation. Ali elaborates on the challenges of waiting for approvals and the stress of unknowns, teaching many would-be entrepreneurs the virtue of patience and the necessity of preparedness for the ever-present “Plan B.”

Affirmative Pivoting

Business owners often face hurdles that require a directional shift. Whether it’s a design alteration or a differing operational hour, Ali encourages embracing the process. She suggests welcoming the concept of pivoting as a fundamental part of the strategy.

In Depth: The Photographic Venue Vision

Ali’s journey into venue ownership redefines what a barn wedding in Wisconsin could entail. She describes her vision of a European-inspired aesthetic that leans away from traditional rustic motifs. Her goal is to create an environment that’s not only authentic to her style but also facilitates excellent photo opportunities.

Creating a Photo-Welcoming Space

Her photographer’s background guides Ali towards crafting a space that excites fellow photographers. This deliberate design means considering the interplay of color, light, and the photo opportunities each nook and cranny of the venue offers. The practicality of reducing red reflections from a carpet is just one illustration Ali provides on the meticulous thought process involved.

Community and Collaborations

Ali’s excitement over the venue extends beyond its walls into the surrounding community. She looks forward to hosting open houses that involve local vendors and live music – a perfect blend of professional showcasing and community engagement.

With the date of the first wedding swiftly approaching, Ali’s narrative is a primer for combining creative passion with a business mind. The lessons learned through her experiences offer a precious snapshot on the incredibly rewarding path of entrepreneurial growth within the creative industry.

Notable Quotes:

• “Along with that, just being prepared for plans to change and welcome the idea of pivoting.”
• “I definitely want people to understand about our wedding venue; it’s not just a barn venue. It is so much more.”
• “Your venue sets the scene for your entire day, even your entire wedding, so it’s important that you love the space, but that you also think about it in terms of your photos.”
• “As you know, with starting a photography business, it’s a lot of work in those first couple of years.”

Resources:

• Ali Lockery Photography: Follow Ali’s photography business @alilockerykemp on Instagram.
• Salr and Stone: Discover more about Ali’s wedding venue business with her husband Sam @selmerandstone on Instagram.
• A Space Studio: Check out the studio rental space co-owned by Ali @ASpaceMadison on Instagram.

We encourage you to listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into Ali’s journey and glean more profound insights into the melding of business acumen and creative passion. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Manifesting Photographer podcast, where business, photography, and spiritual growth meet.

About the Guest:

Ali, a multifaceted entrepreneur and business owner, brings a wealth of creativity and passion to her various roles. As a wife and new mother to Millie, she balances family life with her professional endeavors. She is the owner of Ally Locker Photography, specializing in weddings and motherhood photography. In addition, Ali co-owns a studio rental space in Madison, known as Space Studio, catering to creatives and offering a versatile setting for various events. Her latest enterprise, along with her husband, is Salr and Stone, an ambitious wedding venue project located in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, that showcases her flair for unique and elevated event experiences.

BREEANNA KAY’S INSTAGRAM:  @breeannakayphotography

BREEANNA KAY’S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com

MANIFESTING PHOTOGRAPHER PODCAST SHOWNOTES:  breeannakay.com/selmerandstone