For all of your Carolina Brides and Belles and, check out Stacey Smith. She is a SC belle telling stories through photography. Learn more about her and her work below:
Business Name: Smit’N Photography
What You Provide: Wedding and Portrait Photography
Where are you based? Greenville, SC
Why did you decide to start a business? I decided to start my business to pursue my passion for photography. Another reason was to have more control over my schedule. I am dedicated to volunteering my talents and mentoring youth whenever possible. Most importantly, I wanted to steer my life in the direction of being available for travel abroad and a possible family of my own in the future.
What is your favorite client story? This was a tough one, not because I have bad client stories, but because I am intent upon forming relationships with all of my clients. I will have to say my favorite was the outcome of a maternity session. This particular baby was born on my birthday so I feel like we will always have a special connection as a result now.
What is your website? www.smitnphotography.com
Who are some of your business idols? My business idols would have to include Oprah Winfrey (of course!) and Jennifer Lopez. I am constantly inspired by both of these women and how they manage to stay on top of their respective industries all while maintaining their desired personal lifestyles.
Do you have any mentors? I definitely have mentors! I don’t believe anyone can be successful without at least one! I have 2 official mentors currently and 1 that I call upon from time to time. One is strictly for my photography business while the other assists in personal growth all together. My “from time to time” mentor is an excellent networker, marketer, mother, and wife, so she is just perfect all around for how I envision my future.
What is your favorite thing about being southern? I love being southern because of the hospitality and relatively kind nature. Every place on earth has someone nasty of course, but in the south, we still find a way to make it sound friendly, “Bless your heart…”
What is your favorite southern dish? Macaroni and Cheese is my favorite dish and it should be everyone’s. I’m not talking about the blue box, or anything that sits in a pot. I’m talking about either in the oven or in a crock pot with layers upon layers of cheese. Macaroni pie as some folks like to call it.
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business? The most important thing I have done to build my business is value myself and stop comparing myself to the “competition”. I believe there is enough pie to go around and I can only be my best and offer my clients the best by growing from my weaknesses and listening to what they want. I accomplish this by follow ups and surveys where they can respond anonymously. These nuggets of wisdom help me perfect my craft and please my customers, and all it took was to conquer my fear of criticism and place myself in the seat of the consumer.
We can’t wait to see what he future holds for Stacey and Smit’n Photography. In the mean while we be sure to keep featuring her work on our site. Make sure to check her out for your next event!
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
