Life & Work with Vanessa Mickey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Mickey.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1995, at the young age of 17, I started my career working in someone else’s office as an administrative assistant. I worked my way up the ladder to eventually become an Office Manager for multiple companies, small and large. In 2010, my husband and I were let go from the same employer on the same day with three small children at home. It was devastating and I decided that I no longer wanted my future to be in the hands of someone else. I had already begun to dabble in photography during my spare time and thought I’d give it a go professionally! So, we packed up our family and moved to the beach where I began an online crash course in the basics of photography. Through that class and others, I taught myself everything I needed to know about using a camera, lighting, editing, and more. In 2012 I began work creating a business model that would work for me. I chose a business name, designed a logo, designed a website, set pricing, applied for business insurance, and all of the necessary licensing. Nine years later, my business is one of the top performing photography businesses in the Outer Banks.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s mostly been a smooth road. It turns out, photography was easy for me! Learning the camera took some time but posing and creating an experience for my clients came naturally. My background in business helped me to create a business model that worked and basically runs itself.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Photography on The Banks is an award winning custom portrait photography service in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We specialize in families and FUN! We are known for quick and fun portrait sessions on the beach. We customize the experience for each family based on their needs at the time. Having professional pictures taken can sometimes be so stressful. We take pride in making sure each family leaves the beach raving about how much fun they’ve had!

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Mostly I am an open book. I think the most shocking thing that people learn about me is that I have five children! I learned patience the hard way!

Pricing:

• Packages starting at $399

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.photographyonthebanks.com
• Instagram: @pobxgallery
• Facebook: @photographyonthebanks
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/photography-on-the-banks-pobx-corolla-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
Allison Anderson