Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Harkley.
Hi Melinda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a photographer, I’ve been a hobbyist since I was a pre-teen; taking pictures of family, friends, special occasions, vacations, school activities and church events. My love for pictures started when I was a child. When we visited my grandparents, they would get their photo albums out to share with us the memories or introduce the people in the pictures. I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures and creating my own albums over the years.
In July 2019, I started my photography business a few months after losing my mom to pancreatic cancer . It helped me to cope and to keep moving forward. Exactly Six months later (January 2020. The pandemic also hit in 2020), I lost my sister to metastatic breast cancer. Also, I lost my oldest brother unexpected in 2022. Focusing on my business, although difficult at the time, helped me through the grieving process and continues to help me to keep moving forward with my life; as I know my mom, sister and brother would want me to.
Next month, I’ll be celebrating 7 years in business and I’m excited about what lies ahead. The best is yet to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My entrepreneurship journey has not been easy. I’ve experienced significant losses including death of loved ones, job loss and other losses resulting from financial struggles. Entrepreneurship involves taking risks and sometimes things don’t always go as smoothly as we hope. However, my Faith has helped me overcome all of the obstacles and challenges over the past 7 years. I’ve become adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity. I am still learning as I grow! Learning when to pivot is crucial.
Although it hasn’t been easy, the journey has definitely been worth it. I’ve had so many amazing experiences and have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people. I am grateful for all of my clients: past, current and future. And I’m grateful to my family and friends who’ve supported me throughout these past 7 years.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I provide lifestyle portrait sessions for individuals and families, Branding sessions for small businesses and entrepreneurs and photography/videography services for weddings and events.
I enjoy providing photography to individuals and families to help them capture special moments (such as birthdays, maternity sessions, the birth of children, graduations, holidays, etc) and preserve their family memories.
Also, I enjoy weddings and being a part of the couple’s special day. As their photographer, I get to know the couples and they get to know me during their engagement session. I become an active participant in planning their special day by connecting with the wedding planners/coordinators and other vendors. Together, we all have the responsibility to ensure the couples’ wedding day is perfect and memorable.
Lastly, I am also passionate about working with ministries, small businesses and entrepreneurs by offering branding sessions to help promote and grow their brands/businesses. And I provide photography/videography services for their workshops, conferences and other events. My goal and desire are to build long-term relationships with my clients to serve all their future photography/videography needs.
My uniqueness and authenticity is what sets me apart from others. I stay in my own lane and not try to mimic others. I’m most proud of myself for not giving up on my goals and dreams when life and business got hard. I’m still standing! I’m still going strong and still growing!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Attending events and workshops in your industry is recommended for networking! Before selecting a mentor, make sure it’s a great fit. A mentor should believe in you and your vision. Your mentor should be knowledgeable in the areas of assistance you’re seeking. Great two way communication is crucial in any relationship.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melindaharkley
- Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/MelindaHarkleyPhotography
