Maryanne Scott is a commercial and wedding photographer who also designs websites.
A woman after my own heart, she took control of her life after working in the insurance industry and started doing something she loves and turned it into a business.
Name of business (s)
The Branding Photography, Maryanne Scott Photography, Vintage Wedding Posters & Maryanne Madden Author
What is your business?
I’m chiefly a commercial and wedding photographer who also designs websites. I also have over 25 books published on Amazon (3 of them by Hays Publishing).
When and how did you start your business?
I had been working in Corporate Insurance for 10 years and knew that I wanted to work for myself. So in 2006 my husband bought me a professional camera and it became an obsession, eventually leading to wedding photography and commercial work. At about the same time I was selling second hand cookbooks on ebay and someone asked me for a cookbook for a specific type of over and I realized that no-one had written one. So I did.
Why did you decide to start?
I wanted to be more in control of my life. I felt that the amount of effort I put into my corporate job didn’t correlate with what I came away with. Plus I had always loved photography and the way it can really make people happy to see a great photo of themselves.
Maryanne Scott photography
Can it be hard to be your own boss?
There’s more to worry about (in fact everything) but there’s also a freedom in knowing the effort I put into it is repaid back to me. Whether that’s because I have genuinely been able to help someone or financially.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Like everyone I have my ups and downs. The summer months are super busy because of weddings so I tend to get a few months over Christmas where I can plan for the following year. I love reading business and self help books too so can always rely on them to lift my spirits.
Are there any challenges owning your own business?
It’s often difficult to work on everything I want to achieve. I think I probably should consider outsourcing some of the things I’m not great at, but I love it all. I like the challenges.
Is there a right time to start a business?
I think there will always be challenges but I do think you need to understand the financial side of things and the impact of leaving a 9-5 where you’re guaranteed a wage. Money isn’t everything but I remember working out the minimum I needed to earn a month and using that as my guide until things got better.
As your company expands, I guess it may feel overwhelming- how did you keep it together? Do you employ other people to support you or do you manage it all on your own?
I’m currently doing everything myself, but I’m just in the process of taking on associates on the photography side (because I can’t physically do every shoot that comes my way ) and someone to handle my day to day admin too.
Have you noticed any changes in the world of business ?
As a photographer I’ve seen the influx of semi-pro photographers as cameras have become more and more affordable. Luckily I don’t worry too much about it. I try to make the business about me as a person and what I have to offer individually rather than it just being about my photography skills or equipment.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
The flexibility to be around at home when I’m needed and to create a life I love. I spend hours working on my business and planning because I just love everything about it. It doesn’t feel like work.
What is your advice to any young woman who want to start a business ?
Definitely do it. Find out what interests you and learn everything you can about it. Learn about how business works and then join a women’s networking group and make connections.
How does it feel to be a woman in charge?
I’m not really in charge of anyone but myself (and my husband and dog clearly) but I’m quite happy with that. I think when I eventually take on associates it will be a huge learning curve. But one that I look forward to.
Website http://www.brandingphotographer.co.uk/
Gemma's Journey 