I’m a biotechnologist, but out of passion i decided to study master in arts & design, then i thought of starting my own business. Yes! You must be thinking why’d I choose business instead of working. The core reason is I would like to take care of my children on my own, being a woman i thought of give a work life balance. There are some problems now where what I thought was completely different than the reality. To handle my kid & business together it’s really a crazy thing but with some breakpoint at terms, I keep fighting to uplift my company. I’m thankful for having a very supportive husband as he is my shoulder to rely on everything, great buddy & he is a awesome Mr. Co-founder or CTO, my strength as well 💪🏻 Okay that’s family.
How about business & arts? Malaysians usually know that the studio or photo shop is mostly conquered by chinese in Malaysia 🇲🇾 from those days but day by day it’s observed many photographers from random race is taking over as I heard personally from some chinese shop owner’s sons or daughters are not many interested to continue their parents business. Anyway being a photographer with some interest in business, I open a studio. I’m not a chinese ya 😂 but my dad did open photolab, those time they were still using films, but his business couldn’t be continued as the introduction of new digital era kicks in & he happened to change his business plan. So there are some genes in me that carrying my late dad’s interest in photography & business skills 😀 Thanks to dad 😍
I would love to share some of knowledge that I learn from running a business on my own at these days:
Target area: if it’s a new developing area with moderate & towards high population is an ideal place, near to universities or some place that you may thought is suitable, watch out for competitors ya hehe 😜
Licensing: make sure have a proper license & register at local municipal council
Attractive Signboard/flyers/bunting: Make sure of the colour ( i suggest, blue, yellow, red, black, white can give good contra if you clever in matching the colour) font & size better be big enough & clear message of your business. Don’t forget about company logo! Company name & register number need to be included as well. Add phone numbers, fb insta name, so that ppl can call right away for bookings!
Interior design: plan your design such as wallpaper, flooring with vinyl wood is sort of perfect look 👌🏻 This is recommended if you really have some good budget otherwise work with simple interior adjustments, focus on equipments & machines which are much more important
Tools: get your favourite gears like camera bodies, lenses, dry box, drones if u need for events, studio lightings, backdrop systems, props, boom lights, camera stands u may need good quality, vanity mirror for your model or client to get ready, & some air conditioner or good ventilation otherwise yor client might feel super sweaty & uncomfortable 😅, printers, desktops & relevant softwares keep it ready ya💪🏻
Manpower: Don’t miss this ya, otherwise you gonna appear to be “oneman show” artist which will drive you super crazy. Yes i did became crazy at one point due to skipping this part at the beginning 😅 Allocation for this part is crucial and make sure hire the right person before your great opening ceremony 👍🏻
Sale: For opening give some good deals & promo as this will attract more customers & i do believe in word of mouth, it works well trust me 👍🏻
GoogleMap: Register your business location with Google, more people can find you in waze google map, you can easily cite in any online sites or WhatsApp. When first time I get letter from Google feel like “ wallauweyhhh”( “feeling proud”-malaysian slangs) 😂 haha
Appear in social media: Facebook & Instagram keep update interesting details, articles & advertisements. Now in Steemit as well 😆
Websites: Great thing to do, as you know now everything online shopping & purchase, be creative, definitely you will make sure your content done in website
Business cards, brochure/flyers & samples: These items are just good combo to convince your client & show that you are serious in this business.
Forms: prepare all the relevant forms such as agreements, Customer check in & out, for worker applications etc
Others: Internet service/ company stamps/ office accessories
All the above done ✅ okay oooppps BUSINESS PLAN & BUDGETS SHOULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ALL GET IT DONE BEFORE ALL OF THE ABOVE👍🏻 Good planning will bring you to some great achievements, don’t fail to plan & clearly show that you are not planning to fail.
I would like to share more about my current business growth & modification in studio. I will be back with more tips & information.