Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shannon Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Shannon with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’ve been working since I was allowed to… as soon as I was 16, and able to drive, I’ve had a job. I come from a family of hard workers, and I remember as a child not being allowed to be lazy… you had to get up in the morning and do something productive. I guess you can say it was just how I grew up and it’s still how my family lives today.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Almost a decade ago, I started the SRJ photography studio in my home office, photographing friends and family. I’ll always be forever grateful for the local support that I had in the very beginning, and that you all still give me to this day.

Today, I love working with new SRJP families, and am over the moon to now be teaching other photographers how to do this too. It’s a blessing, and a career… that I know came from something bigger than me.

I’m here to photograph you and your family during this special season of your life and create precious keepsake portraits you can pass down to your babies… and their babies. I can’t wait for your session!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
3 Skills or Qualities that were most impactful to me on my journey:

1 – Continuing Education. I didn’t know where to begin and I dove into eduction. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

2 – Trial and Error – Some things will work for you, and others wont. Don’t force things that don’t come natural to you, it’s ok to try to new things, and if they work, use them! If they don’t, that’s ok too!

3 – Be Authentic – Be you. Learn it all, try it all, and then make it yours. From shooting, to editing, posing and branding, make everything in your business what you love, your people will gravitate towards you.

Advice… this was given to me… find a mentor. Take classes, and keep learning. Never stop learning.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
This my sound silly, but the bible. I have one on my desk, and a quote on a piece of paper that says, “Is it good?” I want to make sure that every client that I work with leave with a beautiful piece of artwork that they can look back on, and share with their family, for years to come. I want to make sure that my entire process is full of excitement, joy, happiness and love. I just hope that my little business makes the world a better place one client at a time.

As a business owner, I love reading other entreprnuers advice, stories, and word of wisdom.

No matter where you are on your journey, I hope something in here is inspiration to you.

Lots of Love!

Shannon

You can peek into the article HERE