#ShowUp4SmallBiz : Kristina Alexis Photography

Get to know Kristina Alexis Photography! Kristina Fernandez, Owner/Photographer, launched her company in October of 2012. Almost six years later, Kristina has shared her talent of storytelling through engaging, captivating photos. In her spare time, Kristina began partnering with Vegas Young Professionals, and is now the official photographer for the organization.

Read on to learn more about Kristina and her business, Kristina Alexis Photography:

Which do you prefer: email or phone calls?

Email (way easier to keep track of everything!)

Which do you prefer: coffee-shop meetings or in-office meetings?

Coffee meetings are my favorite! I try to meet in a local coffee shops and clients will generally enjoy the new or local touch.

Do you have a quote that you reference for motivation or inspiration?

“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

What does your “perfect” work day look like?

My perfect workday depends on how many edits I have stacked up waiting. I love going out and shooting but it’s also incredibly satisfying busting through multiple shoots worth of edits.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to start a small business?

I have two pieces of advice. First, do your research but actually start your business. Research is important but will only get you so far into real world situations. If it fails, it fails but at least you tried and learned from it. Depending on the business you want to start you can have a full or part time job while you build it. If you need to take steps to owning your own business, figure out those steps and take them. No one will take them for you. Second, surround yourself with like-minded people. Negative people will make everything about this already challenging process harder. If that means building a new network, do it. I got lucky with the friends I have who are constantly striving to do more and be better. Their work ethic will fuel your fire, as well. Plus having a strong network always helps.

What motivated you to create this business?

I fell in love with the idea of making my hobby a career. While in the workforce during college, I quickly realized that I’d prefer to be my own boss but wasn’t sure how to go about that. When I started at UNLV, just like most freshman and sophomores, I explored my options and interests. I double-majored in graphic design and photography. Graphics being the full-time job I’d later have until I was able to start my own business. Then I took the leap. I started my own business and with a lot of hard work and some luck here I am today.

What does your business specialize in?

My business is a middle ground between event and portrait photography. I do some product and, of course, landscapes and cityscapes while traveling. Events can be anything from corporate events, artists performing, talks and book signings, grand openings, parties and celebrations of all sorts including weddings and birthdays. Portraits can be something simple like a professional headshot, which I shoot weekly, or of families, engagements, dancers, and business owners. This job keeps me on my toes!

What do you want fellow Metro Chamber members to know about your business?

I would want Metro Chamber members to know that I’m just like most of you: trying my hardest to do what I love and making a living from it. Each shoot is unique and should be treated as such. I look forward to each shoot as a challenge to make that client happy.

What are your stand-out highlights since opening your business?

Starting a business is equally exciting as it is nauseating, but so worth pushing through it. If you’re doing what you truly love, the early mornings, late nights, and long exhausting days are so much easier to deal with. Also, having the semi flexible schedule can be so nice at times.

What are your stand-out challenges since opening your business?

No one is going to do the work for you. You have to go out there and get clients if you want to pay your bills. Having a flexible schedule also means having a lot of self-motivation and discipline. Scheduling and making deadlines for yourself is so important. There’s a lot of paperwork and necessary planning with having a business. It’s easy to push things aside but before you know it, it’s a year later.

Where do you see your business five years from now?

In five years I would love to hire an assistant and/or second photographer. I have times I’m double or triple-booked currently, so fingers-crossed that it’s enough to build a team! Currently I work on multiple teams with other collections of entrepreneurs and those are growing as well.