Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?
I’m Sarah, I’ve been married to my husband Steve for nearly 8 years. He’s my biggest supporter and honestly my best friend. I became a Mummy in March 2010 to Archie. His brother Lukey arrived in 2011, then their little sister April in 2014.
What’s your business called?
Sarah Everett Photography
Can you describe it in one sentence?
Natural family portraits on location or at home.
When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?
Initially it was wedding photography that I really loved. I love all the details and the emotion of the day. A lovely lady posted on a Facebook group (2011)looking for a wedding photographer for the following year. She had a low budget and I thought why not?! Looking back I realise maybe I wasn’t ready for that but I’m so glad I just went for it as it sparked the beginning of all this. I’m forever grateful to her for giving me a chance. From there I began to focus on child portraits and soon discovered this was what I really loved. I absolutely love being outdoors! So many other photographers have inspired me to push forward in finding my own style – I really love Jaiden Photography for her outdoor work and Mae Burke for her raw images of Motherhood. Ivette Ivens is a personal favourite of mine with regards to breastfeeding images.
How did you fund your start up?
I purchased an entry level Nikon D3100 on finance. I used this with the kit lens until last year. I’m very lucky that my beautiful website only cost me the domain and hosting… talented husband is a web developer!
How do you manage working around your children?
It’s always been about them, I wouldn’t be doing this if it didn’t work around them. They’re still very young (6, 4.5 and almost 2) and I want to be there with them. I book my sessions mostly for weekend mornings – Steve is here then and we still then have the rest of the day for family things. I’m only ever out for a few hours. I do also do evening sessions during the summer months once he’s back from work – we have dinner, I go out and I’m back for bedtime! Then I edit weekday evenings, sometimes until the early hours. Social media, emails and messages – all the time!
Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?
Usual weekday – Feed youngest in bed whilst checking messages. School run. Day playing, chores, maybe a post to Facebook. Dinner, bedtime. Evening is editing, spreadsheets, web updates. I do often write blog posts as drafts during nap times too.
Weekend – Check messages, check the weather. Message client confirming our session time. Out for session in the morning. Rest of the day family time!
What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
Feeling like my head is somewhere else, the guilt of not being completely present whilst playing with my children. Recently I’ve tried to be better at giving myself boundaries between the two. I’ve set up an auto response on my Facebook page stating that I’ll usually reply in the evening.
What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?
Being in charge of my own future. I’ll get as much out of it as I’m prepared to put in. If I need to take a step back then that’s up to me. Last year our daughter was poorly and I was able to just put it all on hold because she needed me.
What are your plans for the future?
As the children get older I know I’ll have more time to grow my business. There are other areas I’d like to pursue like preschool and school photography. Maybe even the odd wedding one day!
What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
Do something you love and give it everything you’ve got! Be prepared to work long hours and know your worth right from the start.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m just about to start my Breastfeeding Project, this year I’d love to capture as many breastfeeding duos as I can. This is something very close to my own heart and I can’t wait to get started. First sessions are taking place in Colchester, then Chelmsford. I have a waiting list of Mums who are interested and I welcome anymore to get in touch! These are free but Mums will be required to sign a model release form.
http://www.saraheverettphotography.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/SarahEverettPhotography