In this episode, I'm diving into this frequently asked question: how long does it actually take to build a successful creative business? I'm breaking down the misconceptions around overnight success and sharing my personal journey to profitability.

Here's what we're covering:

• What "success" really means in business - and why it's different for everyone
• The average timeline for small businesses to become profitable
• My own path to building a quarter-million dollar photography business
• Why comparing your journey to others can be harmful
• The importance of balancing financial success with personal wellbeing

Timestamps

00:00 Defining success in your creative business
04:08 The reality of building a profitable business
09:55 My personal journey
11:44 The dangers of comparison and "infocrastination"
15:14 Balancing profit with personal wellbeing

Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in your current business, this episode will give you a realistic perspective on what it takes to build a thriving creative business. I share my own ups and downs, pivots, and lessons learned to help you set realistic expectations and stay motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.

Thanks for listening!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co

Join the free, private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablecreatives

Website: https://emilykim.co/
Photo & video services: https://emilykimphotography.com/

Is attending networking events and conferences the key to growing your creative business? In this episode, I'm chatting about why I prioritize in-person connections and share my recent experience as a keynote speaker.

Join me as I explore:

• How I choose the right networking events for my business
• Strategies I use for making meaningful connections at conferences
• Balancing networking with my energy levels as an introvert
• Alternative ways to network if large events seem inaccessible
• The unexpected benefits I've found from attending events with no expectations

Whether you're a photographer, designer, writer, or any other creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you rethink your approach to networking and building relationships in your industry. Tune in to discover how you can leverage in-person connections to grow your business and find inspiration!

Timestamps:

00:00 My transition from event photographer to keynote speaker
04:09 Tips for choosing and approaching networking events, and the benefits of regular, local meetups vs. large conferences
08:04 how to get the most out of in-person networking and events
14:44 what to prioritize at networking events
15:47 know of events in your area? share them!

Thanks for listening!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co

Join the free, private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablecreatives

Website: https://emilykim.co/
Photo & video services: https://emilykimphotography.com/

Is growing a team or starting an agency the only way to scale your creative business? In this episode, let's debunk common myths about "scaling" your freelance business.

I'm also sharing my personal journey of inadvertently building (and then stepping back from) an agency-style photography business.

Join me as I reveal:

• The unexpected challenges I faced when trying to scale
• Why the "obvious" path to growth isn't always the right one
• Alternative strategies for increasing your income without sacrificing creativity
• The power of personal branding for one-to-one service providers

Whether you're a photographer, designer, writer, or any other creative freelance entrepreneur, this episode will help you rethink your growth strategy and find a path that aligns with your goals and passions. Tune in to discover how you can build a thriving creative business without losing the joy that made you start in the first place!

0:00 Myths about growing your small business or freelance business
2:59 My experience inadvertently building an agency
11:34 What I'm doing to "scale" instead of building an agency
12:33 How to grow as a 1-1 service provider
14:03 Other ways to raise prices by delivering more value

Thanks for listening!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co

Join the free, private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablecreatives

Website: https://emilykim.co/
Photo & video services: https://emilykimphotography.com/

I'm pulling back the curtain on my journey from starting my brand photography business as a side hustle to becoming a full-time six-figure photographer. I'm giving you a transparent look at alll my numbers: my income, expenses, and profit over the years.

Episode Highlights:

• My business progression from 2018 to 2022
• A detailed breakdown of my revenue streams and expenses
• Why knowing your numbers and tracking profit and loss is crucial
• My insights on studio ownership and rental income
• Tips for making strategic business investments and growing your creative business

Photography Pricing Calculator: https://www.emilykim.co/photo-pricing-calculator

00:00 What to expect
01:52 2018: $6k profit
05:32 2019: $12k profit
07:40 2020: $24k profit
10:29 2021: the year I quit my full-time job
15:29 2022: best year yet
17:05 full profit & loss breakdown for a 6-figure brand photography business
20:19 cost breakdown
26:25 what to do when you have a loss
27:40 2023 numbers
28:20 takeaways

Thanks for listening!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co

Join the free, private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablecreatives

Website: https://emilykim.co/
Photo & video services: https://emilykimphotography.com/

I went from being a corporate software engineer to a full-time brand photographer. In this first ever episode (!!!) of the Profitable Creatives Podcast, I'm sharing a little bit about my journey, what you can expect from this podcast, and two lessons that have really propelled me to where I am today.

This podcast is for you if you are a creative service provider: photographers, copywriters, designers, wardrobe stylists, makeup artists - you're all welcome here! 💛

00:00 Introduction to the Profitable Creatives Podcast
01:10 My entrepreneurial journey
04:17 Niching into brand photography
06:51 The turning point: hiring a business mentor
09:17 Quitting my corporate job to be a full-time photographer
12:27 What to expect in future episodes of this podcast
14:53 The two philosophies behind this podcast

Thanks for listening!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co

Join the free, private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablecreatives

Website: https://emilykim.co/
Photo & video services: https://emilykimphotography.com/

Thanks for listening!

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co

Join the free, private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablecreatives

Website: https://emilykim.co/
Photo & video services: https://emilykimphotography.com/