Member Spotlight: Alyssa Koster
Photo by Chris Wooley at Heads and Tails Photography)
Name: Alyssa Koster
Business Name: Alyssa Koster Photography
Website: alyssakosterphotography.com
Social media: Instagram / Facebook
How long have you been in business?
I've officially been in business for just over one year, but I've spent that time honing my skills, delving into business and photography education, portfolio building, and working with a mentor to develop my business. This year I am open for full-paying clients and excited to push myself more and more.
What do you primarily photograph? Has that changed since you started?
I primarily photograph families. That's what I've centered my business and brand on since I started. I've always had a passion for serving families and helping them thrive (I used to be a nanny), so family photography was a natural fit.
Did you know a lot about business before starting your photography business?
I knew next to nothing about business before I started my photography business journey.
How did you initially determine your pricing, marketing strategies, and other details about how you would run your business?
When I was first thinking about photography as a business, I figured I'd start cheap, and my marketing would essentially be word-of-mouth referrals from clients and inquiries from social media and my website. I thought I'd look at other photographers to see what they're doing and figure out how to run my business that way.
Before starting the Revive program, how did you feel about your business?
Before joining, I felt overwhelmed. I knew I had a lot to learn, but I had no idea where to start. I felt like I had little to no direction and was paralyzed with the amount of information and options out there. Rachael helped with giving me one place to go for pretty much all the information I needed.
Why did you decide to join the program when you did?
I can't remember how or why I chose [Rachael’s program] in the first place (that was years ago), but it was probably recommended through another Facebook group. I was looking for more direction and one place where I could learn, instead of drinking from the fire hose that is the broader internet.
What has your experience been in Rachael Boer Education?
I love it! I've had a great experience through all of the changes and formats. I think the program format is a great change. The direct path from zero to business is what so many of us need. I also found my business coach/mentor through Rachael. He was/is one of the educators on the site, and because I knew of him through there, I reached out to ask him to mentor me. That was one of the best decisions I've made in my business. And without Rachael, I might not have found him. I plan to keep my membership, even after I've completed all the modules. The Facebook group interaction and continually added bonus website content are well worth it. Plus I like having it to refer back to any time I need a refresher on business aspects or mindset.
Describe the changes you made to your business as a result of what you've learned:
As a result of what I've learned through Rachael Boer Education, I decided to start my business from a place of sustainability and profitability. I don't want to start cheap and burn myself out before I get to the place I want to be. My goal is to have the business I want and am excited for from the beginning. Of course, certain parts of it will change over time, but the foundations will stay. I know that if I'm happier in my business, I will be able to serve my clients better.
What has the outcome been for your business?
After learning through Rachael, I feel more confident and prepared in the business end of things. I know that if I put in the work to continue what I've started, I can be successful.
When you look into the future, how do you feel about your business now?
When I look into the future, I feel excited about my business and all of the possibilities for growth, both in my business and personally.
What are your goals for 2021?
My main goal for 2021 is to have my business pay for itself. I also have the goal of connecting with and setting up lasting partnerships with local small businesses and charities.
What would you tell another photographer who is struggling with fear, self-doubt, or hesitation about being able to succeed in business?
I would tell other photographers who are struggling with fear and self-doubt to join Revive and other great national and local photography education communities. I'd also highly recommend that they find a mentor that will encourage and push them. The financial cost of all of these things might seem daunting, but they are so worth it! (My non-photog husband even says my mentor is worth every penny we pay him.) As a solopreneur, you need to seek out connection and surround yourself with people in the same industry who believe in it and believe in you. (Got a little cheesy there, but it's true!)
