I met Ariel on a blustery fall evening last year at Tuesday Toast in Seattle. She was brand-spankin’ new to the industry and I was impressed with her courage to come to this networking event. She REALLY wanted to network, get involved, and meet people in the biz. Later, she attended The Simple Plan where we go to see her business plans unfold.
I really like how she has been able to marry her graphic design with her photography. I’m a stickler for “defining your niche”. And, truth be told, I wasn’t really sure how it was going to unfold… how was Ariel going to build a business that is graphic design AND photography? Was this a case of “jack-of-all-trades”? Well – she did it, and she does it, and she does it well. She has the two companies set up separately. YET, her unique position is that she is a designer that takes photos. (“I’m a not a photographer, I’m a Designer with a camera.™”) I LOVE THAT. With this, she is able to meld design into her photography work. It’s what makes her business different. She has defined a very unique niche for herself… and communicated it beautifully to her clients. Kudos, Ariel!
Ariel Nay Nebeker
Owner, Mew (graphic design)
Owner, Ariel Nay Nebeker (photography)
Seattle, WA
Established 2009
www.arielnaynebeker.com
Why did you start your business?
I studied Visual Communications, i.e., Graphic Design, and now have three businesses related to the field. With wedding photography, I saw what was lacking and what I could offer that others couldn’t. As a Designer, I capture a couple’s wedding in their own style without imposing my own. I’m a not a photographer, I’m a Designer with a camera.™
It was my husband, Royal, who pushed me to go after my goals. We haven’t looked back since. While I handle the design, he is an expert copywriter with a mind for marketing. Our partnership is essential as we bring different strengths to the business. We make a great team.
What book do you recommend to new business owners?
I have found The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho to be a remarkable source of inspiration. It’s a story of a shepherd boy who journeys across the desert in search for his ‘Personal Legend’ and pursues his dreams despite all obstacles.
My favorite idea from the book is “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Do you have any cool goal-setting tips to share with us?
Thanks to my mom, I recommend the S-M-A-R-T-E-R method which is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluate, and Reevaluate.
Being a visual person writing my goals is a must, but I often create mood boards of images that reflect and inspire. The more I can visualize my goals the sooner they come to fruition.
What do you find to be the biggest challenge as a business owner?
A big challenge in running a creative business is dealing with the uncreative side like numbers, contracts, operations, and taxes. Attending The Simple Plan was very helpful in my early stages of organizing and deciding which strategies were right for my business.
If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?
Nothing, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. It has been a wonderful process of learning and refining with each step forward. I can confidently say I offer a service that no other photographer can. In an over-saturated industry, the only way to rise above the noise is to offer something truly exceptional.
Want more great reads? Check out our book list!
Is there someone that you think is AWESOME in the wedding industry? Tell us about’m!
by Michelle Loretta
no comments