For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Inc, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Isabella Villani, owner of Isabella Villani Photography!
Isabella Villani Photography is an editorial/fashion, and wedding photography business owned by head photographer Isabella Villani. Isabella has been capturing edgy, modern and fashion forward images for couples and fashion brands professionally for 4 years.
Our girl Betina interviewed Isabella about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I would say professionally it has been about 4-5 years, but I have been taking photos for about 10 years.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Isabella Villani Photography?
Currently I am making plans to make my photography business full time in April!!!
Which is soo soo close and I am so excited. I made the decision at the end of 2021 after being stuck in a corporate 9-5 job for 4 years and I realized I could be doing something more with my art/work. I am super grateful though to have been able to work the 9-5 job because it is what made me realize how much I truly love photography and has taught me a few skills that I can take with me to run my own business full time. Soo I worked hard on nights and weekends to build my business to where it is today and I am so excited to see where this journey takes me. Photography is something I have always been passionate about and after experimenting and finding my style and niche I know it’s time to make that leap!
3: What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
I love being able to do what I love and what I am truly passionate about. Also having the freedom to make your own schedule.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your own business?
I would say the hardest thing is changing my mindset. I have always struggled with my mindset and I have always been super hard on myself and the work I create. The second I started believing in my work more and stopped comparing my business to other creatives, that is when things really started to change for me!
5: What is one thing about working in the photography industry that people would be surprised to learn?
Most photographers including myself will almost never send over their RAW files, which are simply the photographer’s photos as shot in camera with no editing done to them at all. A part of a photographers service and part of the reason you hired them is because you love their style of editing. If you are looking to have the RAW files make sure you make this clear to your photographer before booking 🙂
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
Yes! Instagram. I am obsessed with Instagram because of its visual features. I am a very visual person as you would assume haha and I love how much fun you can have with the aesthetic of your feed and content. I also love all the other features including, reels, and stories. Lastly, most of my clients find me through Instagram which is amazing because I am essentially using Instagram as a free marketing tool and that blows my mind still!
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
Honestly it started off as just something fun, posting my work once and a while just to showcase it, not even thinking that I could use this platform as a form of marketing to book my ideal clients. But as the years passed I started to be more intentional with my posting, taking time with my captions, hashtags, stories, and eventually getting into reels to make sure I am attracting different people who consume different forms of social media all on one platform that again is FREE! It was a no brainer for me, and once I started to see those bookings come through Instagram I knew I had to keep going!
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
As I mentioned earlier it has gotten me most of my clients and bookings. And yes I definitely believe if you are consistent and keep working at it, it is 100% effective in marketing your business.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
I would make sure before you post something you ask yourself this: “Is what I am posting educational, inspiring, or relatable?”
This can also relate to your caption! Soo if you answer yes to any of these this will ensure you will connect with your potential clients way more than posting a photo with a quote as the caption, which I admit I am guilty of haha!
A Little More About Isabella
I am a huge foodie!!! I love all kinds of food and love being in the kitchen when I am not out shooting or brainstorming for my next shoot.
My other passions are traveling, especially to Italy. I spent my summers as a kid up until I was 16 or so growing up in Italy alongside my grandparents who helped shape me into the person I am today. My biggest dream is to one day get to shoot in Italy in some of my fav spots.
Fashion is also one of my passions. I love expressing myself through fashion and I love to incorporate an editorial/fashion feel to all my photoshoots. Lastly I am a HUGE dog lover and I am still trying to convince my fiance that we need one ASAP!
Connect with Isabella
Know A Voss Boss?
Do you know a Voss Boss who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
