Makeup Tips with Makeup Artist Tiffany Elie
A little self care goes a long way. If you’re struggling on the self care side too, check out these tips from my friend and makeup artist, Tiffany Elie.
In our current situation, I often wonder if it’s even worth shaving every couple days. But when I do, my day always starts off with a little more energy. A little self care goes a long way.
If you’re struggling on the self care side too, check out these tips from my friend and makeup artist, Tiffany Elie.
If you’re ready to start discussing your next headshot, book a chat with me. We’ll get a jump on the project. We can review your website and social content as well!
Learn more about individual headshot options & book online!
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
COVID-19 Update for April 27
With the governor’s extension of the stay at home order, the studio will remain closed through May 15.
I’ve honestly stopped counting the number of days we’ve been at home. About a week ago, I stopped in the studio to check on everything and run a few prints (as printers are made to print, not sit idle). But I’m trying to remain optimistic, despite the roller coaster ride of emotions.
With the governor’s extension of the stay at home order, the studio will remain closed through May 15.
Hopefully, at that point, we can look at some individual session options.
My landlord has maintained stepped up cleaning procedures, so once we’re able to open, I’ll have no hesitation of jumping back into action.
In the meantime, book a free consultation with me! Having a quick chat before your session will help us make the most of our time in the studio.
If you’re considering starting your own website, making some videos, or want to discuss your social marketing, we can touch on those topics as well in the free consult and discuss paid consulting options, if you’d like additional assistance.
Hang in there!
A Chat with LinkedIn Coach Brenda Meller
LinkedIn Coach, Brenda Meller and I catch up to discuss how we’re dealing with COVID-19 in our businesses. We recorded this bright and early a few days ago and she dropped a little surprise on me...
LinkedIn Coach, Brenda Meller and I catch up to discuss how we’re dealing with COVID-19 in our businesses. We recorded this bright and early a few days ago and she dropped a little surprise on me.
We also discuss our current offerings in the midst of a shutdown and discuss some best practices for sharing video content to get the best reach.
If refreshing your LinkedIn profile has been on your list, grab a slot at one of Brenda’s next events.
And book a chat with me to discuss your next headshot session. We’ll get a jump on the project. We can review your website and social content as well!
Learn more about individual headshot options & book online!
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
How to Navigate the CARES Act as a Freelancer or Small Business
This post summarizes the actions I’ve taken in response to COVID-19 as a small business owner, based on the recently passed CARES Act.
As a portrait photographer, I put my business right in there with salons and other personal service businesses. So I stopped accepting appointments a few days before Governor Whitmer closed nonessential business.
Now what? We wear many hats as a small business owner or freelancer, but maintaining a business during a pandemic is not something anyone would’ve considered even a few months ago.
This post summarizes the actions I’ve taken in response to COVID-19 as a small business owner, based on the recently passed CARES Act.
As the situation quickly took a turn for the worse, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce was particularly aggressive in setting up a page of COVID-19 business resources. And they were also one of the first organizations I follow to organize conference calls with representatives from every level of government. In one week, I heard my congresswoman, Elissa Slotkin, on two separate calls discuss her efforts to help citizens and businesses.
While I’m happy to share my plan, it’s important that you make the right decisions for your business. No one can do that except for you. So please don’t take this as a cookie cutter solution, but more as an outlines of options.
Review Non Essential Spending
If you haven’t already, pause any big spending on your business until there’s more certainty. Think simple expenditures for out sourcing, for example. While I’m normally a fan of outsourcing, it may make sense to handle the tasks yourself. I found that some post production services I use closed as well, so I had no choice.
The Michigan SBDC hosted a few conference calls on these topics.
SBA Loans & Local Grants
On one of the Chamber calls, the SBA loan option was recognized as an option for most businesses to consider. It is a loan, not a grant, but it could be a lifesaver for fixed overhead expenses like rent. Since I applied, Congress passed the CARES Act, which further streamlined the process and reduced some underwriting hurdles. Check out the SBA site for all the specifics. If offered a loan, I’m not sure what I’ll do just yet, but I figured it was better to submit an application sooner rather than later.
You can always call the SBA. I called on a weekend and waited maybe 15 minutes but the person I spoke to was the nicest customer service person I’ve talked to in a long time.
Your community may also be offering local grants or loans. Check your local chambers of commerce, county or state resources to find them.
Unemployment Coverage for Self Employed
The CARES act also extended unemployment benefits to the self employed workforce (small businesses, gig workers and freelancers). Unemployment is a state level program, so you’ll want to find the specifics in your state. As of the this writing, Michigan’s website says they’re working tirelessly to update the site & system to accommodate the new rules. My suggestion at this point is to get familiar with your state’s site and keep an eye out for updates. Have everything ready to go with the proper application is ready.
The traffic on these sites has been crushing. So if possible, try visit them outside regular business hours.
Stay Informed
Keep an eye on sources from all levels of government. Follow your state or county health department for updates on public health. These updates are critical for your health and safety as well as those of your business and customers or clients.
Follow your state’s elected officials and executive orders. And follow your member of congress for federal updates.
Take care not to overwhelm yourself by following everything. There’s a firehose of information out there. Hopefully now that the big federal stimulus has passed, most of these sites will have a target. But my advice is to pick a few sources and follow those. Work in some mental breaks as well!
Take Action
Finally, act. As long as you’re acting safely within the law and current restrictions, do what makes sense for your business and your situation. I see businesses scrambling to try all sorts of things — a pivot to online sales, pickup only, online consulting, gift card promotions, discounts, and some are simply running business as usual. There’s no one right answer, just remember that you know your business best. As I tell people all the time, the greatest thing about running my own business is that I set the agenda. And the hardest part about running my own business is that I set the agenda.
I wish you the best and stay safe!
Video Tips - How to plan a corporate headshot project
As with any professional service provider, every headshot or portrait photographer has a slightly different approach. This video will highlight a few points to keep in mind as you begin your search.
This video was recorded a couple weeks ago. Obviously, much has changed since then. But, I decided to release it anyway. So if you’re curious or need a small diversion, go for it. Stay safe out there!
As you plan a headshot project for your organization or business, this video summarizes the many decision points and things to consider. Working on a corporate headshot project is a little different than what you might've experienced in working with a family, wedding or even a commercial photographer.
Learn more about individual headshot options & book online!
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
The Blog
Headshot tips, client features, and more!
