Meet Talya Hailey

Name and Title: Talya Hailey, Owner photographer

Name of Business: Hailey Photography

Location: 426 E Alleghney Ave 19134

Website and Social Media Links: www.haileyphotography.com @hailey_photography (IG) https://www.facebook.com/haileyphotography1/ (facebook)

Question:What year was your business started?

2013

Question: How did you start in your field?

Becoming a photographer wasn’t something intentional. However, as I started getting more involved and reflective on my life as a whole, I realized I was always the ‘friend with a camera’. I worked in Apple retail for a little over six years with some of the most creative and talented people who sparked my photography curiosity even further. There was a small group of us that would travel around the city and shoot and before I knew it, someone asked me how much I would charge for my photos. It was a beautiful stumbling for me, and I’ve been running with it ever since.

Question: What do you attribute to your success?

Success is a marathon and I feel looking at it that way has saved me from giving up when times get hard, or I run into walls. I have an incredible support system mainly consisting of my mother, my fiancé Damon, and my mentor Ricky Codio. However, before all of that, I had to believe in myself and trust my calling. I said a lot of prayers and had many conversations with myself before I quit my job. I also believe in holding yourself accountable for your mistakes so you can avoid them in the future. Having a mentor like Ricky was definitely a career changing move for me. Having a mentor period whether it’s for more on the business side such as Business Babes or for your craft, helps tremendously. It allows you to save time by learning from their mistakes, plus, having a real person available to answer your questions. Lastly, I feel I’m comfortable talking to just about anyone which helps with networking and I’m not afraid to hear no. A “no” means that path wasn’t for me or the timing wasn’t right and to keep moving forward until I can get a “yes”.

Question: What were the hardships you faced/barriers to entry before getting started?

My biggest hardship when I first quit was how to manage my time. It was more challenging than I expected because with owning all of your time, you also had to own up to all of your actions. There was a phase where I wasn’t utilizing my time like I should have and quickly learned the hard way.

Question: What is your motivation to continue?

My motivation to continue is seeing the people I look up to and surround myself with succeed. My motivation is me, my future, the future I see for me and my husband and family, and the fact that you truly can do whatever you want if you put the hard work into it.

Question: How do you deal with competition?

For me, it’s most important to focus on myself. There will always be someone better than you, more talented or creative, but instead of getting intimidated, it’s important to remain focused. If anything, I use it as fuel to motivate me and keep me inspired.

Question: How do you balance work and personal life?

It’s funny, I was just talking with my friend if it’s possible to have it all in both worlds. I think it’s really important to have understanding people in your immediate circle. As mentioned before, Damon, my fiance, is a huge supporter of me and my work, as are my close friends. It’s hard sometimes if I have to miss a special event due to working on the weekend, but I always try my best to keep a balanced life.

Question: What’s your favorite business or self-help book?

I’m currently reading “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg and highly recommend it.

Question: What advice would you give to up and coming entrepreneurs?

My advice is that as long as you work hard and believe in yourself, you can do anything you want. I’d also say to not believe everything you see. I feel like many portray the entrepreneurial life in grandiose fashion, and while it’s definitely an awesome feeling knowing you’re running your own business, it’s the truest equivalent to a rollercoaster in real life.

Question: What 5 business tools can you not do without?

1) 17hats.com (all of my paperwork in completed on this platform)

2) pixieset.com

3) my calendar, without it I’m a lost cause.

4) Software: Pass

5) stripe.com

Question: What quote do you live by?

My current mantra which honestly has put a lot of things in perspective for me, “If it won’t matter in 5 years, don’t allow it more than 5 minutes.”

Question: If you had to battle a giant, what weapon would you use? (metaphor)

I would use my mind, it’s my most powerful tool. Take the time, assess the situation, and utilize my ingenuity.

Question: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I recently got published in a magazine for the first time a few months ago. I wasn’t expecting it and it’s motivated me to create more shoots with a purpose for publishings.

Question: What is one fun fact about you that isn’t related to business?

I am absolutely obsessed with HGTV and can’t wait to decorate and possibly renovate parts of my first house!