13 years ago, I took a leap of faith - I sold my house and left my well-paid office job to follow my dream of becoming a photographer.

All I had at the time was my camera and many unknowns. But of course, you don't have to do that.

I worked at a restaurant and earned extra money to support myself. Selling my house provided the funds to purchase my camera, and I eagerly invested in numerous training courses.

I was willing to do whatever I needed to in order to make my dream come true and be excellent at what I do.

Fast forward through 13 years of successes, failures, and invaluable lessons, and you'll see the business I've built today.

Allow me to share four valuable lessons I've learnt to help make your dream business come true:

1. Start NOW

Don't wait for the perfect studio setup.

After years of lugging all of my gear to and from client homes, I started working out of my home in the corner of my bedroom with one vintage chair in 2013. Yes, my own bedroom!

If you don't have a home studio or any studio at all, you can use my timeless storytelling style for photoshoots at clients' homes or outdoors.

I built my 6 figure business before I had my home studio. You don't have to get perfect, you just need to get started!

Start right now with where you are, with what you have.

2. Seek Financial Support

Had I known this earlier, my journey might have been smoother.

Do you know you can get financial support from various sources, including government grants and trustworthy organizations to help you start your business?

For instance, I received a £6000 grant from my government's Micro Business Grant Scheme, which helped me start Shan Fisher Education.

Check what business grant scheme or low-interest loan your government or trustworthy organisations might offer for a business startup in your country.

If you are living in the UK, you can look into Virgin Start Up Loans - https://www.virginstartup.org/start-up-loans

Also, there are many COVID financial support schemes for small business from governments.

Do some research today and apply straight away if you qualify. You might be entitled for financial support exactly on the date you apply IF your application is approved!

3. Be SIMPLE

I used to think that a successful photography business required a fancy studio filled with trendy props, backdrops, studio clothing, and equipment.

I spent so much money and focused on those things to keep up with trends and keep my work fresh. My studio was filled with shelves full of props and equipment, but it never seemed enough!

I know some new photographers would have loved to start their business, but have given up on the idea because they don't think they can afford the cost of setting up a studio and buying props and equipment.

My studio setup is refreshingly straightforward and affordable, comprising essentials like natural lighting, a white wall, curtains, and basic props.

Building a profitable photography business can be simple and affordable.

Here's all I needed for my studio setup:

• Lighting (I use natural light)
• White wall
• White curtain - £25 ($32)
• White foam board panel - £75 ($95)
• Posing Beanbag - £75 ($95)
• White wrap and backdrop set - £35 ($45)

Total: £210

You can also see how my students create their simple shooting spaces after my training in the photos below.

4. Invest in Yourself

I believe that much of my success is credited to INVESTING IN MYSELF—constantly seeking knowledge and honing my skills.

As an example, let me share to you my experience. I started Shan Fisher Education at the end of 2019. Creating the Timeless Newborn Mastery (12-week training and coaching program) was all new for me.

I had the vision and dream, but I didn't have the roadmap and tools. I have never created an online training program before.

Yes, I could have learnt from YouTube videos, reading books, or blogs all on my own, but I would've spent years, wasting time, and money and making lots of mistakes just to work it out myself.

Instead, I invested over £15,000 ($21,000) in courses, training, and mentorship, paving the way for significant growth and innovation in my business.  I learnt from mentors who have already achieved the success that I wanted to achieve. I followed their roadmap and guidance.

Investment in education enabled me to fast-track my growth, achieved extraordinary results and saved me years of expensive trial and error.

Over the last 15 months, my team and I dedicated ourselves to bringing my vision to life and created a world-class training and coaching program. I'm proud to say no one has created such a unique and comprehensive program before.

I'm so excited to bring it out to the world on 18th March 2021. You can find out more information on my website.

Your journey to success doesn't have to be a solitary one. Learn from those who've walked the path before you, and let their guidance propel you forward.

In closing, remember this: each of us is given only one life and only 24 hours a day, don't waste it on doubting yourself. Follow your dream and start your photography business now.

Only you can make a difference in your life and the world around you.

Much love,

Shan x