Commercial Photography – Page 7

January 26, 2017November 1, 2017

Mint Salon | Small Business Feature | Decatur IL

You guys!!!!! I’ve been waiting excitedly to share Mint Salon with you. I’m a bit biased toward this gorgeous salon since my hair stylist (aka hair artist/magician) Katie is there but I have to say I’ve heard over and over again how much my clients and friends love all the gals here. And brides, seriously there is NOT a more adorable salon for you and they have the state of the art SalonTouch Studio software that facilitates communicating your desires to the hairdresser, perfect for getting ready on your big day!

The Details: Mint Salon, Brook, Randi, Katie, Lydia and Ashely | In Business: 4 years

Hours: Vary per stylist on Tuesday through Saturday| Location: 363 S. Main St. Suite 409| Phone: Vary per stylist

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a locally owned salon offering hair-cuts, color, specialty styles, makeup, facial waxing, nails and pedicures.

What makes your business unique/special? We stay up to date on current trends and styles. Also our salon vibe is a vintage chic style.

See clearly the rest of Decatur knows how awesome this place is! Voted #1 in the Herald and Review Reader’s Choice 2015:

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? We LOVE a good blow out! It’s the perfect way to start off your weekend or to make it less work for you to style over the next couple days.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We offer classes and parties for friends to learn new tips & tricks. This also gives them the opportunity to socialize and have a little fun with their friends.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? We have had numerous great/cool things that our clients have done for us over the years. From jobs for family members, gifts, and concert tickets! We love our Mint clients!

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? OPI nail polish and Kenra hair products are our go-to products that we could just not do without!

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? Paco’s Sol Bistro and Donnie’s Pizza are our number one places to hangout and relax after a long week!

WHY did you choose to do what you do? We love people and love creating art out of hair.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? From a young age I think we have all loved makeup, hair, and fashion. This is the best!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? Family, friends, music and of course a little shopping addiction as well.

Describe your PERFECT day… Brunch at the Blue Spoon, hanging at the pool with the family and some wine on the patio!

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Brook Banning– I’ve been doing hair for 14 years!! My reward and fav thing being a hair stylist is styling out the finished product of my cut and color! Outside of hair I absolutely love traveling so I can enjoy my favorite things like quality time with my kids, shopping, dancing, the beach and music!

Ashley Brown– I’ve been doing hair for almost 4 years. I love doing bright and fun colors. When I’m not at the salon, I like working on my new house and lounging with my animals.

Lydia Gentry-Nail tech at Mint Salon. I have been in the industry for 17 years. I have been at Mint since we opened 4 years ago. I love being the best part of my client’s day!!

Kara Williams– My favorite part of being a hairstylist is doing Upstyles such as weddings & proms. A little fun fact about me…I started college as a music major, so I love singing and enjoy a good family karaoke session.

Randi Johnston– I’ve been doing hair for 10 years and I love new color trends especially balayage and hair painting. When I’m not busy with my toddlers I love crafting, playing with makeup and decorating my house!

Katie Fucinari-Hair and makeup artist. I have been doing hair and makeup for ten years and specialize in bridal makeup. When I’m not in the salon I love to spend time with friends and family! Fun fact about me is I would love to own a old school muscle car!

See the latest news at:

http://www.mintsalondecatur.com/blog/

facebook.com/mintsalondecatur

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

December 29, 2016December 11, 2016

Petals | Small Business Feature

It’s time to feature Decatur’s number one location for custom-personalized EVERYTHING! Petals is a full-service gift shop and they specialize in personalization (especially birthday t-shirts!). Monograms, team spirit, you name it they can do it!

The Details: Kari Calhoun, Owner of Petals | In Business: 8 years

Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm & Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm | Location: 1351 Hickory Point Dr Suite C Forsyth, IL

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a full service gift shop. We not only sell fun women’s clothing and accessories, gifts for men, school spirit wear and gifts for all ages we personalize these gifts for you. Monogram your items, create fun tshirts for baby to adult, embroider most items or let us design rhinestone shirts for fun or your school. Birthday shirts are our specialty.

What makes your business unique/special? We create custom personalized items. Infant, toddler, youth and adult. From special 1^st birthday outfits to a funny tshirt for grandpa.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? We love our custom birthday items. Tutus, diaper covers, bow ties, hats, banners, t shirts and onesies. Another fun item is our custom t-shirts. Funny sayings to business logos. We love helping you design something unique, fun and just what you want.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I decided 8 years ago to open a gift shop after leaving the medical field. It has evolved into a gift shop with personalization over the years. We grow each year and are very thankful for our repeat customers and organizations. I am married to a wonderful man that shares my passion for Petals and creating new products.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? It was just the time for me. I had always wanted my own business and I was in a position to change jobs or create my own. I chose the latter.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We help them get exactly what they want. Sometimes you have an idea and we can make it become a reality. Taking a gift and making it personal sets it apart from everything else.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Become a friend. After 8 years in business some of my customers have become very close friends.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? I could not do what I do without my embroidery machines, vinyl cutter, rhinestone software and sewing machine. All these tools help me create customer orders

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I would have to say Dels and Giggles. I love knowing I can go to either one of these and find exactly what I am looking for. As a small business owner, I have no time and hate shopping online. It’s great to know I can get great gifts local with wonderful businesses.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family and friends. Owning your own business is 24/7 job and when you create and make 80% or more of the items you carry, it really becomes your life. My friends and family understand this and will even come and work with me to spend time with me. It very important to have a support system.

Describe your PERFECT day… I think my perfect day happens very often. Honestly not all days are great, things go wrong, stress happens and it is hard wearing so many hats in a business, but I love what I do. Opening my shop every morning and sometimes looking around and seeing how far I have come makes a perfect day.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Morgan Ground. High School Senior Maroa-Forsyth

Jessica Eastwood. Our newest employee who is skilled on creating embroidered items for our customer.

See the latest news at:

http://www.petalsgiftshop.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

November 24, 2016November 21, 2016

Black Iron Coffee | Small Business Feature

If you know me you know I drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl so of course when any new coffee shop comes to the area it’s on my radar. This one popped up in a much needed location so now my (any many others) caffeine needs are met even when on the south side of town!

And their homemade baked goods are delicious enough to warrant a trip across town even when you don’t find yourself in the Mt. Zion area.

The Details: Jason Feller, Owner of Black Iron Coffee Co. | In Business: 1 year this January

Hours: M-F 6am-5pm, Saturday 6am-Noon (Closed Sunday)| Location: 121 and Lost Bridege Rd (Next to Ace Hardware)

Tell us about your business… What do you do?

We offer the finest quality espresso based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, many different frap flavors, smoothies, fresh brewed coffees, baked from scratch in house b

What makes your business unique/special? Our employees and our attention to detail.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Latte’s!

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have donated many times to wonderful causes.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Bring the employee’s flowers and chocolates.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Espresso machine. Because then we would not be able to make our wonderful drinks.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? For many years now. It all starts with my love of coffee.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? The Blue Spoon. They have amazing food. I had breakfast there earlier this week and have to agree, we may have to get them in the lineup to feature soon!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family.

Describe your PERFECT day… Easy, spending time with family, doesn’t matter what we do.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Dani Feller- Owner, all around awesome boss, lover of all things Italian.

Amanda Roberts- Manager, baker extraordinaire, barista.

Emily Kunzeman- Product development, baker, barista.

Sarah Starshak- Marketing, social media management, graphic design, barista.

McKenzie Bartlett- Barista

Misty Grossman- Barista

Elayna Feller- Awesome daughter and cashier.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/blackironcoffeecompany/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

November 8, 2016November 5, 2016

| Warrensburg-Latham High School Senior Yearbook Photos |

I’m excited today to share with you the senior class of Warrensburg Latham High School! I’ve been working with WLHS for the past few years to create their senior portraits and I always love seeing these guys throughout the year for dances and such and though some schools are moving toward more casual looks for their yearbooks I really like the timelessness of a sleek professional headshot and am so glad Warrensburg trusts me with these. While you don’t often think about it senior year, the yearbook portrait is what you’ll have to show your kids/grandkids in the future and I’m so honored to be a little part of that legacy for all these high schoolers.

Seniors, you can view/purchase your yearbook headshot via this link: http://sarahjanephotographyllc.pixieset.com/wlhs2016-2017/

October 31, 2016October 31, 2016

Photographers! TODAY is the day: Registration is OPEN for the Reset Conference

Hey photographers! This post is for YOU!! Are you a seasoned photographer looking for a way to spice up your portfolio or reinvigorate your business? Are you in your first years of business and still ironing out the kinks and looking for ways to streamline your workflow and make sure you’re on the right path? Or are you a new photographer with a passion for the art but still green in the inner workings of how to turn your love into a career? Well, then this conference is the place for YOU.

There are instructors here who specialize in everything from newborn to wedding portraits, business, art and even video! I’ve spoken in the past at The Reset Conference about studio lighting and this year I’m excited to speak on the business side of things. I know that pricing and sales can be intimidating… but they can also be the things that make or break your business. There are SO many questions when evaluating your pricing and sales process that it can feel overwhelming and scary. Are you charging enough to cover costs on every product? Are you charging enough to earn a living yourself? Can you afford to outsource/grow at these rates? Does your pricelist make sense? What does it say about you/ your business? Does it help you make a sale? Are you making the sale you need from every client?

My goal is to make your pricing (and your pricelist) work for you, to make sales easy, fluid and even FUN (yes I swear it can be FUN for you and your clients!). AND the best part is my pricing and sales classes should combine to make sure you leave the conference with a product line and price list that represents YOUR business brand/style and the confidence that you can sell your work without having to be salesy.

I cannot wait to share this content with you all AND as a special bonus I’ll be doing facebook LIVE videos to critique/review 5 attendees pricelists (since we won’t have time for this during the classes). Email/message me for your chance to have your pricelist be one of those reviewed (don’t worry it’s done anonymously if you prefer!)

Registration for Reset just opened today and spaces are very limited so go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ed8s78sy6147b19c&oseq=&c=&ch= to sign up now AND use the coupon code SARAHJANE to save $75 off!!!