We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Merithew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I just do it! I always say that it’s absolutely worth trying something new like a big move, a new business, etc. If it doesn’t work, you can always go back to what you were doing before. Often though, it works out and you’ve found yourself a happier life. For me, risk is necessary to live a fulfilling life. I have created a beautiful life for myself by taking (mostly) calculated risks, and continuing to do so feeds my soul, both in business and in my personal life. Sure, starting a business is a huge risk, however it doesn’t end there. Every single day of owning a business is a risk. We never know exactly where our clients are coming from day to day, or how much they are going to spend. There is no complete consistency, and that is something that’s hard to get comfortable with. As business owners, we also have to put ourselves out into the world every day. Selling ourselves at networking meetings and on social media may look easy to some, but it’s a risk to put our feelings, views, and thoughts out to the world. All in all, it’s totally worth it! The joy and pride gained truly outweighs the risks.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I opened this business I had just recently moved to a new city where I knew zero people. It’s HARD to open a business, and even harder to do it in a city where not a single person knows you! No word of mouth was available to help my business grow, and I’m really proud that I found my way through other avenues to make this successful business what it is! People often think “If I build it, they will come.”, however that is not at all how it works. Being a business owner means putting yourself and your service out to the world EVERY DAY. As a creative, we all offer something different. Finding my niche was the best thing for me and my clients. I pride myself on providing my clients a one of a kind experience that they can’t get anywhere else! From their initial email I walk them through how to book with me, my curated list of location ideas, what to wear to their photo shoot, and how to prepare their partner or family for their photos. During our time together we have FUN! For me, it’s all about capturing the REAL emotions and connections with a partner or family member. No stiff posing here! My work is all movement based to capture my clients in that moment! After our time together I continue to walk them through their completed photo gallery, print and wall art options, and how to share their new beautiful photos with family and friends! We never want their photos to be stuck in the digital world and not be seen again!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Asheville, NC has endless options for amazing sights, food, and experiences. My top 3 places to take friends are on a hike in the mountains that starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a walk and picnic at Biltmore Estate, and on a food crawl to taste many of the amazing eats we have right here in our beautiful town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband deserves all of the recognition for always supporting me in my business and never wavering. As a solo entrepreneur, it’s important to have someone in my corner and be my sounding board. He is that for me! He is always there to talk through tough topics, help me think outside the box, and help me grow into a better human while owning and operating this business.

Website: https://jessicamerithewphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.merithew.photography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jessica-merithew-photography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaMerithewPhotography

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicamerithewphotography/

Image Credits
Photo of me taken by Tiffany McFalls Photography. All others taken by ME.

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