Interview with Parkbench
Boudoir Calgary was interviewed by Parkbench
Parkbench was created to help build thriving neighborhoods. They promote shopping local and growing our communities. That’s why Parkbench provides businesses with a customizable business profile with premium marketing tools to help local business stand out in our neighbourhood. Parkbench offers a range of promotions that’ll help small business acquire new clients.
This was our interview;
Interview conducted by local REALTOR® Louise Kellner
Describe your business.
We offer wedding photography from full to half day service, we capture one of the most important days in a couples life. We also offer boudoir photography which is intimate portraiture for women of all shapes, sizes and age. It’s a pampering experience where they can relax and feel sexy in the skin they are in right now no matter their size and leave them feeling confident and empowered.
What made you decide to open this business?
I started by practicing on friends and the more I practiced the more I realized how this type of portraiture would affect a woman and her self-confidence. This gave me the drive to offer this service to other women and help them see their true and unique beauty. In today’s society women are consumed with what a “perfect body shape” is thanks to social media, celebrities and fashion designers. It became a passion of mine to show women just how beautiful they really are by capturing their best assets in an elegant and creative way.
What was it like when you first started?
We started off slow several years ago when boudoir photography was more or less taboo, we also experimented with various equipment and techniques to see what works and what doesn’t. Our business has definitely changed gears when we moved into our Auburn Bay studio so it’s full steam ahead.
What has surprised you most when owning a business?
All the non-creative little things like keeping the books and filing taxes, it’s definitely our least favorite part of running this business.
What would your customers say they love most about your business?
We have had clients from all walks of life, we met some amazingly strong and independent women that say we made them feel like a queen or even a supermodel. As they look back at their images and reflect on how beautiful they are, how confident and sexy they felt and that they could not believe that those images are of themselves in most flattering and elegant poses. Some had us create beautiful and luxurious albums to display their images and gift it to their partner on their wedding day. We love all of our clients and some client relationships have turned into friendships.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?
We connect with every client and strive to design a boudoir experience that is tailored to them, their personality and style. Each client is truly unique.
Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?
Yes! We partnered up with another fantastic and talented female photographer who makes our awesome all female team complete. We are also expanding into wedding photography and offer full and half day service and hope to also offer destination weddings in the near future.
What is something most people don’t know about the business?
People often have a misconception about boudoir photography. This allows us to educate our clients that it is truly an empowering and liberating experience. Boudoir photography today is quite different (in a very good way) from the 80s glamour shots. It’s truly about loving yourself as a woman and investing in yourself.
Who are some of your business idols and role models? And why?
I try to have my own unique ideas through trial and error. But I certainly love the work of Gabe McClintock when it comes to wedding photography. I feel like he is fantastic at portraying true emotion in couples with beautiful natural light in the most exquisite locations all over the world.
What do you like most about being an entrepreneur?
I love being independent and being able to think creatively and outside the box to stand out in the industry as well as executing my own business plans and building our brand.
Do you have any advice that you want to share with other entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to stay true to your vision and your originality which will make you stand out more than trying to be like someone else. Never stop learning or be afraid to rise to the top no matter the size of your business.
What do you love about this neighbourhood?
I love the true sense of community in Auburn Bay. The willingness to help families in need and look out for one another.
What are your favourite places to go in the neighbourhood?
The Auburn Bay lake is fantastic in the summer, getting together with family and friends for a picnic at the lake or canoeing on the lake and enjoying the summer days.
What are your favourite things to do in the neighbourhood?
I enjoy getting out with my two dogs for fresh air and enjoying the parks. I am also excited for the upcoming Seton development and hope that will bring more unique local shops for variety.
Why do you think it’s important for people to shop local?
Running a small business in Calgary I am a bit biased. But if we can’t support our friends, neighbors and family then what is the point? Shopping local offers a unique and tailored experience instead of cookie cutter service forced on you by large or bog box stores.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calgaryboudoirstudios/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoudoirDOTca
Website/Blog: https://boudoir.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacielouphotography/
See the interview on Parkbench website
http://parkbench.com/canada/alberta/calgary/auburnbay/blog/lacie-lou-photography-and-boudoir-in-auburn-bay-mahogany-cranston-amp-seton-meet-the-owner-photographer-yana-kembel
