Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Heath.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a freelance photographer for the past few years mostly covering concerts, events and with time came festivals. I wanted to take my craft to the next level and I started to think about what my brand would be. I wanted something that wouldn’t put me in a box when it came to the array of subjects I cover. After months of pressuring myself to try and come up with a name, I had no luck because the name was taken or just didn’t suit me. I would ask close friends for their honest opinions and constantly ended up back at the drawing board. After sitting in my car and just telling myself I can do this, to just “think”, I started saying words out loud and that’s when Smiling Eyes Media was born. Smiling Eyes Media is a digital publication specializing in music and lifestyle festivals, concerts and events. I live for the hype moments.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would be lying if I said it has been smooth sailing the entire journey. The hardest part about establishing my publication was constantly hearing “no”. Nothing in the creative industry is handed to you, and so figuring out what makes me stand apart from my colleagues was something that I worked on every single day. I had to try new strategies and figure out what worked best for me. With time, I started to organically grow my resume along with my following. Everyone has a different formula, not everything works out– but if you keep at it and brush off the rejection someone will eventually give you a shot.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Smiling Eyes Media – what should we know?
Smiling Eyes is a digital publication specializing in music and lifestyle, as well as concerts, festivals, events, and even corporate gigs. Smiling Eyes also specializes in written content including exclusive pieces, experiential show and festival reviews, event previews and more. I take pride in my work. I constantly work on innovative ways to out-do myself each time I pick up my camera. Most importantly, I love my clients and its always my goal to blow them out of the water with results every time.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
There’s always going to be competition, although that gets stressful, authenticity goes a long way. Be true to yourself, Always. If you’re going to compete with someone, compete to be better than you were yesterday.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smilingeyesmedia.com
- Email: steph.heath@smilingeyesmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilingeyesmedia_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smilingeyesmedia
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/smilingeyesmdia
Image Credit:
All photos captured by Stephanie Heath of Smiling Eyes Media
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