Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Allen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
While I was in college, I became interested in photography and decided to purchase an entry-level DSLR camera after I graduated. It wasn’t until years later when my best friend, who was an established photographer at the time, inspired me to start pursuing photography as a business. I practiced shooting a lot, mostly on my dogs and flowers. Eventually, I started asking my friends if I could do sessions for them at no cost to start building my portfolio. Honestly, at that time I had become more interested in the editing part of photography more than the actual sessions themselves.
Fast forward to 2013…after our daughter Addie was born, I finally decided to make the jump and become a licensed photographer, and upgrade my equipment. It was then that I decided I wanted photography to be my career. I purchased my very first full-frame DSLR camera, the same model my best friend had at the time. I’ll be honest…if it wasn’t for my friend’s mentorship, I don’t know that I would have made the jump into the business side of photography.
After several years of successful business, I found myself wondering if photography was the only thing I was supposed to be doing. I wanted more but wasn’t quite sure what that was. I had begun to see lettering artists and calligraphers on Instagram designing content on iPads and knew immediately that I, too wanted to learn to letter on an iPad. My mom had received an iPad Pro from my dad for Christmas that previous year, and when she saw my interest in iPad lettering, she offered to let me borrow it to take an iPad lettering course online. I was hooked. I have always loved fonts, and every kind of typography…in fact, I’ve been making letters pretty much since I could pass notes in high school. When my mom saw how serious I was about wanting to start designing and possibly putting my designs up for sale, she decided to gift her iPad to me. I will forever be grateful to her for that gift.
Little by little, I started putting my work on social media, and before I knew it I had people telling me that I needed to do more. People were suggesting that I have a shop with lettering designs on t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. I will admit, the thought of changing it up and doing something different scared me a bit, and I sat on the idea for a long time before I finally decided to act on it. I began doing research on websites and re-branding and began the process of becoming Jenna Allen Design, where I would showcase not just my photography, but my lettering work as well. I will admit there were days I wanted to quit, but I knew I wanted to do the work myself so that I would learn something in the process. I incorporated a design shop on my website which officially launched October 11, 2019, and the response has been incredible. I am so glad I didn’t quit. There is something so fulfilling about working so hard on something for so long and seeing it come to life before your very eyes.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. I will admit, being a business owner can be exhausting, especially if you’re a perfectionist like I am. One of my downfalls has been setting boundaries for myself throughout my days and weeks. I tend to want things to be just right before releasing them, so I pour my heart and soul into my work. I am currently working through this and making a weekly schedule for myself with working hours so my family life isn’t neglected.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a photographer and lettering artist, specializing in lifestyle portraits of families, children, couples, and seniors, as well as custom digital lettering prints, and lettering logos/branding.
I am most proud of my recent re-branding as Jenna Allen Design, and the design shop incorporated into my website, featuring my lettering on t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, etc.
What sets me apart from others is that I specialize in more than one craft. I am very versatile, and I can tailor my talents to meet your needs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Columbus, GA is a great place to be an entrepreneur. With Columbus being a small town, I will admit sometimes the culture can feel somewhat competitive, but I truly believe that is plenty of work to go around. As long as we are lifting each other up and not tearing each other down, we should all be able to flourish and grow as individuals and business owners.
Pricing:
- Photo Sessions Starting at $299.00
- Logo/Branding Packages Starting at $300.00
- Lettering Apparel/Accessories $35.00 and below
Contact Info:
- Website: https://byjennaallen.com
- Email: byjennaallen@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennaallen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennaAllenDesign/
Image Credit:
Jenna Allen
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