“My photography business is another way to be of service, helping women get beautiful confident photos of themselves and what they love doing.”
Being able to serve others is something that Marie Yau of Marie Yau Photography holds dear to her heart. In fact, it’s been a major theme throughout her life.
She first started working in her family’s restaurant business before becoming a nurse and then working to support Aboriginal Medical Services and General Practices. But it was when Marie got her camera that she truly found her niche in personal branding photography.
Now at Marie Yau Photography, Marie provides individualised photo shoot sessions for camera-shy women solopreneurs. Mixing photojournalism, lifestyle and portraiture, Marie helps these women confidently tell their own business story through professional photos that they can use in marketing.
Marie currently enjoys the flexibility and challenge of running her own business. She’s seen a lot of personal growth and development since the beginning. And as her business continues to grow, Marie hopes to spend more time building relationships with her clients so that they receive images that they love.
Outside of taking beautiful pictures and helping others, Marie also enjoys birdwatching, meditating, reading and baking.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Jasmine Star. Aside from being humble, generous with her knowledge and warm, she walks the talk! She works hard is honest about her journey. I love how I know her story and she has got some brilliant ideas for marketing and social media. I have been following her since seeing her on Creative Live and regularly listen to her podcast The Jasmine Star Show.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I love being a story teller with my images. I got my first proper camera 3 years ago because I was always shooting on my phone and people kept telling me I had a great eye for photos. I had a mantra back then of ‘everything is a photo opportunity’. Reflecting on that mantra, I believe what I really meant was ‘everywhere, there is a story to be told’. I threw myself into learning all the ins and out of photography. I did and still do a lot of landscape, street and portrait, and love all of those genres but I’m really passionate about the story telling aspect of personal branding photography. That’s what drew me to niche in this area and want to make it my business. I have always enjoyed being able to serve others, first in my family’s restaurant business, to being a nurse, then helping general practice. My photography business is another way to be of service, helping women get beautiful confident photos of themselves and what they love doing. I want to help them tell their own stories, connect with their ideal clients and have a fulfulling and profitable business.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The flexibility and the challenge. This has been the most amazing opportunity for self-development!
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Know your numbers and work out your cost of doing business before you think about pricing.
- Get a business coach or mentor.
- Don’t forget to look after and take care of the other aspects of your life. Your life is more than your business.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Begin with the end in mind. Be clear about what you want to achieve and work backwards from there to determine what actions or steps you can do every day to reach your business dream.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Copy writing, basic account keeping and knowing your numbers, knowing your ideal client avatar – who is your target audience
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
All of my systems, processes and automations are set up and running smoothly so I can spend more time doing what I love which is connecting with my clients. I have a solid marketing strategy which is constantly bringing in good leads.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
I always get distracted by new shiny things and find it hard to complete things without accountability! So having a group to hold me accountable and having women to share this journey with is awesome!
