Posted by Alisha | Lilley Photography

Let me be completely honest with you – building Lilley Photography hasn’t been the picture-perfect journey that social media makes entrepreneurship look like. Behind every beautiful photo I capture, there’s a story of late nights, difficult decisions, and the constant balancing act of growing a business while being present for the people who matter most.

The Juggling Act Nobody Talks About

When I started turning my photography passion into a real business in 2022, I thought the hardest part would be perfecting my craft. I was wrong. The real challenge? Time. There never seems to be enough of it.

Between shooting sessions, editing photos, responding to client inquiries, managing social media, handling bookings, and trying to streamline my processes – some days I feel like I’m spinning plates. Add family responsibilities into the mix, and suddenly that “work-life balance” everyone talks about feels like a myth.

The Hurdles That Keep Coming

Getting customers remains my biggest challenge. Most of my clients find me after seeing me shoot local games, but building a consistent client base takes time and strategy I’m still figuring out. Some days I wonder if I’m doing enough, posting enough, or reaching the right people.

Streamlining everything while maintaining that personal touch is another constant struggle. I pride myself on adapting to each client’s communication style – if they prefer texting, I text; if they want to meet for coffee to plan their session, I’m there. But this personalized approach, while it sets me apart, also means I can’t just plug everyone into the same system.

Money constraints add another layer of complexity. Every business decision has to be weighed carefully – is this investment worth it? Will it help me reach my goal of monthly earnings? Sometimes I have to get creative with solutions because the budget just isn’t there for the “ideal” option.

The Moments That Make It Worth It

But here’s the thing – despite all these challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. When a parent tears up seeing their senior photos for the first time, or when a family tells me I’ve captured their child’s personality perfectly, I remember why I started this.

Being behind the camera and making people smile is my therapy. Every session reminds me that what I do matters. I’m not just taking photos – I’m preserving memories, celebrating milestones, and creating heirlooms that families will treasure forever.

Finding Balance in the Chaos

I’m still learning how to balance it all, and honestly, some days I do it better than others. What I’ve discovered is that being transparent with my clients about my process actually strengthens our relationship. They appreciate knowing that their photos are getting personal attention, not just being run through a factory line.

The key is remembering that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Every challenge I face today is teaching me something that will make Lilley Photography stronger tomorrow.

To My Fellow Entrepreneurs

If you’re reading this and nodding along because you’re in the thick of building your own dream – you’re not alone. The sleepless nights, the constant problem-solving, the feeling like you’re never quite caught up – it’s all part of the journey.

We’re not just building businesses; we’re building legacies. And sometimes that means the path is messier and more time-consuming than we expected. But every small step forward is progress worth celebrating.

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What challenges are you facing in your business journey? I’d love to hear your story – drop me a line at lilleyphotos@gmail.com or connect with me on social media. Sometimes just knowing we’re not alone in this makes all the difference.