About Tristan
I’ve already built one business that made great money… and I ended up absolutely hating it.
The first business
It was a lash extension and aesthetics company I started while finishing my business degree. The goal was to make as much money as possible, and I hit it by working 10 to 12 hour days of back-to-back clients until I was a shell of a human. So when I say your business should give you your life back, I’ve earned the right to say it.
Photography was my way out. My mom told me at fourteen that I should do this, and I ignored her, since I was fourteen and photography meant spending every weekend at weddings. Years later I picked up the camera as a contingency plan. I knew I’d be good at it and I wanted my time back. After one really bad day at work I stopped thinking about it and started. I ran both businesses side by side until March 1st, when I retired from lashes for good. (Mom, you were right.)
Why it works
Still a service provider.
I’m still a service provider, which is exactly why I get along so well with my clients. Injectors, stylists, realtors and coaches book me, and I already know their week: brilliant at the work, fully booked, and staring at a blank Notes app at 9pm wondering what to post. I’ve been through enough stages of building a business to recognize the one you’re in, and I can usually see how great you could be before you can. It’s hard to see that when you’re in the middle of it.
I’m picky about who I work with because I’ve already done the version of business where you say yes to everyone. If you’re building something and want a photographer who understands running a service business from the inside, we’ll get along great.
Off the clock
Off the clock you’ll find me with my two cockapoos, probably at HomeSense at 2pm on a Tuesday, which is the whole reason I became self-employed. My one piece of advice is to follow your gut. Mine got me here.
See if we’re a fit