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Building A Successful Photography Business That Lasts With Mary Jane Cole

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Photo: Shutterstock

It takes a lot of effort to keep a business running, as Mary Jane Cole knows all too well. 

The 25-year-old runs her own photography business called Mary Jane Cole Photography (MJCP), and more impressively, she does it all alone. I sat down with Cole to get the details on how MJCP was born, the challenges she faced, and her plans for the future.

Planting the Seed.

Cole always knew she wanted to be an artist. Right from the moment, she could hold a pencil, all she wanted to do was draw. Sleep be dammed.

Her love for Photography started a bit later. She found an old Nikon Coolpix while rummaging through a closet and started taking pictures of whatever caught her fancy. 

One thing led to the other, and before she knew it, people from all over her town were offering to pay her to take photos of their families. 

She wouldn’t realize it until much later, but this was a very significant moment in her life. It was the first time someone acknowledged her skill, saw value in it, and was willing to pay for it. 

This small moment was a seed that eventually bloomed into MJCP.

The Birth of MJCP

After graduating high school, Cole moved to Ventura, California, to pursue her art. Moving to California was a big decision with many risks, and for the first few months, Cole worked odd jobs. She saved up what little she could and was eventually able to buy a decent DSLR.

Cole knew that if she wanted to be successful as an artist, she had to improve her reach, so she posted her pictures on Instagram. She stumbled her way through a Facebook business account and had business cards printed out. 

They said Mary Jane Cole Photography.

Early days

In the early days, MJCP wasn’t the thriving, successful business that it is today. 

In the first place, Cole still worked a day job, so she could not devote as much time and energy as she’d have liked to MJCP. Her client base was sparse, and apart from the occasional $100 shoot here and there, she’d sometimes go weeks without a single client. 

But Cole was nothing if not persistent. “I think Passion and Persistence are both really important to make a living in Photography or any art. she said to me. “You are the only person holding yourself accountable for getting the work done and sometimes working long hours doing things that aren’t ‘fun.’ You face a lot of rejection, and you have to really want it. If the passion isn’t there, it won’t be worth it.” 

Cole’s passion drove her persistence, and she refused to give up. If anything, she only became more tenacious. “I gave my card to waitresses and retail workers anytime I was out and saw someone that I thought could fit a vision I had.” She says. “Every year, I put a little more work into building a portfolio and finding an editing style and buying camera equipment and trying to create an online presence.”

Taking the leap

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Cole was affected just like everybody else. However, she decided to turn this challenge into an opportunity. “the COVID-19 19 pandemic hit, and my hours were significantly reduced at my job. I had so much free time all of the sudden to work on my website and write advertisements and invest in marketing education.”

She worked on improving every aspect of her business throughout the lockdown period, and when the lockdown ended, she took a leap and quit her old job. 

The bookings have not stopped coming since.

Challenges: Efficiency vs. Authenticity

Running a business alone Is a lot of work, something Cole soon realized. She was in charge of every facet of the company, from customer relations to the actual shooting. 

She has always had a fierce independent streak, so she struggled to outsource any of her work. She wants to maintain the integrity of her work, and that would be compromised if she gave parts of her work to others. 

“I feel a lot of pride and responsibility for the work I do,” she says, “so I struggle a little bit with time management, sometimes not being able to delegate tasks or outsource. I want to always be honest about my work being solely my own. From a business standpoint, that limits my income ability and productivity a lot to do every part of the process, from the communication to editing alone. But I know my clients appreciate that I do what I do with integrity and a lot of passion.”

Resolving this conflict was one of the most significant challenges she has faced so far in her career. She said, “I’m learning my limits time-wise and energy-wise and becoming more organized to help streamline the parts of the process I can. I’ve had to learn to say no to projects I’m not passionate about to leave space for things that fit my vision and clients that value my work.”

The Future

Cole has a lot of plans. Big plans. One is her first solo gallery scheduled for completion next year. She’s also thinking about starting a culture collective, custom clothing, and even ar magazine.

Her words perfectly capture her dreams for the future.

“I basically want the future to be more of the present, but hopefully on a bigger scale.”

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

Business

Twin Influencers Transform Modeling Fame Into Thriving Business Empire

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Credit @instagram

Few success stories capture the essence of modern entrepreneurship quite like that of Lauren and Katie Hamden. The twin sisters have transformed their modeling career into a thriving online empire, with industry insiders suggesting their monthly earnings from social media and business ventures place them among the top-earning influencers in the industry.

The 23-year-old identical twins have carved out their own corner of the internet with a substantial following across multiple platforms. Their growing digital footprint spans both Snapchat and Instagram, where they’ve built their brand through a mix of modeling content and lifestyle updates. Industry experts point to their combined follower count of over a million across platforms as evidence of their significant online presence.

Many industry analysts following influencer success stories point to the Hamden sisters as standouts in their field. Their income streams are diversified across content creation, modeling work, and various business endeavors. The twins have opted for a collaborative approach to their business, sharing revenue while maintaining their separate social media identities.

“If we didn’t have each other, our success wouldn’t be as profitable or fun,” the sisters noted in a recent public statement. “We usually decide together what work to take on, which gets us both excited for the project.”

While their professional lives are deeply intertwined, the twins have recently begun charting their own unique paths forward. Lauren has been developing a fashion line, while Katie has been focusing on music production. “We really want our fans online to see what we’re capable of,” they shared through their social platforms. “We love modeling and excel at it, but we have even more passions and can’t wait to share more about what we’re doing.”

Many followers have noted the twins’ striking appearance, particularly their piercing blue eyes, drawing natural comparisons to British supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne. Their social media posts consistently generate substantial engagement, with their comment sections often overflowing with observations about their distinctive features.

As they look to the future, the Hamden twins aren’t content to rest on their laurels. They’ve set their sights on expanding their influence well beyond the bounds of modeling and social media. Given their track record so far, industry experts suggest they might have the potential for broader mainstream recognition as they continue developing their individual creative projects while nurturing their successful partnership.

Their journey shows how influencers can transform online popularity into lasting business success. Through strategic brand building and consistent engagement with their audience, the Hamden twins continue to expand beyond traditional modeling work into broader business ventures.

“The Hamden twins exemplify a new generation of entrepreneurs,” says social media analyst Maria Rosen. “They’ve shown that authentic connection combined with business sense can create something truly sustainable in the social media space.”

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Business

Mindset, Nutrition, Fitness: The 40/40/20 Method Changing Women’s Lives

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Tonyael Miller

Coach T, a certified master trainer and dedicated fitness advocate from Chicago, IL, is the powerhouse behind Tonyael Miller Fitness—a brand committed to helping women reclaim their confidence, health, and strength. As a single “Momtrepreneur” to her 12-year-old daughter, Janael (affectionately known as Nelly), Tonyael’s personal journey has fueled her passion for fitness and mental wellness.

Her transformation began after battling postpartum depression from 2012 to 2015, a period that left her searching for holistic healing. When therapy introduced her to the idea of using fitness as a form of self-care, she discovered a newfound love for strength training. From 2013 to 2019, she immersed herself in the world of fitness, training with professionals and learning about nutrition, movement, and mindset. Determined to help other women regain control over their bodies and lives, she became a certified personal trainer in 2019 and officially launched Tonyael Miller Fitness.

Her innovative 40/40/20 method—which balances Mindset (40%), Nutrition (40%), and Fitness (20%)—has transformed hundreds of women worldwide. Unlike traditional programs that focus only on physical transformation, Tonyael emphasizes mental wellness and sustainable lifestyle habits, ensuring long-term success for her clients.

Beyond coaching, she has made waves in the fitness modeling industry, serving as a brand ambassador and collaborating with major brands such as Women’s Health Magazine and Fabletics. Her influence extends far beyond the gym—she is a mental health advocate, a symbol of resilience, and an inspiration to women striving to prioritize their well-being despite life’s challenges.

With her unwavering commitment to empowerment and self-love, Coach T continues to redefine what it means to be strong—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.


A Prestigious Honor: Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine Recognition

One of the most exciting developments in my journey happened recently—I was selected to be part of the Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine Strength and Diversity program, Class of 2024. This is an incredible honor, as it recognizes individuals who are breaking barriers in the fitness industry and advocating for inclusivity.

This opportunity means so much to me because I’ve always wanted to represent real women—moms, entrepreneurs, and those who have overcome mental health struggles—in the fitness space. Fitness is not just about aesthetics; it’s about mental clarity, self-love, and empowerment. Being chosen for this program validates my mission to inspire women of all backgrounds to take control of their health in a way that works for them.

As part of this program, I’ll have the chance to connect with other influential trainers, industry leaders, and wellness advocates, expanding my reach and learning from some of the best minds in the field. It’s a stepping stone toward even greater impact, and I’m beyond grateful to continue making fitness more accessible, diverse, and empowering for all women.


Contact Information

  • Email: info@fitbytm.com
  • Website: www.fitbytm.com
  • Facebook: facebook.com/tonyaelm/
  • Instagram: @tonyaelm
  • LinkedIn: Tonyael Miller

Coach T’s journey is proof that strength isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting yourself and others. Through her brand, advocacy, and inspiring story, she continues to help women everywhere embrace their power, both inside and out.

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Business

“Don’t Do This” Author Furkat Kasimov Shares Critical Business Lessons

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Don't Do This: A Guide to Business Survival

Success stories fill the business section of every bookstore, but what entrepreneurs really need is a guide to what not to do. That’s exactly what “Don’t Do This: A Guide to Business Survival” delivers – a refreshingly practical examination of the critical mistakes that can derail even the most promising ventures, backed by over 150 real-world examples that readers can learn from.

I recently sat down with the book’s author, Furkat Kasimov, to explore why this reverse-engineered approach to business guidance might be exactly what entrepreneurs need right now.

What makes this business guide different from others on the market?

Most business books focus on success stories, but ‘Don’t Do This’ takes the opposite approach. We examine the pitfalls that have sunk promising ventures and provide actionable strategies to avoid them. Each chapter tackles specific areas where businesses commonly falter – from pricing strategies to hiring practices – and offers concrete solutions.

The book emphasizes practical application. Can you elaborate on its structure?

Every example in the book comes with a practical checklist and implementation guide. We cover financial blunders, leadership failures, and marketing missteps, but we don’t just identify these issues – we provide specific steps to prevent them. Whether you’re dealing with cash flow crunches or strategic planning, there’s a framework to help you navigate these challenges.

How does the book address the role of AI in modern business?

A significant portion of the guide focuses on technological adaptation. We explore how AI is creating new opportunities while making certain traditional business approaches obsolete. The book includes specific examples of businesses that failed to adapt and contrasts them with those that successfully integrated new technologies.

Who is the ideal reader for this guide?

The book serves multiple audiences. First-time business owners will find fundamental pitfall-avoidance strategies. Seasoned entrepreneurs can use it to refine their approach and avoid advanced-stage mistakes. Managers will find practical tools for team leadership and strategic decision-making. The common thread is actionable advice that can be implemented immediately.

What are some key takeaways readers can expect?

Readers will learn to identify early warning signs of common business problems. The guide provides specific metrics to monitor, decision-making frameworks, and practical tools for various business scenarios. Each chapter includes real-world case studies showing both what went wrong and how similar situations could be handled successfully.


The book’s strength lies in its practical, no-nonsense approach to business survival. Rather than offering vague motivational advice, it provides specific, actionable strategies for avoiding common business pitfalls. The inclusion of over 150 real-world examples makes the guidance concrete and relatable, while the focus on emerging technologies like AI helps prepare businesses for future challenges.

“Don’t Do This: A Guide to Business Survival” is particularly timely given the current business environment, where both opportunities and risks are amplified by rapid technological change. The guide’s systematic approach to identifying and avoiding business pitfalls could prove invaluable for entrepreneurs navigating these challenging waters.

Available on Amazon and Google Play, the guide includes additional resources for readers who want to dive deeper into specific examples. Those interested in learning more can visit the book’s website at dontdothis.ai or follow on LinkedIn.


This article has been edited for clarity and length. The guide mentioned is currently available on major online platforms.

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