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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.”

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How NotaDist is Changing the Game for Indie Musicians

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NotaDist empowers indie bands from rehearsal room to global streaming

Streaming reigns supreme in today’s fast-paced digital world, and NotaDist has carved out a unique niche for itself in the music industry. Born in 2017, this plucky non-exclusive distribution service has been turning heads by putting artists first – a refreshing approach in an often cutthroat business.

The brainchild of music industry veterans, NotaDist emerged with a clear mission: to shake up indie music distribution. Their secret sauce? A laser focus on artist autonomy coupled with a hefty dose of human support. It’s not just about getting music out there; it’s about giving independent musicians and record labels the keys to their own success, without tying them down with pesky contractual red tape.

NotaDist’s bread and butter is its global distribution network. They’ve got connections with all the heavy hitters – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, you name it. For indie artists dreaming of making it big, this means a shot at reaching ears from Tokyo to Timbuktu.

But here’s where it gets interesting: NotaDist isn’t just throwing artists into the deep end and wishing them luck. They’ve cooked up some pretty nifty analytics tools that give musicians the lowdown on who’s listening, where, and how often. It’s like having a crystal ball for your music career – minus the smoke and mirrors.

NotaDist launches studio-born tracks into worldwide listener discovery

One thing that really sets NotaDist apart is their hands-on approach to artist support. Unlike some faceless corporations, these folks actually pick up the phone (or respond to emails, for the phone-shy among us). Got a question? They’re on it. Feeling lost in the digital music maze? They’ll be your GPS.

Now, let’s talk freedom. In a world where exclusive contracts can feel like artistic handcuffs, NotaDist’s non-exclusive model is a breath of fresh air. Artists keep their rights, their creative control, and their sanity. It’s your music, your rules – NotaDist just provides the launching pad.

But wait, there’s more! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) NotaDist has also tapped into the goldmine that is social media monetization. Through some tech wizardry involving YouTube’s Content ID and Facebook’s Rights Manager, they’re helping artists squeeze extra pennies out of every view and like.

As the digital music landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, services like NotaDist are becoming the unsung heroes of the indie music world. They’re the Swiss Army knife in an artist’s toolkit – distribution, analytics, monetization, all rolled into one neat package.

Curious to learn more? Hop over to NotaDist’s website for the full scoop. And if you’re into the whole social media thing (who isn’t these days?), give them a follow on Twitter or Instagram. Who knows? You might just find the perfect partner to get your tunes out there and take your music career to the next level.

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Dimmz Sunglasses Redefines Affordable Luxury in Eyewear

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Dimzz - Luxury Eyewear

Remember when designer sunglasses were only for the rich and famous? Well, not anymore. Dimmz is shaking things up in the eyewear world, and they’re doing it with style.

So, who are these newcomers, and why should we care?

Dimmz started small – just a bunch of sketches and big dreams. But those rough drawings soon became sleek 3D models, and before long, authentic sunglasses were rolling off the production line. It’s a classic garage-to-greatness story but with a twist.

“We’re not here to be another overpriced brand,” says the Dimmz team. “We want everyone to rock a pair of shades they love without breaking the bank.”

Dimmz has put together a solid lineup that covers all the bases. They’ve got the classic Aviators that never go out of style, and the Suji glasses for guys who want a modern edge. For the ladies, there’s a choice between the Dania Acetate and TR90 frames, plus the stylish Suji Women’s glasses. It’s not the biggest collection out there, but Dimmz is all about quality over quantity. And word is, they’ve got more styles in the works. These folks know what they’re doing, offering something for everyone without overwhelming you with options.

But Dimmz is about more than just looking good. They’ve packed some serious tech into their glasses, too. We’re talking about polarized lenses that cut glare like a hot knife through butter and some fancy coating that keeps smudges at bay. Each pair comes in an expensive leather case—a nice touch that screams “premium” without the eye-watering price tag.

Their latest drop is all about that beach life. Think vibrant colors and funky patterns that’ll have you standing out at any summer bash. Rumor has it they’ve got some limited-edition collaborations in the pipeline that’ll make the fashion crowd sit up and take notice.

Here’s what sets Dimmz apart, though: “We believe looking good shouldn’t cost the earth,” they say. It’s not just a catchy slogan – it’s baked into everything they do, from design to pricing.

When asked what they hope customers get from their products, the Dimmz crew doesn’t miss a beat: “Confidence. Style. And maybe a little bit of swagger.”

They’re making waves online, turning their website into a hotspot for savvy shoppers. And while they’re new to the game, they’re already giving the big boys a run for their money.

What’s impressive is how Dimmz has managed to balance quality with affordability. Their frames are made from durable acetate and metal, with stainless steel hinges that can take a beating. It’s the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from a high-end brand but at prices that won’t make your wallet weep.

Dimmz isn’t just about selling sunglasses; they want to change how we think about luxury. They prove you don’t need to spend a fortune looking and feeling great. It’s a refreshing approach in an industry that often seems more interested in status than substance.

As for the future? “We’re just getting started,” they say with a grin. “Watch this space.” And we believe them. With their style, quality, and affordability mix, Dimmz is poised to make a big splash in the eyewear world.

Want to keep tabs on what Dimmz is up to? Their website is the place to be, and they’re all over Instagram and Facebook. They’re active online, continually sharing new styles and engaging with their growing fan base.

In a nutshell, Dimmz is out to prove that you don’t need deep pockets to look like a million bucks. They’re the new kids on the block and making some serious noise. With their blend of fashion-forward designs, quality materials, and wallet-friendly prices, they’re challenging the status quo and making luxury accessible to all.

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Hype Clash Agency Rides the Wave of Social Media Influence

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Hype Clash / Marketing Agency

The neon lights of Times Square flicker as Travis Minks, founder of Hype Clash Agency, steps out of a yellow cab. He’s just wrapped up another marathon strategy session, his mind still buzzing with hashtags and engagement rates. Welcome to the world of influencer marketing, where likes are currency and trends change faster than New York minute.

Hype Clash burst onto the scene in 2022, riding the wave of a grant that helped them develop their secret weapon: a proprietary platform boasting 270 million influencers. “It was like hitting the jackpot,” Minks grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Suddenly, we had this goldmine of data at our fingertips. It was go time.”

But let’s rewind a bit. Picture this: a cramped office, whiteboards covered in scribbles, and a team fueled by dreams and way too much coffee. That’s where Hype Clash was born. “We were total noobs,” laughs one of the first employees. “But we had this crazy idea that we could shake up the influencer game. And you know what? We kinda did.”

Fast forward to today, and Hype Clash is managing a cool $100 million in marketing budgets. Not too shabby for a company that’s barely old enough to order a drink, right? But in the world of viral trends and fleeting fame, three years might as well be a lifetime.

Just ask Jake, a prominent TikTok personality. “One day you’re blowing up, the next you’re yesterday’s news,” he shrugs, idly scrolling through his phone. “But these Hype Clash folks? They’ve got their finger on the pulse. They know what’s gonna pop before it even bubbles.”

Hype Clash’s approach is a three-act play that would make Shakespeare proud. Act One: Define objectives and scout talent. Act Two: Strategize and execute. Act Three: Track results and optimize. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But as any marketer worth their salt will tell you, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

“It’s like herding cats,” chuckles a brand manager who’s collaborated with Hype Clash. “Except the cats are all Instagram influencers with their own agendas. But somehow, Hype Clash makes it work. It’s kinda magical, to be honest.”

And work it does, from the hipster cafes of Brooklyn to the sun-soaked beaches of Rio. Hype Clash has gone global. They’re like the United Nations of content creation, bringing brands and influencers together in a kumbaya of sponsored posts and story takeovers.

Travis Minks / Hype Clash Agency

But it’s not all about the big fish in this pond. Minks leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You wanna know what really gets me jazzed? The little guys. We once ran this campaign for a mom-and-pop business in Queens. Next thing you know, they’ve got lines out the door. That’s the good stuff right there.”

Of course, in this game, it’s not just about the warm fuzzies. It’s about cold, hard cash. And that’s where Hype Clash’s platform comes in clutch. It’s not just a fancy Rolodex; it’s a one-stop shop for everything from influencer discovery to getting that bread. “It’s like Tinder, but for brands and influencers,” quips one user. “And hopefully with less ghosting.”

But let’s keep it real for a sec. The influencer marketing world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and agencies like Hype Clash are always hustling to stay ahead of the game. “It’s exhausting,” admits one team member, dark circles under their eyes betraying late nights crunching numbers. “But man, when a campaign goes viral? It’s better than any high.”

As the sun dips below the Manhattan skyline, casting long shadows across the Hype Clash office, the grind continues. Phones buzz with notifications, laptops glow in the dimming light, and somewhere, an influencer is crafting the perfect caption for a product that might just break the internet.

In this concrete jungle where dreams are made, Hype Clash is carving out its own little empire. They’re not just riding the wave of influencer marketing; they’re making waves of their own. And in an industry where the only constant is change, that’s saying something.

So, what’s next for Hype Clash? Minks leans back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eye. “We’re just getting started,” he says, tapping his temple. “The best is yet to come. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve that are gonna make the industry go ‘Whoa!'”

In the meantime, brands and influencers keep flocking to Hype Clash like moths to a flame, drawn by the promise of that sweet, sweet viral magic. And in the city that never sleeps, Hype Clash keeps burning the midnight oil, ready for whatever curveball the digital world throws their way next.

As night falls on the Big Apple, Minks steps out onto the street, the city’s energy pulsing around him. A notification pings on his phone – another campaign just went live. He smiles to himself. In the world of influencer marketing, there’s no rest for the wicked. But then again, who needs sleep when you’re living the dream?

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