Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Phillips.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love for photography began when I was a little girl, probably five or six years old. I watched my grandpa as he would always take pictures – whether it was a family, landscapes, or flowers. I was amazed at how he could capture a moment to share later that would bring up so many memories. Fast forward to the year 2014, I’m 30 years old and was currently unemployed. I would pray for something to come my way, constantly searching and nothing. I went to a church service and the pastor was calling people up to the front to pray with them. I felt the need to go up there, he prayed with me and he said that there was an idea that I had running through my mind and that I needed to move forward with it. He told me to open a business account and that the name that had been going through my mind was the name for the business. When that was said, I heard the words Eccentric Personas. September 14, 2014 – I went to register my business downtown and opened an account. I got me a camera and my photography career began.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I knew a little about photography because I would take pictures of family and friends – my nickname was Paparazzi – but I didn’t know what I felt was needed to be the top photographer. I self taught myself a lot of things with photography – a lot of trial and error. I had to learn how to market myself, how to price packages and items I wanted to offer, make sure the items I had was what I really wanted to offer and so on. Another struggle was the lack of clients, I believed that as soon as I started this business people would be running my way and booking sessions like crazy. This was definitely not the case, and it brought me down.
After some months I felt like I might have misunderstood what the pastor told me and started to doubt. I kept looking for a job and eventually found one – bills still needed to be paid of course. My wife continued to stay by my side and encourage me. She even reiterated what the pastor said and told me that everything happens for a reason and in its season. I started the work and needed to be patient. And that’s what I did, we prayed together and she would help to keep me focused with my photography.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a photography company and our motto is “Be yourself or your alter ego…” I want to capture you as your true self. Some people are more comfortable with an alter ego – think of Beyoncé as Sasha Fierce. Other people are able to show who they truly are by just being themselves. Whatever the case, I want to capture the true “YOU”.
I’ve often been told how comfortable I have made someone feel in front of the camera – whether it was a senior known for not smiling and I get them to smile or a woman nervous about her boudoir session and I’m able to capture her fierceness. I treat all clients like family, I don’t believe many photographers do that. I also try to create an affordable experience for them, I believe that’s what sets me apart from the others.
We specialize in portraits for families, newborns, maternity, seniors, boudoir, and events. I try to create the vision the client has, I’ve even done a few alter egos, weddings, and cake smashes.
I’m most proud of where I am today in this business and that I didn’t give up. I’ve come a long way and I know there are many more blessings to come. I have a good support system which is my family – I’m the lead photographer, my wife – Joy Phillips – is the COO, my sister in law – Nichelle Phillips – is the videographer, my niece – Di’Shandra Moore – is the second photographer and my other sister in law – Halie Phillips – is our Social Media Liaison.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was the first child and grandchild, some would say I was spoiled but of course I disagree. I’ve always been shy and very goofy. I listened to all different types of music and still do. I was always smiling and enjoyed being around family. I played basketball in school and the flute in band. I was always reading something and started I was writing poems and stories – sometimes even drawing. I’ve always had a love for animals and love playing video games – especially Nintendo, Sega and PlayStation. My favorite game now is Mortal Kombat and the Sims on the computer. Once I reached middle school, I grew more interested in photography and always had a camera at school.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eccentricpersonas.com
- Phone: 469-765-4127
- Email: eccentricpersonas@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eccentricpersonas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eccentricpersonas
Image Credit:
All photos by Jessica Phillips with Eccentric Personas Photography
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