Today we’d like to introduce you to Lali Stanley, with Niji Stanley Photography.
Lali, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My best friend for 23 years now and husband for almost 16, Niji Stanley, is a creative genius. The arts weren’t considered a viable career choice by our community, so, he has a biology degree!
When we were newly married, we wrote out as many of our talents as we could think of and then narrowed down to our top three. One of Niji’s top three was photography, so we decided to start a business. I enjoy meeting and getting to know people so I became the business development director, client relations representative, HR and photo assistant. Niji is the photographer, editor and all things website-related person.
We had very little money, so we bought as much equipment as we could on credit cards. Within one year, we were able to begin operating as a debt-free business! Our clients have been so supportive in referring our work to others and our growth can be attributed to happy clients and vendors who continue to share the work of Niji Stanley Photography in their circles.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely was anything but a smooth road! We had to learn to separate personal and business. We had to find ways to release negative energy and not take things personally. Along the way, we’ve had some people take advantage of our work and not pay. We’ve had people in the industry agree to work together and then not remain true to their word in public settings. We’ve had networking organizations say that we were welcome and they were open to all, but then later state something different.
Every incident taught us valuable lessons. One of the greatest lessons is to get comfortable with rejection because that means only what is meant for us will come to us. Accepting that brought (and continues to bring) so much peace to us.
Tell us about your company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Niji Stanley Photography is a professional photography company specializing in commercial and business work. We are available to be commissioned for corporate headshots, architectural and construction projects, restaurants, parks, grand openings/ribbon-cutting ceremonies and on-site projects for all commercial entities.
Our growth has been almost entirely via word of mouth because we place a high value on prioritizing people. Our mission is to capture the beauty that each project brings with integrity and excellence.
We began our business photographing families and slowly transitioned into projects in the last two years. This transition was so that we could have more time with our own growing family. It has been good for us.
We began our business knowing that we wanted to help our neighbors across the street and around our world. We are able to do this by using part of our proceeds to fund relief and education efforts as well as orgs that are currently empowering women with education, jobs and businesses in India. We founded a non-profit, Shiloh Restored, to help fund projects that educate the poor and empower women with a path out of poverty.
When Niji Stanley Photography is hired for a project, an individual/family is always helped.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
We are happy to share our story and help others along. Niji is currently mentoring a new photographer and I’m offering consulting services to a few businesses operating at a grass-roots level. We have given away photography equipment, shared over 100 hours of basic photography skills/knowledge, volunteered our time (for over a decade) photographing for non-profit entities and people/businesses in need.
Our approach is holistic; we believe success is not limited to finance. As we grow, we increase the reach of our circle. As our circle increases, we are able to be a part of more good work. Our experience is that we are empowered as we empower others and “it takes a village” truly applies to all areas.
We feel that our greatest success is playing a role in making our world better.
Contact Info:
- Website: nijistanley.com
- Phone: 469.595.3723
- Email: info@nijistanley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nijistanley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Niji-Stanley-Photography-247265271327/
- Twitter: @nijistanley
Image Credit:
nijistanley.com
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