Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Ahmad.
Sara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As far as I can remember, I was always creatively involved in some way. My family had supported me early on but no one expected me to create a business out of it. My first camera was an Olympus hand-held digital camera for my birthday from my grandmother. I enjoyed scenic and wildlife photography as a hobby.
I remember showing my pictures to my high school librarian, and she encouraged me to submit one of my pictures to the Dallas Morning News photography contest. I did but didn’t really expect anything from it. A week later, I was called in by my school’s principal, congratulating me on having my picture published in the Dallas Morning News and received a check from them as a reward. I was ecstatic! I started practicing photography a bit more seriously afterward. I started photographing any events I could be a part of. In my Junior and Senior year of high school, everyone knew me as “the girl with the camera” and asked me to do shoots for them.
It was during this time, where I started to gain interest in filming. I taught myself editing and started to film short stories. I experimented with different filming and editing styles. I learned to use a green screen, which was a new concept for a student at the time.
When it came to college applications, I remember my friend’s sister taking me to UT Dallas to show me their new program at the time called, ‘Emerging Media and Communication.’ It was everything I hoped to study. I learned many skills in my short time at UT Dallas and connected with wonderful people. It was the perfect fit for me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting any business is never easy. There is a huge learning curve. The hardest was putting a price point on the services I offer. I just didn’t know where to place myself. I have a tendency of lowering my prices because I always felt I wasn’t good enough. It took years of my family and friends telling me I am good, and I needed to be more confident in my abilities. I had to learn how to deal with people and negotiate properly. I’ve come across many people who have taken advantage of me. I just have to be strong-minded and understand that I can’t make everyone happy, and there is no reason for me to lower my standards to please them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Ekko Media, Inc. is a company that specializes in six different services: photography, videography, video editing, web design, graphic design, and social media marketing/management. Currently, we are known for fashion photography and videography. We have been published in a few fashion magazines in the past two years. As for videography, we work with other creatives in the community and offer behind the scenes videos as well as, wedding highlights.
As a company, we are most proud of working with young talented individuals to help hone their skills. This creative space is constantly changing and it is important that we change and learn with it. We are always looking to add new talent to our team and show them the ropes!
Ekko Media, Inc. is a one-stop shop. With our variety of services, we are able to help individuals and businesses. Whether a client wants a photo shoot or they want to expand and improve their online digital presence for their business, we are able to accommodate them all.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The DFW area is so diverse and it’s constantly growing. I never know who I will meet. There are so many creatives in this community and I love connecting and learning from them. This is a great place to start a business similar to mine because there are many opportunities here.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ekkomediainc.com
- Phone: 5039697288
- Email: sara-ahmad@ekkomediainc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekkomediainc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekkomediainc/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEvID-XslvaDjRQRKST6XFg
Image Credit:
My image was taken by Leah Kayyali-PhotographyandFilm
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