Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Lam.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Believe it or not, I actually started off as a graduate pharmacy student! It was a promising career path that would get me a six-figure salary after graduation. I studied, worked, and lost a lot of sleep during the 5-6 years to get there, only to realize I really wasn’t happy. When I decided to drop out, it was a tough mental battle. It was even tougher breaking the news to my parents, especially after spending their hard-earned money to put me through school.
After dropping out, I got a stable job in software sales. I had a decent salary but at the end of the day, I knew I wasn’t happy there either. But, it paid for plenty of vacations and with it, some camera gear to capture those memories. I had always loved filmmaking ever since I was in high school. Back then, I was the guy with the camcorders making videos for concerts/shows and for school projects. So it was great to revive that teenage passion again!
So on the side of my then full-time job, I started making videos for businesses, for friends, and for my own social media. I posted them on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram – just anywhere that people would watch them. I spent a lot of time on these videos and I found myself even editing during work hours haha! I was obsessed and loved every minute of it. People also loved what I was creating. So after months and months of going through the motions at my job and debating if I should pursue video full-time, I took the leap of faith – I saved up money, quit my stable job, and used my camera to pursue my passion.
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?
Definitely not haha. Anyone starting their own business from the ground up will run into some bumps in the road! First off, it was tough gaining support from the people closest to me. They were skeptical at first, which I completely understand. It got me down and discouraged me quite a bit. But I knew the biggest supporter had to come from myself.
It was also tough getting paying clients. For months I did a lot of free work, like promotional videos, weddings, and filming for other videographers. I built up my portfolio off of this and used the money I had saved up from my old job to make my own website, business cards, and buy more professional camera gear. To pay the bills, I served at a sushi restaurant – which barely covered the living costs… Let’s just say I didn’t go out much haha.
Since then, I’ve been able to quit serving and solely rely on my own business for my income – and I love it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mike Lam Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a photographer and videographer but my specialty is in video. I just love how I can tell stories through “moving pictures” and how emotionally engaging it is. Right now, I’ve been making a lot of fitness-related content for influencers and business owners in the industry. Whether it be for bodybuilders, fitness competitors, sponsored athletes, or personal trainers.
I’m really proud of how I’ve networked and created meaningful relationships with my current clients. I think having that cohesiveness is so important for a fluid business and good communication.
I believe what really sets me apart is my ability to capture my clients’ visions through the videos I create for them. I take my time understanding my clients and where they come from on a personal level, as well as their end-goals as individuals. The most fulfilling thing to hear from my clients is not how great my work is, but the tangible impact that resulted from it to get them closer to their goals.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Fortunately, I’ve had more good luck than bad in my life! I was born and raised by two amazing, hard-working parents who only want the best for me. I’m lucky to have my sister, my girlfriend, and my closest friends still happy, healthy, and by my side today.
In terms of business, I’ve met some incredibly driven people who I believe are onto big things. I hope to continue to work with them in the long-run and others like them in the future. Things are looking up for me and I will always be grateful for everything I have experienced so far – good and bad.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mikelamphotography.com
- Phone: 469-850-3079
- Email: mikelamphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mikelam_
- Facebook: facebook.com/mikelam
- Twitter: twitter.com/mikelam_
- Other: vimeo.com/mikelam
Image Credit:
Tawna Eubanks, Greg McCoy, Daniel Sullivan, Jeanine Amapola, Gina Kim, Crystal Lam, Josh Glover
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