We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Salmeron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I was always told to go to school, stay in school, and get that degree because that is the key to success and happiness. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and then I landed a 9-5 corporate job. Once I got the job, I was super excited and very proud of myself! This was the one thing I did on my own and I felt like my career was about to take off. Of course it’s something to be proud of, because not alot of people are able to go to school in the first place and get that degree. It’s tough! Well, 2 years later, I was still in the same position with no opportunity to grow. I felt my work environment was very toxic and I began to dread going to work. I thought to myself…. “Is this what everyone was talking about? Is this what success looks like? When does that happiness kick in?” I thought real hard, was this it? If I get another 9-5 or different position internally, was it going to be the same? That’s when a little light bulb turned on in my head and I knew in my heart, that this is the time to start. My. Own. Business. I knew what I wanted to pursue, I knew I wanted to start. I looked more into how to start a photography business, invested in education and courses, and I had a great support system and now me and my SISTER are. running our own business! I just did it and I never looked back!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am so proud of how far we’ve come. There were many times that I wanted to stop and quit because, I’m going to be honest and vulnerable here, I would always compare myself to others. That was very discouraging to me and it made me feel to quit. But I always thought about my WHY. Why did I start my photography business? Because I LOVE being behind the camera and making my clients laugh and getting to know more people and their story. When I look at my clients through the lens, I see their story and no one else’s. I see them, like if I’m watching a movie! We definitely treat our clients like if we’ve known them forever! So each new client we meet, we don’t see them as business, we see them as part of us. I mean after all, if it weren’t for our clients, there wouldn’t be us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This one made me laugh because truth be told… my best friend since the 5th grade literally lives across from me. Lol. But if she were to visit after a very long time for a week during Fall season, here would be my itinerary. Since we both have babies, Monday we’ll spend the whole day at Disneyland! Yesss! Disney! Never get bored of it. Got to make sure I get a churro, turkey leg, and a pretzel! Then Tuesday we’ll go to Oak Glen and visit Los Rios Rancho for some apple picking and do a cute little photoshoot out there of our kiddos. And we have to stop by Apple Annie’s & Pops and Drops before heading home. A must-try by the way. Wednesday, I’ll host dinner at my house and have a fire pit in the backyard just chillin with some wine and a charcuterie board. Thursday would be a beach day! And of course, I’ll take her to our favorite little beach spot in Laguna Beach. Take some sandwiches from Jersey Mikes (ugh so good) and Hot Cheetos! After soaking some sun and a small little photoshoot (yes, I take my camera everywhere LOL) we’ll go to a local restaurant to grub. And to end the week, we’ll find some babysitters, get dressed up, get our mans, and head out to Downtown Pomona! There’s seriously so much to do there! We can start of at The Paradox Arcade + Bar (which by the way is SO much fun!) then head out to O’ Donovan’s Pub (favorite bar), Metro Alehouse & Grill for some dancing and drinks, head to Characters Sports Bar to play pool, and if they’re open, head to Delicious Freedom USA. What a busy and tiring week I picture LOL but all the awesome memories that can happen are just waiting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was really blessed to have the most supportive person in my life and that is my husband. He has been supportive since day 1 and til this day, he encourages me to be better than yesterday. My sister, also had been my backbone! As my second photographer, she has been there through our slow days to the busiest seasons. As far as professional-wise, I have SO many mentors to thank, I don’t know where to start. LOL. But, the couple who helped me jump into my photography world and learn the ins and outs to behind the camera and editing, is Amy and Jordan. I bought their course and that seriously gave me the confidence I needed to keep going! I want to thank Kylie Goldie as well for helping me with my business as well. My site is only getting better because of his course and I am still not done. I want to thank all my photographer friends, all the workshops I’ve been to so I can get the content I need and showcase my work – (Meraki Workshops, The Counterfeit Wedding, Styled Hwy, and La Linda Vida Workshop). If there are any photographers reading, you guys know how much style shoots are important for our portfolios to grow and I am so grateful and thankful for them! My goal is also to create my very own style shoots in the near future for those creatives.

Website: Jimenezphotographyyy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimenezphotographyyy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimenezphotographyyy

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jimenez-photography-pomona

Image Credits
Jessica and Stacey

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