Spotlight on CEO Kid and Photographer Hannah Braboy

Sarah:  Please tell me how you got started ( and where CEO Kids and parents can find out more info about you.

Hannah: I got started blogging in 2006 and started really working on building a brand for myself, and learning learning PR and marketing. I got my first professional camera in 2008, flicked it in manual mode started teaching myself, and blogging about it. In 2009, I interned for a very popular graphic designer, my best friend Darcy who owns Graphically Designing. It was a wonderful experience, and afterwards I was positive that the photography industry was for me and Darcy encouraged me in that direction. In Summer 2010, I officially launched Hannah Braboy Photography! Today you can find me processing the latest shoot(s), blogging, working with some of the nation’s top brands and companies, and working with the team of staff on the BlissDom ’11 blog conference, where I will be the photographer coordinator and an official photographer. You can find me on Twitter as @Hannah_Braboy, on Facebook under Hannah Braboy, and my blog + site http://hannahbraboy.com/.

Sarah:  What do you think are the most important skills you have that help you in business?

Hannah:

1. Not being afraid to jump in head first and pouring 110% more than you expected into something you love
2. Setting yourself up for success
3. Failing over and over and getting back up each time

Hannah: At first it was the issue of driving because I don’t have my driver’s license, but now I just pay my mom or dad to take me places. They are a big part of what I do!

Sarah:  How old were you when you started and how old are you now?  How does your age affect your business success and are you planning to go to college?

Hannah: I was 11 when I started and I am now 15 and a junior in high school. It honestly doesn’t affect things much at all because I conduct myself in an adult like manner and prove to others that they can trust me. Yes, I am planning on going to college and getting a business degree in marketing.

Sarah:  What kind of expenses or start-up costs did you have when you started your business and where did you find the money or capital to start?

Hannah: The start up costs have really only been equipment and branding/marketing materials. I pay for everything myself and always have by doing a shoot and using that money to buy the next important thing.

Sarah:  This is my favoriate question to ask — What have been the best surprises that you found in starting your business?

Hannah: The biggest surprise and reward is all of the seriously awesome, gorgeous, kind people I get to work with each and every day – clients, companies, small business owners, my friends.

Sarah:  What ideas and approaches do you use to market your business and what do you find works best for you in getting the word out about who you are and what you are doing?

Hannah: I have found really connecting with people in person, on social media, and on my blog and website has been the most helpful. Representing my brand in all those places is important too because in my industry, I am the brand.

Sarah: How do you balance it all?

Hannah:  I balance school, work, and family by spending the morning sans-technology working on school and spending time with my family. (I’m homeschooled.) I work in the afternoons from 1pm-3 or 4pm Monday-Thursday. The rest of the time is spent with my family and friends. I guess I don’t find time to be a kid in the normal sense. This is just me and I love my job.

Hannah:  I would say constantly hone in on your skill, don’t be afraid to jump in head first into something scary, do the most good for the most people, earn people’s trust (especially adults), make adults your friends, and get back up every time you fail.