How do you build community as a business owner, and is it even all that important? On this episode, I sit down with Danielle Kaminski from the Maker’s Chat podcast to talk all about community building as a creative entrepreneur.
We talk about building community with people both inside and outside of your industry, and how to meet other business owners through the Rising Tide Society.
This episode originally aired on Makers Chat Podcast with Danielle Kaminski in March 2022.
My journey from wedding photographer to online educator and back
Like a lot of photographers, I picked up a camera in high school as a hobby. However, I quickly fell in love with the craft of photography and became a wedding and portrait photographer. During that time, I realized I had a real knack for the business side too, which not a ton of creative entrepreneurs enjoy.
When my husband and I moved from South Carolina to California, I knew it would take a long time to get into the event industry, so I pivoted my business to online education. I started mentoring photographers and other creative entrepreneurs through online courses and resources.
While in California, I also built community with other business owners by joining a Tuesdays Together Group from the Rising Tide Society. I learned firsthand what kind of resources and education other creative entrepreneurs needed, and I started creating it.
Today, I’m back in South Carolina and doing photography again. However, I haven’t given up on online education. I run a photography business that I love with my sister in law and continue to educate via my online platforms.
Breaking down the barrier of entry for creative entrepreneurs
My passion for education comes from my desire to help other entrepreneurs get started on their own journeys and build their dream businesses. I got started in photography before Instagram was even a thing, and there was no education on how to become a photographer. It was life-changing when I found people who were willing to help me, and I wanted to be that person for other business owners.
Building community through the Rising Tide Society
My biggest passion is building community with other business owners, which is why I joined Rising Tide chapters in both California and South Carolina. Today, I lead the chapter in Greenville. Rising Tide sets the topics of each meeting and provides education. We cover things like email marketing, bookkeeping, social media, and more.
During the pandemic, Rising Tide expanded beyond creative entrepreneurs. Today, we have all types of small business owners in our Rising Tide chapter. No matter what kind of business anyone owns, we all go through similar things and can learn from each other.
I love learning from people who are totally outside the photography industry, and I believe it’s good for all business owners to make connections outside of their own industry. For example, some of the best business lessons I’ve learned have been from people in the sales world.
The best part of being in a community like Rising Tide is being surrounded by like-minded people who can support you on your business journey.
Rapid fire questions
Beach or mountains?
Mountains
Coffee or tea?
Coffee 100%
Movies or books?
Movies
Extrovert or introvert?
Extrovert
If you could go back in time to any period in history, what period would you go, and where would you visit?
I would go back to the 70s because I love the style, and I would visit San Francisco
Who would you want to spend an hour talking to?
Rosa Parks
Important sections of the conversation
(1:29) From photographer to online educator and back
(7:12) Breaking down the barrier of entry for creative entrepreneurs
(13:00) Building community through the Rising Tide Society
(21:00) Rapid fire questions
