From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Carley Storm, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
I actually started my career as a Dental Hygienist. Post-college, I lived and worked in London and then made my way to Rome, Italy where I worked as a Hygienist for five years working mostly with expats. I created a niche- the only English-speaking hygienist in Rome and saw many US government workers, Ambassadors, expats- it was very fascinating to be able to meet all these people. When I came back to the US, I continued my work as a hygienist in NYC. During this time, I was always taking pictures of my travels and dreamed of making a career out of it. I bought my first “real camera” a couple weeks after I moved back to the states. Maybe my biggest photography regret was not knowing photography while living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
My photography career started during my first maternity break in 2016. My good friend asked me to take photos for her business (now Iris Yoga in Bloomfield, NJ) and a huge lightbulb went off. I had found a way to pursue my passion and take pictures for a living! My first goal was to get busy enough with photography work to quit my full-time job and I was finally able to do that in 2018.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love everything about being a confident female entrepreneur and I hope to inspire other women and mothers to do the same! Showing my children that you can follow your dreams inspires me! I hope to find the things that inspire the women I work with and lift them up to greater heights as well.
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
It was so exciting in 2021 to announce the opening of a “Headshot & Brand Bar.” This has become a creative space where clients can pop in for headshots and entrepreneurs can bring in products to shoot for their websites and social media. I also host once-a-month workshops where female entrepreneurs can gather!
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
Quit my dental job and take the leap to build this business!
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
I am so excited to see where my clients go with the images and video I create for them. It brings me joy to help promote clients with businesses of their own.
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
I’m excited to begin focusing more on media/PR and in-person networking to increase visibility and ultimately grow my business. I’m excited to see where these efforts will take me. I’m always trying to improve things & find the best paths toward achieving my goals, and I’m really hoping this will be one of them!
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
JUST DO IT! You can literally Google and YouTube anything you need to know about anything you could ever want to know. Don’t stop growing, learning, improving, and dreaming.
Connect with Carley Storm
This feature is part of our Female Founder Series, where female founders share about their businesses and lives. Submit to take part in the series!
Photo credit: Courtesy of Carley Storm
