I’ll be forever grateful for Lakeland and its supportive community for coming along side of me to help me grow (and continue growing) my little business. Catapult gave my business the push it needed after moving back to Lakeland from Colorado and I’ve since learned that Lakeland has something special. Not all cities have the communities that we have. I’m so excited to see what this next chapter holds for me and I’m very grateful to invest back into the community and for the beautiful space that I work in. Not only do I now have a branded place to bring clients, but I also get to be around other creatives on a regular basis which is huge for the creative process and inspiration.
We are elated Jordan found a space she loves, surrounded by a handful of Lakeland’s most talented creatives. She travels often as a destination wedding photographer and her new office gives her a haven to return to after long days of work and travel.
We sat down with Jordan to hear what’s been happening since Catapult.
Q+A with Jordan Weiland
Catapult: How was the transition from working out of the co-working space in Catapult to your own space?
Jordan: It’s been a great transition. I worked a lot at home and held meetings and collaborative work at Catapult. My new space has merged those two, giving me a private office but a wonderful collaborative environment.
Catapult: What are some wins for your business since you’ve moved into your new space?
Jordan: My office space alone has been a big win for me. It has provided a space to grow as my business does and the culture at The Collective has a tangible creative energy. I have also been able to design my space to accurately reflect my style, which is important in a field such as photography.
Catapult: How have you developed your customer family? What are your secrets to customer growth?
Jordan: I want to be able to really get to know each couple to adequately represent who they are on their wedding day. In order to do that, I limit the number of clients that I accept. I believe the best images happen when there’s a trust between photographer and client, which takes time.
Catapult: What’s one thing you’ve learned that you wish you knew when you first started?
Jordan: While it’s great to keep an eye on the industry to have a pulse on what’s going on, don’t let it become a distraction from your task at hand. It’s easy to look at others and think, “That’s what I need to do!” But that may not be the case. Social media can be a great tool and a really dangerous one. Make sure to take a break from time to time and don’t give it too much power.
Catapult: Have you been able to hire any new employees?
Jordan: I haven’t hired any new employees since the transition, but I have thought of hiring an intern or assistant in the near future!
Catapult: Have any of your goals changed from when you first started to now?
Jordan: When I first started in the industry, I took all types of photography jobs that came my way. My goal was to “make it” as a photographer, which was broad and undefined. As the years have progressed, I have learned more about myself, focusing on my strengths and what I enjoy. I now have a more niche market and defined portfolio.
Catapult: Which specific aspect of Catapult can you look back on and identify as the most helpful to your business?
Jordan: Community. I was able to connect with like-minded individuals and be motivated by fellow entrepreneurs who were working to succeed in their industry.
Catapult: What would you wish next for your business?
Jordan: I am completely open to whatever is next for my business, but I would love to do more international destination weddings. Places like Greece, Italy, and New Zealand top the list for me.
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