Ranjani Barnes' Subscription Photo Service for Small Business Owners

‍Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I'm friendly and always here to help if you need me! I run a photography business located in Portland, Oregon, primarily focusing on small business owners who are looking for high-quality product photography. My business operates on a subscription model, making it easy and affordable for businesses to get consistent, professional images for their marketing and branding needs.

Who are your customers?

My customers are small business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for high-quality product photography to enhance their marketing and branding efforts. These are businesses that need consistent, professional images to showcase their products online or in print, but want an affordable and reliable solution. With my subscription model, I make it easy for them to get the visuals they need without the hassle of arranging one-off photoshoots, allowing them to focus on growing their business while I handle their photography needs.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Computer Science Engineer

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

As a Computer Science Engineer, I’ve always had a passion for technology and problem-solving, but photography has been a creative outlet for me for years. The leap to start my own photography business came from the realization that I wanted to combine my technical skills with my love for visual storytelling. Running a business allowed me to have the freedom to build something that was my own, while helping other small businesses succeed through high-quality product photography. The idea of offering a subscription model for consistent, professional images appealed to my engineering mindset, as it created a scalable and efficient solution for clients. It felt like the perfect blend of creativity and strategic thinking.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

My parents are business owners, and I realized that I share that same entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve discovered that I love the idea of running my own business and have the confidence that I can do it too.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched Grace Photography PDX, my marketing strategy focused on building a strong online presence and leveraging social media. I created an engaging website showcasing my portfolio and the services I offered, particularly emphasizing my subscription model for small business owners. I also used Instagram and Facebook to share my work, connect with local businesses, and engage with my community.

In addition, I reached out to small business owners directly, offering promotional sessions to help them get started with product photography. This grassroots approach helped me build relationships and establish a client base. 

While I faced some challenges in the beginning, such as figuring out the best ways to reach my target audience, overall, the strategy worked well. I gradually gained visibility, and word-of-mouth referrals helped me grow. It was a learning experience, but each step taught me more about what my clients needed and how to effectively market my services.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

Lead generation is something I constantly strive for—I'm not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing to always more and more

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

Receiving multiple awards for being one of the best photographers to work with in Portland is one of my proudest accomplishments. Additionally, being able to make this business financially sustainable—covering all my bills and supporting other aspects of my life—is a significant success. Especially in a cultural context where it's not very common for women to thrive in business outside of traditional roles like engineering or medicine, this achievement feels even more meaningful.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes, I have some recent wins to celebrate! Over the last year, I’ve been featured in multiple magazines for my business and my work. It’s been an incredible honor to share my passion for photography with a wider audience!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

In the coming years, I’m excited to expand my business and introduce a new handbag brand that I’m currently in the process of launching. Each handbag will be designed by me and handmade in India by underprivileged women. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to these women, helping them improve their lives and support their families, as many of them currently earn only around $5 a month. This initiative not only allows me to share my passion for design but also aims to empower these women and create a positive impact in their communities. I can’t wait to share more about this journey with everyone!

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip in business is to prioritize and set clear goals. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a daily or weekly to-do list to stay focused. Additionally, allocate specific time blocks for different activities to minimize distractions and maximize efficiency. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals ensures you stay on track and helps maintain motivation.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

On the flip side, I avoid burnout by setting boundaries—I don’t work after 5 PM or on weekends, no matter what. This time off helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

Same as above -  I avoid burnout by setting boundaries—I don’t work after 5 PM or on weekends, no matter what. This time off helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. my time after 5 and weekend is just for family

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my entrepreneurial journey is the importance of networking and building relationships. Connecting with other entrepreneurs and professionals in my field can open doors, provide valuable support, and lead to new opportunities. I learned that collaboration and community are just as crucial to success as having a great product or service.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

"Can you share a specific example of a challenging situation you faced in a previous role and how you handled it?" This helps me gauge problem-solving skills and adaptability.

If you've raised capital for your business already, what are some of your best tips or lessons learned?

Grants is the only way I have raised capital

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

Yes, I am a Mamaprenista! My best advice for managing a business and a family simultaneously is to prioritize and plan. Establish a clear schedule that balances work commitments with family time, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Additionally, involve your family in your business journey when possible—sharing your work can help them understand your commitments. Lastly, make self-care a priority; taking time for yourself is essential to recharge and be the best version of both a parent and an entrepreneur.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

Instagram lol

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tool for my photography business is **HoneyBook**. It streamlines client management by allowing me to create proposals, contracts, and invoices all in one place. It also has great scheduling features that help me keep track of appointments and follow-ups. The user-friendly interface and automation options save me a lot of time, letting me focus more on my photography and creative work rather than administrative tasks. It’s been a game-changer for managing my workflow and client relationships!

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is to embrace your passion and stay true to your vision. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and encouragement. Don't be afraid to take risks and learn from failures; they are valuable lessons that can lead to growth. Additionally, prioritize time management and set clear goals to keep your business on track. Lastly, always invest in yourself—whether through education, networking, or self-care, nurturing your personal and professional development is essential for long-term success.

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