Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Grimm.
Jenny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My life as a working mother of two young children (4 y/o daughter + 2 y/o son) is busy, a bit chaotic, unpredictable, and humbling- but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I recently gave up a solid career in dentistry to pursue this dream ‘job’ of creating authentic, emotive images for my clients. It all started because I needed to create a more flexible working role for myself to accommodate our growing family. In a nutshell: my younger child was a high risk pregnancy with more than a handful of medical scares, and it involved seeing multiple pediatric specialists at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital downtown… and a ton of stress. Luckily for us, most of our son’s medical scares have resolved, but talk about life grabbing you by the collar and telling you to slow down to appreciate the little things. It’s now my new mantra on life: #collectmomentsnotthings
It is now so incredibly fulfilling when I get to spend time with all of my client’s blessings in life- babies and families: their favorite humans. I’m OBSESSED with genuine, organic, and intimate moments that make you want to just hug a little bit harder. Those are the very moments that I love to capture because they shape life, and you’re getting the vantage point of a mama with the biggest empathetic heart because I appreciate it ALL. Even the inevitable sleep deprivation, the endless laundry, and the poopy diapers. Our life phases evolve and change so quickly, and one day our babies will grow to create their own families one day. I want my viewers (and future generations) to look at my photos and FEEL a sense of those intimate moments and connections that I would covet for myself. It’s a beautiful reminder of each family legacy and their life’s story.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If building a business was EASY, everyone would be a successful, wealthy entrepreneur, right? 😉
I’m pretty type-A to a certain degree (you have to remember I used to work in millimeter format in patient’s gums in my former career), and when I put my mind to something, I will get it done! It’s easy to self-motivate when you have passion for the work you’re building yourself. But the struggle for me has been trying to maintain the perfect work/life balance. Especially at the start of business and you’re gauging your initial growth.
I recently started a subset division of my company, called Modern School Portraits, and I take my lifestyle approach of photography to create updated school portraits. (You can learn more about it here: https://jennygrimm.com/blog/schooled-modern-school-portraits-chicago) I’ve had such a great response and the parents have been loving these, but I’ve also got to be mindful of how that precious balance. It’s just so important to get back to the basics to remind myself why I started this business in the first place. I need to be flexible for my family, too.
Jenny Grimm Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Jenny Grimm is most known for being a Chicago-based newborn, baby, and maternity photographer specializing in modern lifestyle family photography. This ‘lifestyle’ approach to photography is a bit more candid and the families I photograph tend to look more natural because their interactions with each other happen a bit more organically versus a stiffed, posed photograph. I take pride of the connections I make with my clients behind the lens- they often forget my camera is even there, and almost everyone is amazed at how much FUN they have during our sessions together!
And I love that I’ve been able to add Modern School Portraits (http://jennygrimm.com/schools) to the mix too. It’s been wonderful that I’ve been able to meet so many more families and children this way. I happily donate 10% of the Modern School Portrait sales back to the school, which help benefit the children’s care and education. It’s a WIN-WIN for everyone.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
How do I personally measure success? That’s such a hard question. If you asked me this question BEFORE I started my business, my candid response would be something a bit more materialistic in nature: the size of our house, or giving you an inventory of all of the beautiful, shiny things we own.
Now, I have such an attitude of gratitude and I consider this business as a life blessing. I believe that true success is living the life that is authentic to who you are. Creating beautiful, authentic memories that bring both tears (of joy) and happiness to my clients fulfills me in such a way that keeps motivating my passion for creating beautiful art. If I’m able to keep getting that kind of feedback from my clients, I consider that priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jennygrimm.com
- Email: jenny@jennygrimm.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenny.grimm
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennygrimmphotography
Image Credit:
Jenny Grimm Photography
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