Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Mausner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have two businesses: I am a career coach and also a portrait and lifestyle photographer. It definitely took a lot of time to get to this point! Once I finally connected my own dots and realized that I didn’t have a linear path, I used my skills, strengths, and interests to purse a path that made sense for me. Before this, I too, suffered from feeling unsure and followed what I thought I should do based on what society deemed “successful”, i.e a linear career path. It took me many years, and even working with my own coach, to bring me to the realization that not only is my path powerful, but it led me to helping individuals in this capacity, which is what I’m meant to do.
My career began in the corporate world and has included sales, marketing, and business consulting. During my time at a particular firm, I felt like I couldn’t be authentic and that I wasn’t maximizing my potential, and the work didn’t feel important or aligned for me. After listening to myself, I moved on to something completely creative and different, while working for a tech startup.
During this time, I picked up a camera and started a photography business. I knew it was a big risk at the time but I had to follow my creative calling. As time passed, I niched my business to focus on personal branding photography and “not so corporate” headshots because I enjoyed adding an element of storytelling to my work and my clients loved showing their personality in their professional photos. Additionally, I also shoot photography projects that illuminate social issues and social norms in the U.S. This stems from my academic background and passion for sociology.
Almost around the same time as I was growing my photography business, I began learning about psychology, mindset, and entrepreneurship, and also realized that I was the person everyone would go to for advice, to vent, and to feel heard. That’s when I realized I also wanted to be a coach because it really married all of my past experiences in education, consulting, and working with people. So that’s when my online coaching business for ambitious men & women who want to build confidence and love their career really unfolded. I’d like to say I have a knack and innate skill for connecting with people, seeing what you cannot see in yourself, and empathizing with the human experience. It’s a vocation for sure that I feel called to do.
Has it been a smooth road?
No way! Any type of risk out of your comfort zone will never be smooth. This is where most people freak out and turn back towards their comfort zone, as soon as any ounce of fear arises. I promised myself that this time no matter what, I wasn’t going to give up, even if I failed a million times along the way. I could always accept slowing down, but not stopping. The biggest thing for me has been managing my mindset and the fear that comes with carving out your own path. When you go off alone, it’s a very isolating journey and I am sure most entrepreneurs would agree with me. Other than managing fear and mindset, the obvious financial uncertainties are there. Not receiving a paycheck every two weeks is an adjustment and learning to make sacrifices early on has been really important for me. When I first started my businesses, most friends and family didn’t really understand what I was going through and it was hard to communicate what I was doing and why because I almost couldn’t articulate it myself. The beginning is always the hardest because you are proving your credibility to others. It was challenging to not have a ton of support from people right away, but I focused on listening to myself because I knew what was best for me. Finally, because I know this is my long-term plan, I am learning that this is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes years to develop something and reach a certain level of success, but many people don’t realize that. I think if you want to start something new you must be patient and in it for the long-term.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
For my life & career coaching business (my main focus now), I help men and women map a path towards meaningful work and find more purpose, confidence, and energy. My clients say they know themselves better and feel more empowered after working with me. I work with ambitious individuals who are feeling stuck and/or unfulfilled…so come see me if that’s you!
For Amanda’s Aperture Photography, I am a lifestyle portrait and headshot photographer. I photograph entrepreneurs, coaches, healers, consultants, business owners, and employees in a way that feels real and authentic. My style is definitely “not so corporate” but still very professional. I choose unique locations and backgrounds for every photoshoot depending on the brand of my client. People come to me when they don’t want the cookie cutter headshot or something that’s too sterile — they want unique and unconventional.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! Chicago has been the most incredible city to start my businesses. It’s extremely entrepreneurial but not over saturated or overwhelming. I know there are a ton of potential photography clients here waiting for me and my skills. And I also know there are a lot of burnt out corporate employees that would maybe like to explore other careers and/or self-employment. I think Chicago is not as spiritual/growth oriented or entrepreneurial as a place like Los Angeles yet, but I’ve definitely enjoyed starting and growing here and taking the steps to understanding the needs of people specifically in Chicago. I would rather be in a place where I can feel like a bigger fish in a smaller pond, so Chicago is an awesome place for that. [Update: now living in Brooklyn]
Pricing:
- My individual headshots all start at $375, but if you have a group I offer special pricing. If you have other needs, please reach out for a quote.
- My one-on-one coaching packages start at $1000, but I offer lower cost workshops, group programs, events (in addition to tons of free content online) so reach out either way because my services are inclusive to all price ranges.
Contact Info:
- Website: amandamausner.com and amandasaperture.com
- Phone: 908-902-9889
- Email: amanda@amandamausner.com or amanda@amandasaperture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.mausner https://www.instagram.com/amandasaperture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.mausner/ https://www.facebook.com/amandasaperture/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
