Exclusive Interview with J and L T Photography founders

April 6, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

If you’re trying to make it anywhere in this world, chances are you’re going to need a photo. Today I had a discussion with professional photographers and entrepreneurs Jon and Liz, the founders of J and L T Photography.

Please share how you became an entrepreneur and what inspired you to open J and L T Photography?

Jon: I been photographing now for more than 30 years I am a wildlife photographer for first that is my love that is my passion all my life, I have been publish in BBC Wildlife Magazine: United Kingdom & Germany

Pacific Discovery Magazine: California

Seasons Magazine: Ontario Canada

PEREGRINE FALCONS – C. Savage (Douglas & McIntyre): Canada

“Abenteuer NATUR” – Meister Verlag: Germany

Liz: I have been following what Jon was doing for the last 20 year we have been married, he tough me all I know and he still teaching me but decided to become more commercial knowing we needed to pay the bills and having 2 little girls, the bills gets bigger we market, wedding, models, birthday parties, events, baptism, etc everything.

What do you love most about your work?

Jon; Meeting people, being outdoors and shooting birds and wild animals.

Liz: Having fun with people transforming a person from a normal everyday person to a model even if it is for that one day or that one hr. our focus is on romantic sophistication in holistic elegance, and our aim is at self-empowerment in self-esteem.

What is J and L T Photography’s specialty?

Jon and Liz: We say no! To anything, we photograph everything – some things Jon is better at capturing something Liz is better at.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur?

Jon and Liz: The biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur is making sure you stay focus and always looking for new customer and or repeat customer and we think is the same for all entrepreneurs out there some more some less.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

Liz; Running your own business is very challenging, we need to stay focus, networking is very important, not just with your niche but outside of you niche, you never know who you are going to meet out there who can take your business to the next level, I always think of the glass ½ full stay positive, stay completive to the market out there, be aware of your competitor, read, read all the new information about how to market, advertised, find a mentor or a coach to keep you in track, and no matter what other may say about you or your business bad or good at least they are talking about you.

How do you balance your personal and business activities?

Jon and Liz; we have meeting about where the business is going, and the root it needs to go.

Personal activities we take the kids to small vacation even if it is a 3 day thing but something to keep us together or something a walk in a close forest so the kids can know their animal and birds.

How can people keep tabs on what’s happening with J and L T Photography?

Liz, we have a “FUN” page in facebook of course that I update almost every day, with pictures, latest news, videos, feedback, even referrals to make up artist, model we have photograph so there is always something new to look at, also we have a website that is… www.jandltphotography.com and our YouTube channel LizyT100 where we post our latest videos I would say on a monthly bases.

Also our number is 647-955-0298 and e-mail is liz@jandltphotography.com

Thanks for the opportunity of this amazing interview.

 

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Exclusive Interview With Lisa M Jackson of Jackson Virtual Solutions

March 15, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Jackson Virtual Solutions brings to us another innovative idea in business. Choosing to focus on a niche catering to both real estate agents and consultants, Jackson Virtual Solutions helps with administration, marketing, management and operations.

Today’s interview is an exclusive with Lisa M. Jackson, who will share with us a little more about her company, as well as some tips for all you aspiring business professionals out there. Please share with us how Jackson Virtual Solutions got started and what you offer.

Jackson Virtual Solutions was founded in 2003 after the birth of my son Alexavier. He was born with lyrangomalacia and tracheamalacia (two forms of collapsed airway disease). This kept him from being able to attend daycare and kept me from returning to work. Being a single mother, I began researching ways to work from home while performing the same job duties I had at my former employer.

We offer small business marketing, management and operations and general administration.

What types of consultants and real estate agents would most benefit from Jackson Virtual Solutions’ services?

The types of real estate agents and consultants who would benefit the most from using Jackson Virtual Solutions are established solopreneurs who have reached the point when their business has begun to plateau. Once this point in their business is reached, it becomes necessary to seek assistance to help their business to continue to flourish and grow. We best serve those who have a a clear plan and specific goals.

This is quite a forward-thinking idea. Did you notice that a lot of people in the industry were getting bogged down with administrative responsibilities?

Yes actually. For real estate agents, administrative responsibilities make up a good portion of their day. From marketing, transaction management, listing coordination etc. These are all necessary for a successful real estate practice but they all take away from what an agent is meant to do; sell. We allow the agent to focus on selling while we handle the non-income producing asks.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur?

The biggest challenge for me as an entrepreneur is taking time out for myself. I am a mother of seven, a new grandmother and an entrepreneur. Sometimes, it’s hard to find time just for myself.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

The best advice I can give someone who wants to be successful in business is two parts. The first is to build your business based on something that you are passionate about and love. The second is to never stop marketing. As long as you are marketing, you will always have clients.

How can people find out more about Jackson Virtual Solutions?

If you would like to find out more about Jackson Virtual Solutions, you can visit us on the web at www.jacksonvirtualsolutions.com, email lmjackson@lisamjackson.com or call us at 540-446-0560.

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Interview With Health Coach Mercedes Carrillo-Vivar of Anchored Within

March 5, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Today’s interview is with popular health coach Mercedes Carrillo-Vivar, who run her own inspired business called Anchored Within, with the specific aim of helping people mobilize themselves on their path to health and personal connection. Please share with us the origins of Anchored Within.

I carried the post pregnancy weight around for years my last child was three and I went on a journey to loss it all. Health and well being topics came into my awareness. All forms of media from self help books, magazines radio, support groups, gyms personal trainers and coaches.

A timed slow approach over 12 months happened. Then bang! A major breakthrough. I realized if I wanted to make this happen I had to find my real reason why I wanted to lose it. I found the answer, my passion, my reason, now I got it. I lost 25 kilos in 5 months. DONE.

Now … all I wanted was to keep it off! How the hell was I supposed to do that? After all I just let it go, yes I just let the kilos come off. Good. Hard but true I did it. The last thing I wanted to sabotaging myself and go on that crazy yo yo effects. NO MORE!

All I wanted was to cause my own direct outcomes. Be responsible for myself and just stop blaming others. Those trigger foods and cravings I had under control I now got my self esteem back. GREAT!

I understood that “exercise and good nutrition” was the standard platform for weight loss, but it was not the complete answer to it. It was about my self beliefs and my own values that got me out of this stuck state of mind.

As I came to terms with my new look I did my weekly weighing and measuring rituals. I used a measuring tape, scales calipers and even saw my dress sizes drop. WOW!

My journey to losing 25 kilos was attained and all that study and understanding I had under my wing was not going to secure my keeping it off.

Just like “The Biggest Looser” tv show, I too pushed my physical boundaries to levels I never new I had. And “dame it” it was a lot of hard work sweet and tears.

My journey did not stop there – I knew intrinsically that there was a balanced not yet mastered inside of myself. I had an inclination it could be about the “ body mind connection. The conscious and unconscious mind. Could this be the key? I just didn’t know. I yearned the hungered for balance and inner peace. Inner peace for life long good health and well being was my number one priority.

I wanted to inspire others I looked to be trained in this area – I became a life coach! My niche is of course Weight Loss industry.

My personal experience is everyone has answers within themselves. You nourish your goals and listen to your unconscious mind and grow and strengthen your desires over time. So activate your efforts by bridging the gap with your actions then just see the results happen as you reach your desires goals and targets.

What made you decide to become a health coach?

I wanted my passion for health and well being to encourage and guide others out of stuck state of minds. My weight loss journey is my passion and platform as a personal testimony of how it can be done. Now as a health coach I deliver this with power and fruition.

What do you love most about your work?

I love to see people get results and just get it right. After all we all trying and trying our best. My clients lose that 5 to 10 kilos.

They understand it is about a body mind connection journey and Weight loss is not just a physical journey.

Why do most people need coaching on their road to health?

Coaching is like having a buddy holding you accountable to your own realistic goals as you plough through a whole lot of limiting beliefs and negative emotions. Having a Coach is great on down days supporting you and holding you accountable.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur?

To be honest we humans are not perfect – to say the least – I work hard to be consciously aware of my unconscious mind, as I too make sure I am strong and mentally available for all my clients. This is my duty.

I know that physical fitness, peaceful meditation, personal goals are key words that keep me focussed and inline. By doing this I am the best I can be.

I am the first to recognise when I need help. I will put my hand up and outsource when I need to.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

Find your passion, work on it, then train yourself to make it happen. Most important be constant and true to your dream.

How do you balance your personal and business activities?

I make sure I have a daily cut off time, my personal me time and also keep my weekends for my family.

How can people get themselves started with Anchored Within?

It all begins with a desire to make change for yourself in wanting greater health and well being. You can then communicate with me via phone, skype, email, or via the web site at www.anchoredwith.com.au. I will then contact you to help and support you to achieve your realist goals.

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Business Feature – Catalyst Arts Offers Innovative Event Entertainment

March 1, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Catalyst Arts is a very unique and in demand business. Please tell us about the company and how custom entertainment and art experiences like yours have become more popular in recent years.

Humans love novelty and beauty. We delight in things which are remarkable and which remind us of all that is possible. Catalyst Arts fuses all of these things together into ‘Eventertainment’ that is not only designed to impress the guests, but more importantly, to inspire and engage them. People like to look at pretty things, but even more, they like to participate in and feel a part of exciting things. Whenever possible I make my characters interactive so that they are not just something to watch, but an experience to enjoy!

Hosts of parties want their guests to have a good time, and want their event to stand out and be memorable. So it is not surprising that cirque performances, walkabout characters, photo booths, and anything novel is increasing in popularity. The very best way to ensure that your entertainment is novel is to have it designed and tailor made just for you.

What do you love most about your type of work?

I love the process of taking a wild idea from my imagination, pushing it through into reality, and witnessing people interacting with it. I love the diversity and variedness of it- because I get bored easily and thrive on reinvention. I love that I get paid to play dress up and bring sparkle to people’s celebrations.

What are some of the strangest environments you’ve created for your clients?

At a recent gala for a prominent environmental organization in San Francisco, Catalyst Arts produced 4 ambient animal characters that animated the event. We had a glowing umbrella jellyfish swimming through the crowd, a cirque looking salmon selling raffle tickets, and a stilt walking mermaid and blue heron giving out messages to the guests. Combined together we really brought a level of fantastical novelty to the event and animated it with a reminder of the animals the organization was protecting.

How do you collaborate with your clients on what will be the perfect fit for their event?

Often clients will have some idea or will perhaps start with just wanting stilt walking (since that is what I was initially known for), and then I will give them a bunch of options and ideas to consider. Then, a synergy of ideas begins. I often end up customizing the entertainment package to the specific theme and specifications of the event, and occasionally create a new character for it.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in the entertainment business?

I say always keep pushing the envelope of innovation and try to be unique. Know what is going on in your industry and who is at the frontiers and then imagine what you can do that is even a step further.

How can people get in touch and book Catalyst Arts for their upcoming event?

Please visit our website at www.catalystarts.com

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Elopesandiego.com – Home of the Dog Friendly Wedding

March 1, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Today’s exclusive is with a very progressive business called Elope San Diego, who are revolutionizing the wedding industry by creating beach elopements where dogs are not only welcome – they’re part of the family!

Please share how you became an entrepreneur and what inspired you to open Elope San Diego? Did you notice a void in the wedding industry you wanted to fill?

We saw a niche here in San Diego for small elopements on the beach that included couples beloved dog(s). We are animal lovers (founded LuckyPupDogRescue.com a 501c3) & fell in love with the idea of being part of simple ceremony between two people, their very close family and friends and their dogs. After doing huge weddings for nearly 20 years in Seattle, the idea appealed to us on so many levels.

With the current economic situation, couples are looking for something wonderful, unique & affordable. The idea of a low stress, short planning period and beautiful setting really hits people as being not only practical and stylish too. Offering a package that includes their pups, beautiful photography, fresh flowers and the ceremony tailored to their values & beliefs is a win/win for everyone. Planning couldn’t be easier: one call, done & done!

Just this last weekend one of our dog friendly weddings was featured in the NY Times style section.
We are ElopeSanDiego.com 858 945 8341

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

Don’t try to be all things to all people!

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Hookah Homes provides the best hookah accessory on the market

February 28, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Today’s feature is with a very innovative business, and one that I think is quite useful in our fast-paced society – Hookah Homes. We discussed everything from the benefits of smoking hookah to running a successful business.

Please share how you became an entrepreneur and what inspired you to open Hookah Homes?

Well, most entrepreneurs begin their business ventures by researching a niche market, and then creating a product for that market. I did just the opposite; I actually stumbled upon this idea. I made a wooden stand for my hookah to prevent my college buddies from getting clumsy, tripping on the hose, and burning my carpets. This was the most useful hookah accessory I’ve ever had; It didn’t make sense to me that this idea was not already out there. Being a mechanical engineering student in Milwaukee at the time, I was able to create a product, but I had no idea how to market it. That’s where Google came in to play.

What do you love most about your work?

Owning a business has forced to open my eyes and learn how the world operates as a whole, and I absolutely love it. Entrepreneurs have to keep looking at the big picture, what do people want? It’s astonishing that our capitalistic society is built around that concept. Give people what you want and they will give you what you want (money to grow your business). Consumerism is ironically altruistic in my opinion.

What are some of the benefits of smoking hookah?

In today’s faced-paced society, when do people ever sit down in a circle, just to chat, WITHOUT A TV? The tradition of smoking hookah has been sustained for centuries, primarily because PEOPLE ARE SOCIAL! Hookah is about more than just fruity flavors and smoke rings, hookah is about socializing. The greatest benefit of smoking hookah is forcing people to come out of their comfort zones, sit in a circle, and enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful environment.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur?

The biggest challenge is ignorance. With Google, you can learn just about anything you are motivated enough to seek out. But this is also very time-consuming. One tough lesson to learn as an entrepreneur is that everything takes longer than you expect and costs more than you expect. However, anyone can run a successful business with just motivation, a little bit of intelligence and Google.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

I know this sounds cliché, but do something you’re passionate about. Business is all about persistence. If you’re only in it for the money, you will lose motivation when you hit a rut. With that said, when you hit a rut, it’s a worthy time investment to read encouraging/ informative business books to re-spark your enthusiasm (“Delivering Happiness” from the CEO and founder of Zappos is a good one).

How do you balance your personal and business activities?

You don’t. Work is work. Once you blend your work activities with your personal activities, you turn into a workaholic where you can’t distinguish between the two. This isn’t Inception.

How can people keep tabs on what’s happening with Hookah Homes?

Check out our DailyHookahTips on our website (www.hookahhomes.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/Hookahhomes) and Twitter (@Hookahhomes). But if you’re already part of the hookah community, don’t worry, we’re “coming to a store near you!”

 

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Inspiringinterns.com presents exciting business model for interns and employers

February 25, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Spotlight

In many industries, internships are not only an outstanding way to gain valuable job experience and a serious resume boost; they have become a necessity for those who want to advance their careers. Inspiringinterns.com have a very unique business model  in the sense that their service helps both aspiring interns and employers. Their website is packed with information and resources to assist both sides, accepting CV’s from interns and intern requirements from employers. Beyond this they have a blog, press room, success stories, industry news, testimonials and faq’s to name a few. Definitely a forward-thinking business.

Inspiring Interns provide university leavers with a way to bridge the gap between education and their first job. They match candidates with the right company for them. In 65% of cases INTERNSHIPS lead to full time positions. This makes them a viable option for people looking to gain the type of experience required to get a job.

If you’re a prospective intern or employer, check out Inspiring Interns to achieve more success.

 

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Exclusive Interview with Michelle Fitzpatrick of doc IQ

February 1, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Today we have an exclusive interview with Michelle Fitzpatrick of doc IQ. Please share with us what docIQ is and why it’s useful to businesses and individuals.

doc IQ specialises in Litigation Support, Records Disaster Recovery, Records Management, Document Imaging/Scanning and Forensic Data Collection services. The essence of doc IQ is to work closely with a niche group of valued clients to offer them an unprecedented focus on quality and personal service. My business Partner myself and our staff are formally of e.law Australia and we bring to doc IQ years of extensive litigation and records management experience, having worked on some of the largest and complex high profile civil and criminal cases, enquires and royal commissions in Australia.

How did you get started with this company and what do you love the most about it?

My Business Partner Anthony Nixon and I recognised that the West Australian Market needed a reliable, honest, and quality assurance focused company in this space, to keep the market in Western Australia honest. There aren’t too many other companies operating in this area in Perth and we felt that we could provide an exceptional one stop shop service with no requirement to outsource any function.

Before you launched your business, what did you do?

Michelle Fitzpatrick formally e.law Australia brings to doc IQ years of extensive litigation and records management experience, having worked on some of the largest and complex high profile civil and criminal cases, enquires and royal commissions in Australia.

Anthony Nixon owns and operates Kwik Kopy Perth CBD and provides corporate design and print solutions to Perth businesses. In the past 15 years Kwik Kopy Perth CBD has grown to be the largest in Australia through its focus on quality, service and quick turnarounds utilising significant in-house production.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur?

I have found it challenging to create a brand and take it to market.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

Work hard and be realistic about you weaknesses, recognise them and work at making them a strengths.

What types of companies have you found benefit most from docIQ’s services?

- Legal, Records, Government, Local Government and Mining sectors

- Private Businesses large and small

- Any Business that has paper records, could benefit from our services or consultation

 

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Rightfitfranchise.com makes becoming a franchisee easier

January 25, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Spotlight

Becoming a franchisee can be one of the most confusing processes you’re likely to undergo, but it can also be extremely lucrative. When considering a franchise purchase, it’s important to have detailed information about the type of returns you should be expecting, what kind of financing is available, and if it’s the right decision for you.

This is where Alice Errett’s Rightfitfranchise.com comes into the picture. She works one-on-one with potential franchisees who are seriously looking at business purchase options. She helps them to choose a franchise or business opportunity that meets their budget, timeframe, location, personality, and ROI goals. And if that wasn’t enough, there is no charge to her clients for her services (franchises pay her if she makes a successful match; kind of like real estate brokers).

It’s this win-win type of business model that could make the process of becoming  a franchisee much less stressful. Find out more information at Rightfitfranchise.com.

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Exclusive interview with wireless innovators xhWireless

January 17, 2012 sjmoore Entrepreneur Interviews

Today we have an exclusive with a progressive and innovative wireless company intended to save you money on your phone bill – xhWireless. Eden, Business Developer, answers my questions.

Please share how you became an entrepreneur and what inspired you to open xhWireless?

I love cell phones. I’ve worked in the cell phone sales industry for 15 years. During that time, there have been so many changes – our phones no longer just connect us to other people, but also to new ideas and information on the internet.

I wanted to combine my passion for telecommunications with my passion for helping others. xhWireless is the perfect platform for me to do this.

Please share with everyone why xhWireless is so necessary. Is it common for people to overspend on their cell phone bills?

Yes. As the telecommunication world grows, so does the confusion around its prices, terminology and contracts. There’s a lot to learn. Buyers can get trapped by commission seeking sales people, especially if they don’t understand the industry language and don’t know what to ask.

xhWireless is here to walk people through the process from beginning to end. We can help buyers decide on their purchases and, more commonly, help correct purchases that don’t suit the buyer’s needs or budget. We are the interpreter, the buffer, and the problem solver.

What are the top ways people get ripped off on their cell phone bills and how does xhWireless tackle the issue?

People want to pay the lowest price for the cell phone itself. When buyers only look at the price of the hardware, they don’t realize that the contracts attached to these cell phones may cost way more in the long run.

Busy people may not take the time to read their contracts carefully. And sales people may not take the time to go over the contracts carefully. So buyers may not know their contract details – like what is considered their local calling area. Not knowing exactly what your contract covers and what it does not can lead to unexpected charges on your bill.

xhWireless takes the time to educate its clients on cost differences and contract details. This way, there are no unwanted surprises.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur?

Everyone thinks business owners are crazy because we end up spending more than we make during the first five years. Family and friends sometimes don’t understand why you’ve given up a solid pay cheque working for someone else. It can be tiresome to explain and defend your vision to others.

But as a business owner, you have to believe that your business is the best investment for your future. Your business is the vehicle used to achieve your big dreams.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in business?

Don’t just sit there and think about starting your own business – do it. Make sure that it’s what you really want because once you’re in, you’re in! Don’t treat your business like a hobby or it’ll remain a pipe dream. Commit to investing your time, heart, and soul into your business’ success and it’ll happen.

How can people get started with xhWireless?

You can visit our website at www.xhwireless.com

 

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