Both Akanksha and Anchal started their professional journeys in different fields. Akanksha, now 33, was an engineer, while Anchal, 24, worked as a UI/UX designer. Their careers provided them with strong foundations in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technical skills. However, a shared love for photography gradually took precedence over their respective professions. What began as a hobby—capturing moments with friends and family—soon evolved into a full-fledged passion. Their growing interest in photography led them to invest in professional equipment and take courses to refine their skills.
In March 2021, they decided to take a leap of faith and turn their passion into a business. With a starting capital of 10 Lakhs, they established Alluring Lens Studios. Initially operating from their living room, the sisters worked tirelessly, balancing their day jobs while building their photography portfolio. The journey was not without its challenges, but their dedication and unique approach to photography quickly set them apart in the competitive market. Today, with a present turnover of 50 Lakhs, Alluring Lens Studios boasts a proper studio setup and a portfolio of over 400 shoots in just three years.
The impact of Alluring Lens Studios on the market and society extends beyond providing professional photography services. Their work promotes emotional well-being, celebrates significant milestones, and empowers individuals by capturing the beauty and essence of unforgettable moments. Specializing in maternity and newborn photography, they encourage expectant mothers to embrace and celebrate the changes their bodies and lives undergo during pregnancy. This approach not only empowers the mothers but also strengthens familial bonds and creates lasting memories.
Alluring Lens Studios addresses a specific market need: professional documentation of significant life phases. By focusing on maternity and newborn photography, they provide families with tangible memories and celebrate the beauty of pregnancy. The unique selling point of their business lies in their ability to capture the essence of pregnancy with artistic flair, offering a personalized and memorable photography experience that families cherish for a lifetime.
The future prospects for Alluring Lens Studios appear promising. By staying attuned to market trends, embracing new technologies, and maintaining a client-centered approach, Akanksha and Anchal are well-positioned for growth and sustainability in the competitive photography industry. Their journey from engineers and designers to successful photographers has been driven by a deep passion for photography, a desire for creative expression, and the motivation to make a positive impact through their work.
Their professional inspirations include Amrita Samant, Ana Brandt, and Ansel Adams. Amrita Samant’s iconic portraits have redefined celebrity photography, blending artistry with commercial success. Ana Brandt is renowned for her elegant and emotive maternity portraits, capturing the beauty of pregnancy with soft lighting and intimate compositions. Ansel Adams, though primarily known for landscape photography, has inspired them with his technical mastery and commitment to the craft. Each of these photographers brings a distinct style and approach to maternity photography, inspiring Akanksha and Anchal to explore new techniques and perspectives.
As entrepreneurs, they have faced several challenges, including business development, financial management, and creative growth. Initially, building a client base and establishing a brand presence were significant hurdles. Effective marketing strategies, networking, and understanding client needs were crucial in overcoming these challenges. Managing finances, especially in the early stages, required careful budgeting and sometimes seeking financial advice. Continuously improving their photography skills and staying updated with industry trends involved investing time in learning new techniques and attending workshops.
Balancing personal life with the demands of running a business was another significant struggle. Finding a routine that allowed for work-life balance and setting boundaries became essential. Personal challenges, such as health issues or family emergencies, also impacted their professional journey, teaching them the importance of resilience, self-care, and seeking support from loved ones and industry peers.
Despite these challenges, the essentials needed to start their business included high-quality camera equipment, a strong portfolio, a detailed business plan, legal considerations, a professional website, and effective marketing strategies. Networking and continuous learning have also been crucial for their success. By focusing on these essentials and continually refining their skills and business practices, they have established a solid foundation for Alluring Lens Studios.
Identifying the opportunity in maternity photography involved a combination of research, personal interest, and understanding market needs. They began by researching trends in the photography industry and observing local demand. Engaging with expectant mothers, new parents, and professionals in the maternity and newborn industry provided valuable insights into client preferences. Developing a brand that resonated with their target audience and crafting a marketing strategy that highlighted the benefits of professional maternity photography were key to their success.
What makes Akanksha and Anchal unique as entrepreneurs is their creativity, empathy, continuous learning, strong work ethic, resilience, and passion for personal connection and storytelling. Their ability to capture moments with artistic vision, provide exceptional customer service, and maintain a resilient attitude has been instrumental in their success. They have learned to balance artistic creativity with business acumen, ensuring financial stability while delivering high-quality, emotionally resonant photographs.
Their journey has taught them the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, building strong relationships, financial management, embracing failures as learning opportunities, balancing creativity with business operations, prioritizing self-care, and staying true to their passion for photography. These learnings continue to shape their entrepreneurial mindset and approach, guiding them in navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and continually evolving as photographers and business owners.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, they offer the following advice: follow your passion, conduct thorough market research, create a solid business plan, invest in your skills, build a strong network, focus on customer experience, embrace adaptability and resilience, balance creativity with business acumen, seek feedback, and take care of yourself. Starting a business, especially in a creative field like photography, requires dedication, passion, and strategic planning. By following this advice and learning from both successes and setbacks, aspiring entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building a thriving and fulfilling entrepreneurial venture.
