We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I never considered starting my own business until I worked a corporate job. Early on I realized I didn’t like to be held down to a certain amount of vacation and personal days, I needed flexibility. After my husband and I had our first child in 2016, I knew I wouldn’t last too much longer punching a clock. I needed work that would allow me to be fulfilled, contribute financially and most importantly be present with my family, on my own terms. Photography checked all the boxes for me, as well as being a passion of mine since I was a child. It only made sense to turn my hobby into my career.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m 100% self-employed and I’m a one woman team. I’m also self taught. Although I’ve loved photography from a young age, I never had any formal training. In my professional career I’ve found classes and workshops to attend to network with other photographers and business owners. Running a business without a background in business is often trial and error, and there is always something new to learn. I’ve been able to overcome and avoid many challenges because of the mentors I have and the network I’ve created with other photographers. I’ve learned you are never too advanced for a mentor and you should never stop learning, or being open to learning more. I love to see others grow around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Milwaukee doesn’t have a ton to do outside of eating and drinking, and the weather is so unpredictable depending on the season, but if it were the summer, here’s what I’d do:

We’d spend some time in The Third Ward, I’m all for a good brunch with bottomless mimosas.

If it were pre-covid we’d visit a fair or festival that’s going on (Summerfest or State Fair)

Take a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum or Discovery World.

Book a brewery tour.

Take a boat tour on the RiverWalk.

Cruise lake drive and stop for ice cream at Kopps.

Last but not least, a backyard cookout is a must! Maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I love sitting around with friends and family, eating, drinking and playing spades.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my husband, Harry, who has been in support of my desire to be an entrepreneur from the start. Often times he has to sacrifice his own work and business to allow me the time to service my clients. He never questions my decisions (or large equipment purchases haha!) but he trusts that I’m making the best decisions for my business, which ultimately is the best for our family.

I would also like to give recognition to my parents. From a young age they supported my love of photography. Almost every year they would give in to my requests of a new camera for my birthday or Christmas. They made investments early on for something they saw I was passionate about.

Website: www.theamandaevans.com

Instagram: @AmandaEvans.Photography

Facebook: Amanda Evans Photography

Image Credits
Steve White Films Amanda Evans Photography

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