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

Hi Crystal, what is the most important factor behind your success?
There are three things that have been a major factor in the success of my brand and business.
1. Understanding value and self worth. Mindset is everything when it comes to building a sustainable business. Once you truly sit down and understand the value of what you are giving your clients you can then begin to see the wealth that you are bringing to everyone you service.

2. Constructive criticism. I truly believe that the number 1 game changer for me was the day I learned how to take constructive criticism to help me improve not only my technical skills as a photographer, but every aspect of my business that I needed to improve upon from my client experience, to marketing, and in person sales. Getting constructive criticism from reputable and respectable sources helped me improve my work tremendously and helped me with building my confidence which then allowed me to value myself even more and price myself confidently as well.

3. Sustainable pricing. In order to build a sustainable business the most important thing to do is understand your cost of doing business, then create pricing that reflects that as well as allows for you to earn a profit. Many creative people, especially artists fail at this and are frankly lost at how to price themselves. They get stuck in cycles of money blocks, and fear that unfortunately lead them to burning out and never reaching their full potential.

Finally getting over my insecurities and personal money blocks I was able to confidently talk about money, and my pricing because I essentially understood why I needed to price myself accordingly in order to not just survive but thrive.


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?
Please tell us more about your business: My photography business, Love Byrd Photo, is a studio specializing in portrait and personal branding experiences for women. what sets you apart from others. My sessions are designed to be as stress free for my clients as possible. All of my sessions include; hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling. I fully guide my clients in posing and being comfortable in front of the camera to create the best experience as possible for them. A lot of women are anxious and a little scared to have a photoshoot, but it is my job to put the client at ease so that she can put her guard down and we can get the most authentic side of her to shine through. what you are most proud of or excited about.

I am most proud of the journey I have been on. That I never gave up in the face of what looked like defeat. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Through pure determination. For myself, it was fight or flight. I built my business in a time where I had to be a caretaker to my toddler autistic child and newborn baby. I needed a way to use my God given talents to earn an income. I dedicated my life towards gaining the knowledge I needed to perfect my craft and learn the business of photography to build a sustainable and profitable business.

How did you overcome the challenges? The challenges were many. The first challenge was mindset. I had once been the photographer who was charging $75 for my services and I had to understand that what I was providing was much more valuable than that, and that I also deserved to make money. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. I learned so much about value, and about how confidence in ones work can truly change how you value your time. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? That I put so much love into everything that I do.

That I truly care for my clients and for their success. For my portrait clients I want them to look at their photos and see the most beautiful image of themselves that they have ever seen. For my Personal branding clients I want them to look at their photos and see a polished and professional brand they can be proud of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta Beltline for a walk around the city, Little Rey’s for Brisket Tacos, Meet Fresh for boba tea, hanging out at the Battery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sue Bryce Education “Steal Like an Artist” Portrait Systems Podcast

Website: www.lovebyrdphoto.com

Instagram: @lovebyrdphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalbyrd/

Facebook: facebook.com/lovebyrdphoto

Image Credits
my headshot by Leslie Andrews Photography

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