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

Hi Melinda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve had an entrepreneurial mindset for many years. It was just a matter of finding the right opportunity or type of business. I want to achieve financial freedom while doing work that I enjoy, have time and flexibility to spend quality time with family/friends, and provide a sense of accomplishment for a job well done. I also enjoy meeting new people and providing the best service possible to my clients. More importantly, I’d love to leave a legacy for my daughter and grandchildren.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I currently have two businesses:

1. Melinda Harkley Photography and Videography

I provide lifestyle portrait sessions for individuals and families, Branding sessions for small businesses and entrepreneurs and photography/videography services for weddings and events.

I enjoy providing photography to individuals and families to help them capture special moments (such as birthdays, maternity sessions, the birth of children, graduations, holidays, etc.) and preserve their family memories.

Also, I enjoy weddings and being a part of the couple’s special day. As their photographer, I get to know the couples and they get to know me during their engagement session. I become an active participant in planning their special day by connecting with the wedding planners/coordinators and other vendors. Together, we all have the responsibility to ensure the couples’ wedding day is perfect and memorable.

Lastly, I am also passionate about working with small businesses and entrepreneurs by offering branding sessions to help promote and grow their brands/businesses. I’ve recently launched a 2nd business to expand upon my Branding services…. Prestigious Business Concierge (@prestigiousbusinessconcierge) offers virtual admin support and social media management services to entrepreneurs and business owners. My goal and desire are to build long-term relationships with my clients to serve all their future photography/videography needs.

2. Prestigious Business Concierge

I provide virtual Assistant and Social Media Management Services to Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners to help promote their brands and businesses.

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?
I’d recommend a few of my favorite eating spots (Nantucket Grill, Red Lobster or The Cheese Cake Factory). Visitors should visit the Art Museum, WRAL Gardens, and local parks for sight seeing. Downtown Raleigh and Durham are options for a little night life action. Choose a day or part of the week to head to Myrtle Beach or Asheville Mountains. Catch a play or concert in the area when you visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am grateful to my family and friends for their ongoing support and encouragement. I would like to thank my clients for their trust in me as their photographer, videographer, and social media manager.

I am honoring my late mom, sisters and brother (they passed away within past few years). through my businesses. They’ve always wanted the absolute best for me. They were my cheerleaders and encouragers. I want to make them proud by being successful in my business and becoming the best possible version of myself. I am not seeking perfection. I just want to strive to reach my God-given potential to the fullest.

Thank you to Michelle Wilder-Baker, She was my very first client after I started my business.

I give God all the Glory! He is my CEO and Business Partner.

Website: https://melindaharkley.smugmug.com/

Instagram: http://Www.instagram.com/Melindaharkleyphotography

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-harkley-1b653315

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MelindaHarkleyPhotography

Other: Prestigious Business Concierge: https://instagram.com/prestigiousbusinessconcierge tiktok.com/melindaharkleyphotograph

Image Credits
I took all pictures included. Let me know if additional information is needed.

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