It’s another glorious Friday! And it’s time for us to highlight more amazing black entrepreneurs! In Where You Should Be Spending Your Money, we showcase the various businesses available in our community that we can support to inspire you to cycle your very important and all-powerful dollar amongst people that look like you and have YOU in mind. This week, we feature a sweet spirit, Micah Harris.
IHTG: Tell us a little about yourself (hometown, family life, etc.).
My name is Micah and I’m a sassy 27-year-old from Detroit, MI. I am the youngest of three siblings and the only girl. My mom was 40 when she had me and there’s about a 20-year gap between my siblings and I. That gap never stood in the way of us having a strong sense of family. As a kid, my cousins were also all like siblings and we spent every holiday at my house. If your family is anything like mine, they hold no punches! They’ve helped me keep a level head and also really given so much great advice and examples over the years! I started my blog to spread that kind of love and knowledge to others. Having older parents in my case has been a blessing because it gave me a lot of wisdom most people my age have yet to tap into.
IHTG: What motivated you to start this business?
I started my photography business somewhat inadvertently. On top of needing a good camera to blog, I wanted something I could take on vacation to really capture the beauty of where I’d been. I was blessed enough to spend about 2 weeks in Europe last year and there was no way I was capturing it all on a cell phone! In the age of social media, of course, we post most things online and people started seeing my work. I’ve always loved to take pictures and God spoke to me about really using photography to reach and inspire others. It is beautiful to get to be a part of someone’s memories and know they will cherish my work for a lifetime!
IHTG: Tell us about your business (what product or service do you offer, your typical customer, etc.).
I officially launched Micah Harris Photography last October and have been looking for ways to grow and improve ever since. I’ve had the pleasure to do portrait work for entrepreneurs, models, and couples who represent the beauty and love that Detroit is made of. I currently offer packages for engagements, weddings, maternity, senior portraits, personal portraits, headshots and family sessions. Although, portraits are my passion I enjoy just getting out and capturing the moment every chance I get!
IHTG: How does your business give back to the community?
I pride myself on displaying Detroit in the best light possible. In the past, people have thought of my city as a crime-ridden, broken-down town, but we are nowhere near that! The city is thriving with new businesses and constantly evolving into a cultural mecca representing our rich history and resurgence. I use my platform to show all that my city is in every shot. With every location, I try to introduce the world to who Detroit really is, in a hope, they will come visit and view my hometown the way all it’s residents do.
IHTG: What advice would you give to someone considering starting a business?
Starting a business can be tricky but it is never impossible!
– Make a vision plan with real and attainable goals. Don’t limit yourself! When you feel yourself becoming discouraged, refer to your visions and remember why you started.
– Use your resources and the skills you have to grow your business into what your vision is.
– Invest in yourself. Customers and profit may not come immediately but if you are willing to master your craft and your equipment, they will come.
– Be sure to constantly look for ways to sharpen your skills and grow.
– Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
IHTG: What is the best advice you’ve received since starting your business?
The best advice I’ve received is just to believe in myself. Starting a new business as a 27-year-old black woman with no prior experience was no easy task. Having a circle of people who love me and want to see me succeed keeps me motivated and confident in my ability to do great work. There are thousands of photographers in my area alone but by being myself, and having confidence in what I offer, I can give my clients what no one else can…ME.
You can learn more about Micah and her services by visiting her on her blog, Confidently Micah!
