Episode 36: From Living Room to Dream Studio: Sarah Hogan's Photography Journey

Sarah Hogan never imagined that pushing furniture aside in her living room and using tablecloths as backdrops would lead to a thriving 12-year photography business. Yet this humble beginning—where she borrowed back a camera she'd sold to her mother just to make enough for an eBay camera purchase—set her on a path to becoming one of Marion's most beloved portrait photographers.

"I wanted my daughter to have something that she could be proud of her mom for and to be like it is OK to be an entrepreneur," Sarah shares, revealing how motherhood became the catalyst for her business. This motivation, coupled with her husband's unwavering support (he builds everything from greenhouses to custom props), has carried her through moments of self-doubt that all creative entrepreneurs face.

Sarah's journey from Sears Portrait Studio employee to award-winning photographer hasn't been without challenges. She candidly discusses how her work-life boundaries became so blurred that she sought counseling—a decision that not only improved her family life but enhanced her business through more consistent quality. Her approach to seasonal busy periods balanced with family traditions like annual trips offers a blueprint for entrepreneurial parents seeking sustainable success.

Now operating from her dream 2,500-square-foot studio in downtown Marion, Sarah specializes in newborn photography while also serving seniors, families, and businesses. The space, with its high ceilings and abundant natural light, allows her to create seamless experiences for young subjects with limited attention spans. From this fourth-floor perch, she not only captures precious moments for clients but has developed a bird's-eye appreciation for the downtown community she promotes to visitors from near and far.

Whether you're considering entrepreneurship, struggling with work-life balance, or simply appreciate authentic stories of small business growth, Sarah's experience offers both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. 

Guest Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hogansphoto

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

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