In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, QuickBooks is spotlighting the success of Hispanic-owned small businesses. Check the Small Business Stories hub all month to read their stories and find inspiration.
Name: Adriana Rivera
Location: My team and I work with couples worldwide. When I am not traveling, I split my time between Miami and Latin America.
Business: Adriana Rivera Photography
I own a luxury destination wedding photography business, where I serve as the lead photographer. Drawing inspiration from fashion, design, art, my couples connection, and photojournalism, our approach is centered on a meticulous pre-production process that allows us to truly understand the essence of your wedding events. We enter your wedding day thoughtfully, ensuring your experience is preserved through timeless photographs.
We create bespoke collections tailored to your unique celebrations, encompassing pre-wedding events, wedding day coverage, collaborative photography timelines, and timeless fine art wedding albums. Our services go beyond photography—we scout locations, work with your creative collaborators and provide artistic direction that best suits your vision and needs.
What sets my small business apart is my unique perspective as a Latina female-owned business. We take pride in documenting all types of love and preserving your memories for your future generations to come. Our commitment to inclusivity is a core value, and we showcase diverse weddings from couples of all genders and cultures. This commitment is at the heart of our brand, ensuring that we celebrate the beautiful diversity of love in all of its forms.
I decided to start my own business because of my deep-rooted passion for a creative career. Every artist has a unique way of seeing the world, and this perspective influences the energy they bring and how they share space with their subjects. For me, that stems from my Latin American heritage, my formal photography training, and the time I spent working in New York surrounded by some of the most inspiring artists.
I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a double major in photography and graphic design at Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010. Shortly after, I moved to New York City where I worked for five years with some of the most talented creative directors and photographers in the commercial fashion photography industry. This rich experience laid the foundation for my career as a destination wedding photographer.
In my first year of running my own business, I learned that running your own business is incredibly challenging. It demands adaptability, effective time management, financial literacy, resilience, a strong support network, and a customer-centric mindset. Most importantly, I discovered the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These lessons have been invaluable in shaping my approach to business and personal growth.
The most surprising thing about becoming a business owner was the immense responsibility and constant decision-making. Every choice, from hiring the right photographers and studio assistants to choosing the optimal pricing strategy, felt pivotal. The sense of ownership and pride in building something from scratch has been incredibly fulfilling.
In becoming a business owner, I needed to self-teach critical aspects such as understanding the luxury wedding industry, managing a team, and mastering business fundamentals. I have achieved and continue to do so by investing in continuing education, receiving coaching from experts in the industry and networking—all of which have played vital roles in this process. Additionally, I developed time management and organizational skills through practical experience and mentorship.
Key tools that are indispensable for running my business include Quickbooks for financial management, Asana for task organization, Slack for team communication, G Suite (Google Drive) for document management, and my Sony gear, which I purchase from B&H. A helpful tip is to request a video consultation at B&H via their website to shop for the latest products from their New York Headquarters. I purchase all my gear this way!
Running my own business makes me feel a profound sense of responsibility and purpose. I understand that my team relies on me not only for their livelihoods but also for leadership and guidance. This responsibility fuels my determination and commitment to ensuring the success and well-being of the business and its employees. It's a mix of excitement, as I embrace the challenges and opportunities, and a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I'm contributing to something meaningful. The journey is demanding, yet the sense of ownership and the ability to make a positive impact on my team and the community drive my passion.
Post-COVID, the wedding industry, like every sector, underwent profound changes, requiring us to swiftly adapt and keep pace with the new dynamic landscape. As a wedding photography business, we have proactively adjusted our services to align with evolving safety measures, client preferences and industry demands. Staying agile in this fast-changing environment remains at the forefront of our approach as we continue to capture the beauty and essence of weddings in this new time.
While primarily a solopreneur, I'm fortunate to have a dedicated full-time employee who handles administrative tasks and assists with various aspects of pre- and post-production. Additionally, I collaborate with a team of photographers and assistants who work with me. This support enables me to focus on creative decisions, strategic planning, and core business functions. Furthermore, we utilize various tools and software, including Quickbooks, to streamline financial management, track expenses, and provide necessary information to our accountant for tax purposes. These tools have been instrumental in efficiently managing the multiple roles and responsibilities required to run my business effectively.
My advice for fellow solopreneurs embarking on their entrepreneurial journey is to begin each day with a personal growth morning routine. I recently discovered a transformative book called The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, which outlines six powerful practices I now incorporate daily. I highly recommend it.
Incorporate daily affirmations to boost your self-belief and maintain a positive mindset. Seek out a mentor within your industry who can provide valuable coaching and ongoing education. Cultivate the habit of daily journaling to capture your thoughts and ideas, embrace meditation for moments of clarity and inner peace, and prioritize regular exercise to nurture both physical and mental well-being. These practices will lay a strong foundation for your success as a solopreneur.
Being a Latina business owner has brought unique advantages to my journey. My clients appreciate the fresh perspective and cultural insights I bring to the table. This diversity of thought and understanding has allowed me to connect with a broader audience and build stronger relationships with customers who value this perspective. While there may be challenges, I've found that embracing my heritage has been a source of strength and differentiation in the wedding industry.
My proudest moments include becoming a mother, expanding my family, and successfully managing my own business simultaneously. Balancing the demands of parenthood with entrepreneurship has been a fulfilling and rewarding journey. These achievements highlight my ability to thrive both personally and professionally, and I take immense pride in these life milestones.
My immediate plans for my luxury destination wedding photography business involve a strong focus on growth. I aim to expand my client base, enhance our service offerings, and further establish our presence in the luxury wedding market. This growth strategy includes exploring new marketing channels, forging partnerships, and continuously delivering exceptional photography experiences to our clients around the world.
During tough days, what keeps me inspired and motivated are my affirmations. I maintain a Google Docs file where I've collected all the kind words and feedback from clients that have made a significant impact on me. Reading these positive testimonials reminds me of the meaningful connections I've made and the positive impact I've had on others, which helps me push through challenges and stay focused on my goals.
This is a constant challenge but so far what has worked for me is a self growth morning routine. Early in the day, I engage in meditation, reading, writing, exercise, affirmations, and visualization. These practices provide me with mental clarity and set a positive tone for the day ahead. By prioritizing these activities, I find the balance I need to excel in both my personal and professional life.
I love that you asked this. I'm really into music, and I'm constantly playing it to shift my mood. It's hard to list just one song! But at the moment, I'm going to take it back to a classic one: 'Do You Realize' by The Flaming Lips.
To learn more about Adriana Rivera Photography and support the business, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
Call Sales: 1-800-285-4854
