Starting a business is difficult, let alone starting a successful business. Sophomore Jillian Hoffman, ’20, managed to achieve both at the ripe age of 20 years old.
Hoffman realized that she had an interest in photography at a young age. “Ever since I could get my hands on a camera I would love taking pictures of the randomest things. Every Christmas, every birthday, I’d always ask for a new camera,” said Hoffman.
When Hoffman was a senior in high school, she herself had professional pictures taken and explained that she “got to work with a photographer who is a family member of mine and I just really loved the connection we had and I just wanted to do that. I wanted to be behind the camera.”
From that moment, Hoffman said that she was determined to become a photographer. “My parents helped me buy my first professional camera and from there I just kinda grew,” she said.
She started posting pictures of family and friends on Facebook and Instagram and eventually was able to create her own website to display her photos.
Professional photography is not an easy business to get into. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of professional photographers in the U.S. has declined from 130,000 to 61,000 since 2002.
Hoffman started her own photography business three years ago and has come a long way since then. “This past year I did over 100 shoots and that ranged from seniors to families to weddings to engagement pictures,” she said.
Hoffman believes that Facebook, Instagram and word of mouth are the main factors that helped grow her business. According to Sabryna Cornish, media studies professor at North Central College, social media has positively influenced new businesses.
“It allows (new business owners) to connect with a wider audience than in the past,” said Cornish. “The opportunities for branding and marketing oneself through social media give start-up companies a much better shot of being successful. As long as social media is used effectively, it can really be a wonderful tool for new entrepreneurs.”
While Hoffman has already proven to be a successful photographer, she said she is still trying to improve her skills. She takes online photography classes with professional photographers and currently has a public relations internship at Naperville Community Television (NCTV).
“(The internship) is helping me make connections and learn all the different aspects of social media like how to write interesting posts,” she said.
Hoffman explained that the location of North Central has especially benefitted her business. “I am from a really small town where there are only corn fields so being in the Naperville area has been huge,” she said. “A lot of my clients are willing to travel to Naperville for shoots because there are a lot of beautiful places to take pictures.”
Hoffman said that her biggest goal is to make this a full-time job after she graduates from college. “I love what I do and I can see myself doing this full-time,” she said.
