We had the good fortune of connecting with Analisa Buelna and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Analisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be completely transparent, there was no thought process I went through when I started Photography Pinch. No meticulous planning, no financing, no nothing. Just a young teenager with a passion for photo and film. I started photography and videography when I was 14 years old. I didn’t own a camera or any fancy software. Hadn’t even taken any classes on film or photography. I would say I used this hobby to escape from reality. My mom had been undergoing treatment when my passion first grew and when she passed in 2015 from cancer, I threw myself into it further. Buying my first camera in 2016. I would say my love for video and film definitely stems from my mother getting ill. If I’m able to capture some of life’s precious moments for my clients, that way these photos can last for centuries when our loved ones don’t. Then these photos can be something they have to hold on to, look back on to, and remember. I never realized just how loudly photos spoke, till I lost my mom. So if I absolutely had to say there was some type of thought process that went into starting Photography Pinch, it’d be the thought of family, friends, memories, and most importantly love.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My full-time job is for a primary care medical practice here in Arizona. We mainly cater to the underserved senior community. I started out as a receptionist and then moved into our Sales and Marketing department. I’ve done sales for years and have always enjoyed it, so I fell in love with the job the day I started. I especially enjoy working with the senior community so that was a double plus to the job. Working here is where I have learned just how to market myself as well as my small business, Photography Pinch. I grab and pull marketing tips here and there and try to incorporate what I learn into my business. At the same time, I want my brand and business to feel authentic. I want people to really see my personality and soul shine through when they visit my page or see my work. If they can’t see or feel that, then I’m not doing my job. My clients I’ve worked with know it’s a safe place being in front of that camera and my main goal is to make you feel happy, confident, and safe.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Arizona is known to be a pretty bland and boring state when it comes to fun things to do. Sure we don’t have any beaches or heck, Disneyland for example. But when you’ve got good company by your side, none of that matters. If I could plan a fun filled day with my best friend we’d start by getting some coffee. My favorite spot to visit lately has been PHX Grind Coffee! So, so good. Then we’d have breakfast at Daily Jam in Tempe. They have some of the best breakfast. Afterwards we’d ride the electric scooters through Tempe beach park. Take a couple photos, and just talk. Then we’d take a random day trip to Sedona and cruise through the red rocks listening to good music. Later, grab a bite to eat and buy some alligator jerky from the gift shops. Once we made our way back into town we’d eat some dinner at Pita Jungle! If you haven’t tried Mediterranean food, that’s the spot to go! Dessert is always a must, so we’d head to Downtown Gilbert and finish the day off with some Mint N Chip ice cream from Petersen’s. After our long eventful day we’d go home and watch a movie. That’s my idea of a fun day visiting some of my favorite spots in Arizona!
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 wouldn’t be where I am today, if it weren’t for my friends and family. They have been by my side not only through my brightest moments but also through my darkest moments. Not only were they by my side, but they never once left me to face the storms alone. Each and every one of them push and motivate me in different ways. Because of them, I always strive to be the very best version of me. To shout out one specific family member, I would shout out my mom. My biggest motivation. She never, ever gave up on anything or anyone. She was always kind, giving, and unprejudiced. She’d treat a CEO with the same respect as she’d treat a janitor. She taught me to give to those in need, even when I don’t have much to give. My mom taught me what it meant to have humility versus pride. Thanks to her, and all of my family, I am able to do what I love with a heart full of love.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographypinch/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCj_8uletkzed6pMCNkzkMeA