Phylicia Willis: How to strengthen & prepare your creative business for the post-lockdown season

image credits: poshmomentsphoto.com

Make sure to also check out the other four interviews – with Josh Olson here, with Marissa Nicole here, with Liron Erel here and with Klo Burgess here. 

Phylicia is an absolute go-getter, superwoman, and the life of any party in the photography industry. It wasn’t a surprise to us when, besides sharing her inspiring lockdown day-to-day story, she came up with insightful business tips and even a marketing guide for photographers (keep reading to get it). For her, the quarantine has been an opportunity to assess the weaknesses in her photography business and to prepare it for the post-lockdown season. Find out how she does it and “steal” some priceless ideas for your own creative business.

Interview #5: Phylicia from Posh Moments Photo | Destination Wedding Photographer based in Charlotte, NC

poshmomentsphoto.com - WEBSITE BUILT WITH Porto Design Kit

How have you been feeling in the past few weeks? Did the lockdown affect you?

I've been feeling okay, not toooo hype but not low either just kinda hanging right in the middle in that sweet spot, because it could be a lot worse which has caused me to be grateful during this time. The first two weeks of the lockdown I went into a straight work/ life break to an extent, I was in such shock from the drastic change of pace from traveling plane to plane as my normal routine shooting weddings, etc to now being told to stay at home, it felt mildly traumatic that my business was being brought to a screeching halt so yeeahhh those first two weeks I did nothing but rest, relax and enjoy my family. The lockdown also affected me in the sense that it allowed me to assess the holes in my business and the weak points in my business during this time were magnified and otherwise may have gone unaddressed or unnoticed. So yeah, to answer the question I've felt a myriad of feelings from uncertainty, to thankfulness for rest and family, anxiety, joy and peace, but the overarching theme I've felt is gratefulness.

What helps you stay sane and grounded during the worldwide crisis?

Lots of popcorn and Cheetos, specifically caramel and cheddar popcorn. I may or may not come out of this quarantine a few pounds heavier lol. I'm making light, but the simple pleasures, as well as a plan and schedule, are how I stay sane. The schedule I'm speaking of allows me to have a consistent routine seeing as though I am no longer traveling shooting weddings etc. The planning portion is the part that has allowed me to really dive deep into my business in all areas during this time, so I can come out of this quarantine better than when I went in.

How do you usually start your day/what daily habits do you practice that help you have a better day and feel good about yourself?

After the 2 weeks of rest, I went straight back to business as usual. My daily habits to keep me afloat has been to keep my daily routine as usual. I start the day off with devotion, homeschool dinner, workflow, the usual. The whole house goes quiet at 1 pm and bedtime at 7 pm so that I can insert some self-care (whatever I choose that to be for that day, whether it's trying a new hair care product, or binge-watching a new Netflix special.) If I keep up my routine it helps me feel a sense of normalcy that helps to cope with the drastic changes in life.   

In your opinion, what are 3 things that photographers and other creatives can focus on, right now, to help their business survive and make it stronger for the time when things go back to normal?

I mentioned it briefly a few questions ago, this is a great time to address and assess our businesses. I've attached a link to a few things you can do (see below) to help your biz during this Covid19 pandemic. Marketing is a huge focus point for me right now and should be for fellow photographers and creatives. Scroll time is at an all-time high while the world is quarantined, and advertising dollars specifically through Facebook/Instagram are stretching twice as far at the moment. Fixing the holes and cracks in our business is a great thing to do right now also. COVID 19 EXPOSED VERY QUICKLY THE HOLES IN A LOT OF CREATIVES BUSINESS PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES. While quarantined I've found no better time than now to address these issues head forward. 

*Check out this Marketing Guide for photographers during Covid-19 from Phylicia.

Who inspires you during this time and why? Are there any particular resources that you’ve been enjoying and would recommend to others(books, podcasts, articles, etc)?

My friends are my greatest inspiration during this time. They are all fellow entrepreneurs although they are not creatives they are great businessmen and women. From coffee shops to juice bars - I've watched my fellow entrepreneur friends equally as affected however choosing to have the right outlook, and attitude in this time has been infectious amongst all. Somehow deep down we can just feel it, (kind like spiderman's spidey senses) it's going to eventually get better.

There are also sooooo many great resources during this time that can help propel us as we come out of this pandemic. I'm a little bias so obviously the best resource would be my Facebook Group (PHOTO TRIBE).  

I don't even know where to start with podcasts, books, and articles there's soooo many.  If I had to just drop a few that could change and revolutionize the way fellow creatives approach their brand and business specifically during this time I'd have to suggest From Poop to Gold by The Harmon Brothers and Super Fans by Pat Flynn - both of these have had great influence in marketing and building your brand.

What would you say to someone who is having a hard time these days (which is probably most of us, to be honest)?

I would say reach out to a friend, heck DM me and let's talk, you don't have to go through alone, and perhaps you are one strategy, suggestion, or phone call, etc. away from things getting better. Perspective is everything, and the right perspective will allow us to be grateful even in the midst of a global pandemic.

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When we started this interview series a few weeks ago, we honestly did not expect such a great response, so many honest stories and such insightful (and diverse!) pieces of advice. So we want to thank every creative who was a part of this small project! Each of us goes through the pandemic differently. To each - their own struggles and joys. But isn’t it great to find a little piece of yourself in someone else’s story? Knowing that one way or another, we are all walking on the same path. For us, this part is very comforting. And it definitely makes the living room/bedroom/kitchen working days a lot more inspiring. 

Creatively yours,

Squaremuse Team