Lauren Callaghan, 28, is from Sydney, Australia. She started her lifestyle photography business, Sol & Co, in 2013. Sol & Co is a lifestyle blog that aims to inspire and be inspired, to capture interesting places, have adventures, highlight other people who are doing amazing things.
Starting the Business
Q: Where did the idea for your business come from? Where were you in your life and career?
A: I am a traveller and adventurer at heart. I have always dreamed of creating a business that enabled me to live my dream life, and be able to earn a living from anywhere in the world. Photography is my passion and while I love capturing special moments for families during my portrait sessions, I now have a place to showcase my lifestyle shots. A space where people could visit, take a moment out of their day and be inspired by what they saw. One that would make people think, question and become aware of ‘more.’ I also want to provide a platform for other creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses that are doing amazing things to be showcased and shared to a wider audience.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting out?
A: My biggest challenges were the ones I placed on myself. It’s hard to create a business that goes against what’s considered the ‘norm.’ Although my deepest desire is to earn a living doing something I love, it has been hard for me to accept that I can get ‘paid’ for doing something I love.
Q: What is the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started the business?
A: There are so many people out there who want to help and offer support. Once I found a support network, people who were also in business and could relate to my world, people who would push me to move forward, I found my confidence. It’s not only okay to ask for help, it’s a 100% necessity. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.
Q: What would you consider your first big success in the business?
A: When I was asked to be a part of an exciting exhibition that showcased my travel photography. It was there that I realised my work is amazing. I was showcased along side six other photographers and was proud to see my work shining. This was the first time I looked at my own work and really appreciated how awesome it is.
I also love having other people tell me that the Sol & Co community inspires them. I had a friend say to me in a passing comment, “You are creating so much good in the world…” and that, right there made me immensely happy.
Q: What is the toughest thing about getting to the top / staying on top in your industry specifically?
A: I’ve got a ways to go before I would comment that I was at the top. We are only a brand newbie in the business world.
Daniel Webster once said, “There is always room at the top.”
This makes so much sense to me and keeps me thinking positively. My business will keep evolving and I hope to entice people to come along for the ride.
The Future
Q: What do you plan on doing / changing in order to keep growing in the next 5 years?
A: I plan on offering value, value, value. Encouraging people to inspire themselves. Photography is my passion, I have the ability to shine a little light and encourage people to take better photos. I’d love to offer a simple course that will inspire people to pick up any camera and capture their own memories. I would love to travel on more adventures and capture some amazing images from all around the world.
Q: What does ultimate success look like to you? How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
A: Sitting on the beach in Spain, having travelled there from the Greek Islands, editing some amazing images I have just taken of the sunrise. Posting them on my blog and reading about other people who view these images to add some sunshine to their day. Writing some love notes to send to those who have ordered a beautiful photographic print from my shop and feeling blessed to know that I am living my dream. That I can visit amazing places, that I can meet interesting people and I can support my family along the way.
Q: What one piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry and wanting to make it to the top?
A: Take the scary option and trust the process.
Growth and success come from stepping out of your comfort zone and playing in the field of the unknown.