Entrepreneur Q & A: Alexandrea Delgado
We recently chatted with OKC-based photographer Alexandrea Delgado about her business, the entrepreneurial journey, and what she's learned about working as a freelancer. Alexandrea is a visual storyteller and has been building a portfolio of work showcasing different parts of the human experience through photography. She shares her insights on building a portfolio and how the post-COVID work experience changed her perspective. We also discuss what it's like to create an inclusive brand, and take a look at some of her most eye-catching portraits
SS46: What was your work life like before starting your own business?
AD: So, prior to going full time with my business, I was working at a gym full time, and while it wasn't my dream job, it really did end up being the perfect job for me at the time. My position working the front desk greeting and checking in members put me in a position to connect with so many different people I might otherwise not have gotten to meet. Which was actually a crucial part of how I was able to build my portfolio and client base as quickly as I did. An extra bonus was the hours I worked (4 am-Noon M-F). I'd get off from my gym job and be able to work on my photography in the evenings and weekends. This allowed me the freedom to build my business up till I was ready to dive in and be a full-time wedding photographer.
SS46: When you did start your business? What made you finally go for it?
AD: Officially in 2018, but went full time in the year 2020. The breaking point was returning to my job post-Covid lockdown and realizing how ready I was to take that leap to go full-time and have more autonomy over my life and time. I realized how important it was to me to know that the work that I was doing every day was aligned with my values ethically and morally, and put people first.
SS46: What are the best things that have come from starting a business?
AD: I get to work with some of the most incredible people, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and have the great privilege of getting to celebrate and affirm them and their love. Knowing I can create a space where people can feel comfortable and cared for during their time with me brings me so much joy.
SS46: How has your identity influenced your brand identity?
AD: As a queer person, I very much let my desire to create a business that was inclusive of ALL love be at the forefront of every decision I made. Everything about my brand is meant to make you feel invited and celebrated for exactly who you are.
See more of her portfolio at alexandreadelgado.co.