Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Rivers
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In the 2010s, I began blogging while in high school. This pastime paired my love for music and entertainment with my love for writing. Like photography, music, entertainment and writing are all components of art in their own ways. My hobby resulted in me attending Florida International University where I earned my B.S. in Communication.
The end goal was to work in the music industry in some capacity. While in college, I began interning at Slip-N-Slide Records and that led to me being hired by the record label 3 months shy of graduating from college. While working at Slip-N-Slide Records as a Social Media Manager turned Artist & Label Operations Manager, I was able to work with and connect with like-minded people who I am still close with to this day. The label’s founder and CEO Ted Lucas, became a mentor – teaching me the ins and outs of the music business during my 6 years with the company. I learned a ton about admin work and running a business. During this time, I also began teaching myself graphic design techniques to speed up the completion of projects that I worked on for musicians like Trick Daddy, Trina, Teenear, Sebastian Mikael, Plies and more.
Throughout my life, I have always been that person in the room with a camera. You know that person. When I decided that I no longer wanted to be in the music industry, I chose a new career path that I felt would build off of a natural talent that I have and fulfill me at the same time. Photography is that for me. Working at Slip-N-Slide Records resulted in me working with a plethora of talented photographers on various projects. Over the years, music itself introduced me to the works of photographers like David LaChapelle, Jonathan Mannion, Derek Blanks and in more recent years Raven B.
Essentially music, working in the music industry and having a desire to love what I do led me to where I am at this time in my career as a photographer. I wanted to do what I did for musicians, for business owners: help them create concepts and campaigns, help them execute their concepts and provide them with the creative assets that they need to put their best marketing foot forward. This is how Start With A Plan was created.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Trying to find your way through life and your career has its ups and downs. I thought that working in the music industry was going to be my retirement plan and it became my introduction into working in an artistic field.
Having to come to terms with the fact that some people will never understand professional boundaries was one of my biggest struggles. It prepared me for becoming a business owner. Once I realized that I can get the same amount of work done with rest and balance, I began to enjoy my work more. While some industries and some people don’t stop working, I do. This is how I find my balance and avoid burnout. I have had people who did not understand the boundaries that I enforced in my previous career tell me years later that they now understood why I had those boundaries in place.
Something that I have never talked about publicly is being robbed of almost $2,000 worth of equipment in late 2023. After this happened, I came very close to giving up on my business and the robbery is still something that nags at me, but I’m working through it and I know that what I loss does not compare to what is to come.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Start With A Plan is a Charleston, SC-based photography and graphic design business. As the company’s owner, I specialize in portrait, in-studio photography. Initially, I set out to be a brand photographer who also offers headshots and product photography, but I have found joy in photographing personal milestones as well.
What sets me apart from others is that I am hands-on with the creative planning and logistics of my clients’ photoshoots. I understand that the everyday person does not have a team of people to help them with the planning aspect of their photoshoot, but I cover that. Most of my photoshoot packages include the creation of a moodboard that helps myself and my clients plan and solidify ideas. Beyond that, my branding clients receive guidance on how they can utilize their photos after their photoshoots.
Throughout the process and session itself, I help bring value to the session by offering not only guidance but consulting.
I am most proud of how I have been able to cultivate supporters who I have connected with solely through Start With A Plan. There is a group of South Carolinians who support the company simply because they are a fan of my art and appreciate my professionalism.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I would love to connect with as many business owners in various industries as I can. If you are looking to update your business photos or marketing materials, please consider Start With A Plan to execute your vision. Visit startwithaplan.co and join our newsletter list for updates, exclusive deals and more!
Previous clients and those who are subscribed to the newsletter are receiving a discounted Christmas portraits session in Summerville, SC!
Please be sure to follow us on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethrivers.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startwithaplan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startwithaplanco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCikDxqSOUT5sFfxZ2sU-ptg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@startwithaplan?_t=8naBVZKEv6N&_r=1
Image Credits
Brian Rhodes
Elizabeth Rivers
