The next profile in our reinvention success story series comes from Stella Kramer (who was also featured in the More Magazine article on us that ran this past April). Stella, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photo editor, attended a public workshop that I taught and joined the earliest version of our Reinvention Team Action Group. She also did some one-on-one coaching with me after her group ended. Here’s what Stella had to say about her reinvention journey:
Before working with The Reinvention Institute I was facing a scenario unfamiliar to me, but probably not unfamiliar to others. I found, after many years of working as a photo editor for top publications, and after receiving many important awards, that I could not find any work. Whether it was my age, the economy, or something else I didn’t know, but I realized I had to reinvent myself. And do it fast.
The Reinvention Institute, and Pamela, gave me the optimism I needed to start my own consulting business lecturing and working with photographers.
We covered the logistical aspects of setting up my business, including copy for my website, writing promotional materials and pricing my services. She gave me incredible encouragement with an enthusiasm that made me excited about the possibilities of what I could do in the world.
Like anything new, the biggest challenges and difficulties I found were with myself. Could I really make this dream come true? Could I promote myself? Could I build a business? Could I make a living? I found it hard to work by myself and be responsible for every aspect of my success. I had to be open to contacting people in my field and asking for suggestions and help, and I had to apply myself towards building a business that could support me.
I am moving forward on all of this, and have many ideas that I need to implement. I still find barriers that I have to get myself past, but that’s an on-going process to be expected. I will be teaching an all-day workshop at Calumet Photographic, a large photo store in New York at the end of November, and have already been asked to do another workshop in 2009. I am also being invited around the country to review photographer’s portfolios, and have been building a client base. But as with any business, there’s always more to do.
I’d say the three most important things I got from The Reinvention Institute were encouragement, a new way of looking at what I am and what I can do, and the belief that I can make my new career a success. I am forever grateful for all of that.
Check out Stella’s website to learn more about her work. And if you want to join the ranks of successful reinventors, the next Reinvention Team Action Group is starting on January 27th– just in time for your New Year’s resolutions! Applications are being accepted here. The group is limited to twelve participants and several spots have already been taken, so avoid the wait list and sign up ASAP!
