Being a college student is a handful. Between classes, clubs, and a social life, it is hard to find time for everything.
But what about running a small business in the midst of all of that?
Liberty PRSSA had the opportunity to hear from two students who tackle this challenge of running a small business while still attending classes. Best of all, they do their jobs with excellence and boldly glorify the Lord through their passions.
Let me introduce them to you!
Macy Morehart is a junior Strategic Communications major with a concentration in social media. She began working in photography about four years ago, but stepped into wedding photography in 2019. Nowadays, she focuses on couples photography (weddings, engagements, spontaneous sessions) and she absolutely delights in capturing celebrations of love. Macy also runs the Lynchburg Market, a monthly gathering where small businesses gather in one space to sell their products and foster community, alongside Lee Patton.
Anna Grace Birley is a junior at Liberty studying Integrated Communications. Her business first began when she realized she was spending a lot of time in the morning picking out an outfit rather than reading God's Word. To help her time management, she began styling all of her outfits a week in advance. Not only did the idea help her, but other people loved it too. She then started her brand AG The Look, a personal styling service that creates outfits for clients based on what's already in their closet.
It was so special having these two creatives share their passion and vision with us. Here are a few main takeaways from the event:
1. Find something you're passionate about!
During the entire event, Macy and Anna Grace were brimming with love for what they get to do. Macy adores being surrounded by loving relationships and believes that marriage beautifully reflects the Gospel. Anna Grace loves helping clients feel confident in both their style and who God created them to be. Their businesses are so much more than just businesses.
Also, both creatives emphasized that when you find something to do that you're passionate about, it's much easier to stay motivated and consistent within that job. And how much more fulfilling is it to have a job that you truly love!
2. Just because you aren't there yet, doesn't mean you can't get there.
Macy explained that on her journey through photography, she struggled looking at the work of other professional photographers and not creating art at the same level as them.
"You can so easily give up because you're not who you want to be yet, but I know a God who is faithful and he will bring me to that place," Macy shared.
Allowing God to work through her photography and grow her skills, while being content in
the process, was crucial for Macy to develop as a creator. Anna Grace agreed with this idea, and she shared that it can be hard for to be content in the current season of her business. However, she is learning to appreciate the beginnings of her brand.
"You have to start somewhere. It's so cheesy, but you do," Anna Grace emphasized.
3. Find people that will support your business journey.
Both creators shared that having people to encourage them and their business was key to their growth. Macy had to put her pride aside and reach out to photographers she could learn from. It was then that she got her first wedding gig after a fellow photographer recommended her for the job, and the couple hired her.
Anna Grace makes sure to seek wise counsel when it comes to her brand. She asks her friends what they love about her business, and in what ways that they think she could grow. Recently, a friend suggested that Anna Grace start posting reels (short, looping videos) on her Instagram, but Anna Grace wasn't really into it. However, she gave it a shot, and has absolutely loved creating fun videos of outfits she styles. Her audience has loved it too.
"If you're prayerful about it, God is gonna bring you the right people," Anna Grace said.
Here at PRSSA, we are so grateful for all we learned from these entrepreneurs and are inspired by their passion and creativity!
While the semester is almost over, members can look forward to our last event on April 22, where we will dive into the world of event planning. Can't wait to see you there!
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