We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I never wanted to own my own company. Several years ago my husband at the time, wanted me to quit my full-time job and run his photography businesses. The thought of running our company, not having a reliable, steady income, was very nerve-racking. But the freedom of running your own company, setting your own rules, and being in charge, is very liberating! Now that I have my own business, I can never see going back to a job where I have to answer to someone else. Business is great, I have increased my income every year since starting my company three years ago. I absolutely love what I do and my clients are amazing, I can’t imagine doing anything else!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I feel that my quick turnaround time and setting appointments to fit my client’s needs, sets me apart from others in my field. When I tell the realtor that they will get their photos by the end of the day, they are shocked. They expect it to take 2-3 days. In this real estate market, they need a quick turnaround so they can get the house listed and get it sold! I had to work 7 days a week and take every job that came my way. It wasn’t easy to put my work before my personal life, but when owning and starting a new business, you do whatever it takes. There are many challenges that I had to overcome. With clients, friends and family who believe in me, I know I can overcome anything that comes my way.

I’ve learned that you need to be sure to have self-care daily or weekly. Whatever that looks like for you, take the time to take care of yourself first. Just like putting on the oxygen mask first before trying to save others.

I think the success of my business is my drive and integrity. I am a go-getter! I am constantly networking and looking for new business opportunities. With my business networking tribe, I work with many successful business owners who are very influential to me and my business. I am communicative, quick to reply to request and inquiries, I do excellent, quality work, and have a great personality that people are attracted to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would definitely have to catch a performance by Michelle, Adam, Sam and James with Wirewood Station! They are an awesome band in Colorado Springs. Breakfast at The Pantry in Green Mountain Falls. Spinach artichoke dip at Abby’s Pub and drinks at Atmosphere Gastropub.
We’d go to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, hike at one of our great trails, drive up Pikes Peak and visit Woodland Park and Manitou

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Early on in my career, I met three influential people, who were encouraging, and helped me with my mindset of being a successful business owner! Shout out to Patrick Murakami, my insurance agent. We met in November of 2019 when I was just venturing out on my own and starting my business. He seemed like he had it all together and had great advice. Little did I know, he was just starting his own business. His confidence in himself really shows through! Frank Sinclair, the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Dream Again, is a business coach and encourager. Every time I am around Frank, I feel more confident and know that he believes in me and my abilities! Dr Garrett Goggans is a mindset coach and author. His podcast – Moving Upstream Without A Paddle – is such an inspiration. I takeaway something from every guest he has on the show. The first show I ever listened to really spoke to me. I finally felt like “I Got This!” His book “Moving Upstream Without A Paddle” was helpful in changing my mindset. I didn’t realize how negative I used to talked to myself. On his podcast, he refers to several books and they were very helpful in flipping my mindset! Finally, my parents who had more faith and confidence in my abilities than I did! They are my cheerleaders and my rock!

Website: https://www.dawnchristinephotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnchristinephotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-cooper-b5146876/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnchristinephotography

Image Credits
Mandy Penn, Chris Gosnell, Dawn Cooper

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.