In October 2018 I started a photography business. I honestly had no idea how to start a business aside from needing equipment, funds and skills ready. However, the administrative side of things, not so much.
I simply started by getting business cards, which I considered to be part of my marketing. I also created a Facebook page called Image by Maila to have a portal to share my work. But it did not take long for me to realize that would not be enough, so I decided to look for other potential media options available within my budget.
With my web presence established through those sites, next up was developing a logo. I came across a business online, and they helped me to come up with a design. With basic branding under my belt, I figured that was it, but there was one more step. Our friend, who works as an economic development officer, informed us we would need to register my business in town even though I am unincorporated. He told us to acquire a development permit, which allows a business to operate from a residential property. Once we got the development permit, we would then be able to apply for a business licence. In May 2019, I applied for a permit. After the two week advertising period, I got the approval and then did not waste another moment submitting papers for my business licence, which I finally got in the mail two days later.
Although the business licence is just a piece of paper, I am nevertheless grateful and also feel a sense of accomplishment. Yet running a business requires so much more than merely having a permit ready. This is only just the beginning!
Right now, I am more excited than fearful of what the future has to offer. I know it will not be easy, but I am willing to try my hardest.
Searching for a good website provider, I started by trying a free version of www.wix.com. It struck me as counter-intuitive on my first impression, so I continued my journey and I signed up for a free 30-day trial with www.vistaprint.com. This initially worked well since I only needed the basic version, and I also found it to be user friendly, so I obtained a main domain as well through them. However, as I kept on exploring and wanting more, such as for sharing my website posts through social media, music, moving slides and galleries, I noticed that the limited functions offered by Vistaprint would not be able to cater to my needs. They have helpful customer service representatives, but that web service just was not going to do the trick.
Next, I tried www.wordpress.com. But that option is way more complicated than I expected, so I decided to give Wix another chance. With their 50 percent off sale, I was sold! I got myself a domain and some other perks as well for signing up for their premium service. I registered in Google business and I to this day continue to work on updating my website, www.mailaleoncito.com, as well as other social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Google).
With my web presence established through those sites, next up was developing a logo. I came across a business online, and they helped me to come up with a design. With basic branding under my belt, I figured that was it, but there was one more step. Our friend, who works as an economic development officer, informed us we would need to register my business in town even though I am unincorporated.
He told us to acquire a development permit, which allows a business to operate from a residential property. Once we got the development permit, we would then be able to apply for a business licence. In May 2019, I applied for a permit. After the two week advertising period, I got the approval and then did not waste another moment submitting papers for my business licence, which I finally got in the mail two days later.
Although the business licence is just a piece of paper, I am nevertheless grateful and also feel a sense of accomplishment. Yet running a business requires so much more than merely having a permit ready. This is only just the beginning!
Right now, I am more excited than fearful of what the future has to offer. I know it will not be easy, but I am willing to try my hardest.
