From Retail to Entrepreneurship: The Harriet Media Story Unveiled

With a natural instinct for creativity, Harriet has always enjoyed documenting the world or telling a story in a visual way. As a welcome sideline and distraction from a tough career in the world of Retail management, hours were whiled away covering canvases in various art mediums, creating pieces worthy of purchasing. Making that extra income as a sideline to a steady income was exhilarating and Harriet would continue to invest that money back into her art equipment choosing quality over quantity with the paint choices, stronger canvases and brushes. 

Being an entrepreneur is something that was instilled in Harriet from a young age. Her Dad has always been self-employed for various reasons and has been very successful in all his endeavours. He has hinted for his own children to follow in his footsteps, especially seeing the frustration built and bottled up as they worked for large unsupportive businesses for minimum wages.

Finally, after being completely inspired by many creative people in the photography world, Harriet decided enough was enough and took the terrifying leap into starting her own business. Becoming self-employed wasn’t straightforward, nor was it easy. But determination shone through and the hustle mentality came naturally. 

‘I knew it was going to be tough to learn how to use a camera and try to get the business off the ground. So I asked for advice. I reached out to lots of other creatives making a go of things by themselves in the industry to find out where to price myself, how to niche, what services to offer…I am so grateful to everyone who took the time to give me words of wisdom, share financial information with me or those who had the patience to show me how’.

Without an educational background in the field to lean on (Harriet actually studied Fashion Business at Glasgow Caledonian University before spending the rest of her career working for various retailers and a kids adventure company as a Retail Manager), it was a leap into the unknown. Learning how to switch her camera from auto to manual was the turning point. Suddenly, Harriet found herself crouching down, stretching up, precariously standing on things to get better angles for the composition of her photos. 

But has it been smooth sailing? Let’s find out…

‘Oh gosh, I’ve definitely been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride…instead of leaving behind the stress or emotional breakdowns following employee issues moments of doubt really creep in and take over. So although I cry a lot less these days, there are still moments of weakness for me at Harriet Media. The worry that I haven’t made magic with my camera for my client keeps me awake at night but then I remind myself that perhaps no news is good news? Then the testimonials come through and they couldn’t be better…it’s a real lift when that happens.’

Business isn’t consistent. You never see the same figure hitting your bank account once a month like the stability of working for a company. You aren’t able to safely rely on a direct debit. But it’s certainly a great way to become more resilient. To learn so many new skills. The opportunities outweigh everything else. When those low moments come you just have to remember – why did I do this in the first place? 

Where does social media come into it all?

‘Without my social media skills developed personally over the time it’s been a ‘thing’ or even a lifestyle I would certainly be in a bit of trouble. That guaranteed, retainer income is absolutely necessary for me to continue with my own business. We all have bills to pay, mouths to feed, crazy UK seasons to dress for…and I guess sometimes that gets forgotten when enquiries come through to work with me. I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked to offer my services for free. It really boggles the mind’.

Harriet has been an avid social media user since it’s inception. She has used it all – MySpace, Bebo, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (although draws the line with TikTok). Learning how to use social media to market her own business, she now offers help and advice to others looking to do the same.

‘It’s so much easier than you think. They key is consistency. But also not to overwhelm yourself with it. By getting into a vicious cycle you end up never posting at all then any money you have invested seems wasted and you may be missing out on some wonderful opportunities for your business.’

But it’s certainly photography where Harriet’s passion lies. Capturing moments through her lens, telling stories, pleasantly surprising people with photos of themselves is something that will always bring her joy. 

‘About a year into my business I realised I was actively choosing to leave my camera behind. I had very quickly forgotten where this had all started. By picking up and using a camera properly. But you just don’t know what opportunities are waiting for you out there. People see me using my camera and it sparks a natural conversation. Before I know it we are exchanging details and I have a new client on my books. The power of people and interaction is huge, not everything has to be found online.’

So where does Harriet want to take her business to next?

‘Abroad! All my work has been UK based but I’m itching to do more travelling. Annoyingly, I haven’t actually been anywhere outside of this country since before the pandemic. But this year that WILL change. I have my passport and I have some very exciting enquiries coming through for trips to various countries.’

Well, we will have to watch this space. Harriet will be sure to take us along on her exciting journeys! Just tune in to her Instagram @harrietmedia…