How To Start a Business As A Teenager

At 17 years old, I started up my own photography business. At the time I was still studying in high school and just wanted to make some extra cash on the side. I initially started with many free shoots while building up my skills. I’m now 20 years old and work full-time as a family photographer. I’m so glad I started building this up at such a young age and I’d love to teach others how to do the same.
 

Invest in education

I would say this is the most crucial thing to starting up your own business. It doesn’t matter how much you know about your craft or business, there is always more to learn. Although I was taking beautiful photos, I wasn’t profitable in my business until I learned from an expert. It will save you so much time and money in the long run if you start your business by learning from the best. After I started learning from a mentor and implementing her methods I tripled my income! I’d recommend finding education that is subscription-based with on-demand videos rather than one-on-one video calls if your budget is lower.
 

Jump right in

Everything is completely unknown and new at the start of a business. For my first ever photoshoot I posted on a Facebook group at 12pm asking if anyone would like free photos. By 4pm I had found a client, chosen a location, and started my first-ever photoshoot. I had no idea what to expect, I wasn’t 100% ready or prepared. The photoshoot went really well despite how nervous I was! By just jumping in straight away I didn’t let nerves get the better of me. I know if I had delayed that first photoshoot until I felt completely ready it would have taken months if not years to get started.

Don’t let the criticism get to you

Starting a business as a young person is incredibly hard for many reasons. A huge one is that teenagers will face doubts and criticism from most people. Whilst building up my business I was constantly told to get a ‘real job’ and asked how my hobby was going. A big reason for this is that a lot of people just aren’t used to the idea of young people working for themselves. I’ve been called lazy and not as hard-working as everyone else. For small business owners that is far from the truth. Although I’m working for myself and often from home, I am working constantly to make my dreams come true! It’s so important to learn to tune out these harsh words and focus on what you want to achieve.
 

Remember you don’t have to go to university

After I graduated I went to university for 6 weeks. Whenever I was there or studying all I could think about was all the time wasted when I could have been working on my business. I even had some photography classes but they just weren’t helping me grow in the way I needed to. I made the incredibly difficult decision to drop out of uni and pursue my business full-time. It was absolutely terrifying but it was definitely the right decision for me. University is not the only pathway especially now in 2023. There are so many ways to have a thriving career which doesn’t involve sitting in a lecture theatre. Don’t let the fear of not going to university stop you from unlocking your full potential.
 

Be ready to work hard - every day

When you work for yourself you have a lot of freedom but also a lot of responsibility. If you take time off work there’s no one else to pick up the slack. You can never really come home from work or switch off when there’s always more that can be done. Most of your time will be spent working initially whilst you build the business up. In saying that it’s absolutely worth it! There is the added perk of choosing your own holidays and leave time!

Look after your mental health

Running your own business can be isolating and demanding. It’s so easy to become burned out. It’s really important to remember to take breaks and remain social. Reach out to support when you need it. Also, find time to switch off from your business, and have times when you aren’t always able to be reached by clients.

Time to get your business started!

If starting your own business is something that interests you, then you should absolutely go for it! It's a life-changing decision for the better. Just remember to put as much care and effort into yourself as your business <3