Sam Wilson, owner of Jasper Photography, is working to be a changemaker for Black women photographers as she re-launches her business.
Sam grew up in Detroit and had an early interest in photography. “My grandfather got me a camera, and I would just spend time taking pictures of my friends,” Sam said. She started her business in 2005 by taking senior portraits for classmates who couldn’t afford the cost of professional photographers in the area. She has followed her clients through stages of their lives, photographing engagements and weddings, and taking family photos.
Like many entrepreneurs, Sam’s business was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I lost basically my entire portfolio during COVID,” Sam said. “So, it’s like starting over.” Sam had a consultation with a SCORE mentor and was sent a list of lending resources for entrepreneurs. “I think two out of three I didn’t qualify for,” she said. “You had to be in business for two years and have annual revenue of $100,000. I was just too small.”
After working with A4CB Community Lender Michael Nash, Sam said, “I found out that I got [the loan] less than a week later. The funds were deposited within 48 hours.” Sam is using her loan funds for equipment upgrades, marketing, and other needs as she grows her business.
As Sam relaunches her business, she is focused on the luxury photography market, weddings, events, and government contracting. She hopes to grow her business and hire more photographers to work bigger events.
Sam also plans to mentor Black female photographers. When Sam moved to Chicago, she was unable to find many other women of color photographing luxury weddings and events. She is striving to create a community of mentorship and connection.
