006 - [SERIES] The First Year Files: Beginner Business Building

Send us burning questions, topic ideas, and things you’re loving about the podcast!

In this episode, Alex and Grace share their honest experiences and practical steps for entrepreneurs, especially creatives and photographers, to get their business off the ground professionally without the overwhelm. They emphasize that confidence and legitimacy come from solid systems, not just a pretty logo or a flashy website.

In this episode:

• Why confidence in your business starts with a legal foundation, not branding (and the common mistakes to avoid)
• The importance of choosing the right business structure: sole proprietorship, DBA, or LLC, and when to upgrade
• How to register your business name, secure your EIN, and the importance of a business bank account
• The pros and cons of using Gmail versus a custom business email
• Tips for creating cohesive branding that sounds good when spoken aloud and how it impacts client perception
• Why you don’t need a massive branding budget in year one—simple is enough to start
• Critical contracts and insurance every small business owner must prioritize
• The value of systems—client workflows, website focus, and doing the front-end work before building a large online presence

Resources & Links:

• Law Tog – Reputable legal templates for photographers and creatives
• The Legal Page – Affordable contracts for creative entrepreneurs
• LegalZoom – Easy legal registration for small businesses

Note: Remember, this episode is all about building a reliable foundation—your confidence as a creator depends on your system, not just your aesthetic. Start simple, stay consistent, and grow from there!

Connect with Alex & Grace:

• Alex - Instagram
• Alex - Website
• Grace - Instagram
• Grace - Website
• The Creative Table: For Photographers
• The Creative Table: For All Creators

Education:

• Grace - 1:1 Coaching
• The Beginner Photography Blueprint

Must-Have Systems

• Website - Pixieset
• CRM - Honeybook