As anyone local who knows me can attest, I get pretty (very) excited when I hear that someone creative, fun, genuine and generally awesome is thinking about moving to Lake Worth. I have a spiel. I offer neighborhood tours and house-hunting assistance. Sometimes, I almost-beg. I believe in this town and what it has to offer, and know that its potential comes closer to being realized with every single person that moves here or sets up shop with the right community-minded motives. I also get that the future of our House depends on this growth.
When I first met Carl, he'd already moved down from New York - so I didn't have to bring my full campaign. I quickly realized he was just the kind of person our little town needs: creative, talented, determined, giving, caring, invested. He gives a damn and it shows. Carl became an advocate for our town in what seemed like a second, joining (then leading) his neighborhood association, volunteering his time and photography to local causes, meeting everyone he could and befriending them all. And at the House, he charmed us all with his kindness and generosity. "Be The Carl" became our mantra for the example he set, reminding us to walk the walk. Needless to say, I feel lucky to have the opportunity to share a little more about Carl and his story today.
What are you drinking?
Coffee, always coffee.
Current mood in less than 3 words:
Pretty darn happy.
How did you discover that photography was what you wanted to do?
Being in my dad's dark room when I was four years old. He worked professionally in photo labs his entire career, but he didn't know a thing about working a camera.
How'd you take the leap from passion to full time job?
Blindly, with the support of my wife. I left my full-time job in IT in 2014 to open my gallery in New York, which is how I transitioned from having a job to technically not having a job - haven't looked back since.
What's your favorite part about what you do?
The opportunities I get to meet people I normally wouldn't get to know. It's all about the relationships. I love being able to use my photography to interact with all different walks of life - from celebrities to the guy that lives on the streets.
How has Social House helped you with the way you do business?
Having just moved to a new city I found a group of like-minded people that I get to spend time and work with. It's been absolutely fantastic. I didn't know anyone when I first got here, but the connections at Social House are so organic, as well as the opportunities.
Any productivity tips or secrets?
Smartsheet Productivity Software - it's a project management software that helps me stay organized, I run my life out of it.
Any tips for other creatives looking to start their own business?
Embrace the fear, it's okay.
What's the most challenging/rewarding part of owning your own business?
Not having a guaranteed paycheck. You can hustle all you want, but sometimes you don't have something coming in. Saving for a rainy day is important.
What's the most rewarding part of your week:
The freedom of my schedule is very rewarding. I enjoy having control over what I do and when I do it, that's the best part of my week and career path.
Something that has happened while owning your own business that you never could have planned for or expected:
I'm floored by the global reach of my work. I did a shot of an art installation in New York City, where the artist fell in love with my photography, so she included it a book that's being produced in Israel. The book is about journalism in conflict zones, which is so outside of my sphere yet something I'm very proud of. It gave me the courage to start my "I Am Lake Worth" project, that was definitely one of the triggers.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
I'm an award winning brewer. I won the stout category in 2004 at the U.S. Open of Home Brewing. I was brewing coffee stouts before it was a thing.
Your favorite piece of work:
My favorite piece is the next photo that I take.
photos by Coco Prop Shop
The post Small Biz Stories: Carl Stoveland Photography appeared first on Social House.