Meet Kathy, Founder and Lead Photographer of The Book of Amare

Kathy, founder of The Book of Amare, a natural-light portrait photographer based out of Oahu, HI and SanDiego, CA.

FOLLOW, LIKE, ENGAGE @thebookofamare www.thebookofamare.com

INTERVIEW with KATHY:

What did you want to be when you grew up?

“Originally, I wanted to be an Elementary School Teacher.  When I got to college, I switched to teaching English as a Second Language to Adults.  It's been a fun adventure learning about new cultures while I was teaching.”

What 2020 has taught you about your business, or being an entrepreneur in general?

“2020 has taught me the importance of having multiple sources of income. Although our state was shut-down for the majority of the time since March, especially with very little opportunities to photograph clients, I had to be creative and PATIENT! During this down-time, I've been learning how to make educational videos and create lightroom presets that I am hoping to launch by the end of this year.  

I've also learned the importance of going over your contracts with your clients.  Just because you gave it to them to read, don't automatically think they've read it to its entirety.  Make sure you spend time going over it with your clients especially when it comes to refunds.”

Anything you want to say to “Women In Business”? Or those that aspire to start a business? 

“PLAN AHEAD AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO OUTSOURCE! I can't stress enough the importance of having a business plan and also remembering to ask for help when you need it. I feel as women, sometimes we have this pressure to show that we are good enough and can do everything alone.  It's important to remember that success happens when you surround yourself with support and that it's okay to seek help from other women who are experts in their own fields. (Like Jamie!) Since asking Jamie for help with my taxes, a HUGE weight has been lifted off my shoulders and for that, I am SO THANKFUL!”

Female Founded Brands Kathy Loves:

I'd like to shout out a few friends in Hawai'i:

·         The Garden Collective @thegardencollectivehi

·         Café Mamae @from.mynest

·         Baked by Rox, Waipahu, HI @bakedbyrox

·         Aloha Picnics, Hawaii @alohapicnics

Charities Kathy Supports:

“During my time in O'ahu, Hawai'i, I worked for the Department of Human Services which focused on providing assistance to some of our very vulnerable communities.  What a lot of people don't know is that homelessness is a VERY big problem in the State of Hawai'i and a lot of it is due to the high cost of living. I'd like to give a shout out to the IHS, Institute for Human Services (https://ihshawaii.org/#modal).  It is one of the oldest agencies that works exclusively to prevent and end homelessness on the islands. It is in Honolulu, HI and it has found homes, shelters, and jobs for thousands of people.”