Jennifer R. Fiereck

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Age: 36

Title at work/what I do: President/Owner of J. Fiereck Photography. I have the best job ever. I capture and preserve moments in time that become a story and treasured history for my clients. I am one of only 25 Certified Professional Photographers in Connecticut. My business offers commercial, wedding, and portrait photography services. As with any small business owner, I wear many hats, which include: photographer, webmaster, book keeper, marketing manager, and janitor.

Town where I work: Manchester

Town where I live: Manchester

College I attended: University of Connecticut

My passion, hobby or special talent: Photography, of course

Twitter handle: @jfiereck

No. of LinkedIn connections: 345

Favorite place to network: HBJ events

Favorite drink at a networking event: Ginger ale (because I'm usually working at the events)

How do I create connections in my professional life?

It's amazing what a smile and a good handshake can do. Connecting with people is more about listening and less about talking. And I truly believe in the art of the handwritten note and a follow-up phone call. My business has embraced technology and social media, but we haven't forgotten the old-school ways of communicating.

What's been my biggest challenge professionally?

Geez. That's a hard one to answer. Being self-employed has a myriad of challenges no matter what industry. I would have to say the two biggest challenges are staying self-motivated and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. One of the perks of my job is I do much of my work in the comfort of my home wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt. However, when you work from home you are always at work. I am not complaining at all, but I have to make a conscious effort to set boundaries. Having two daughters under 4 certainly helped me set those boundaries. When my sitter leaves for the day, I close my office door and put on my mom hat. I don't see myself as having a job, because I truly love what I do and photography is such a big part of my identity and spirit. Being self-employed, to me, is a lifestyle.

What is the best advice I received?

In the fall of 2008, I was working full-time at an advertising and public relations firm and running my photography business on the side. I was getting burned out. My husband, Dave, suggested I quit my real job to focus on the photography business. I remember him saying, “Let's give it a year. If it doesn't work you can always go get a real job. But you'll never know unless you try.” I took the plunge into self-employment and I haven't had to get a real job yet. Sometimes all you need is that little push from someone you trust and love.

What do I want my legacy to be?

For me, it's not about being the most talented, award-winning photographer or where my work is published. None of that matters. It's about how I make my family, friends, clients, and colleagues feel. Did I make you smile or feel good about yourself? Was I honest? Did I give you my absolute best effort and attention? Do you know that you can always count on me? At the end of the day, I hope the answer to all of those questions is yes.

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