You may be thinking, I'm a small business owner, why do I need professional photos? I can just use the photos I have on my phone. But hear me out...in today's world, people are flooded with images and it's becoming harder and harder to stand out.
Professionally done photos will make your brand look more professional and trustworthy. People are visual creatures and first impressions matter. Show your potential clients that you're serious about your business by investing in high-quality small business branding photography.
It's more than just taking pretty pictures, it's about telling a story and connecting with your audience on a personal level.
I love working with small business owners that are ready to level-up in their brand. And today's client spotlight is on the uber-talented Olukemi, owner and creative director of Ribbons and Scripts. She is a calligrapher and engraver based in Milton Keynes and creates beautiful custom-tailored pieces for her clients.
Olukemi has worked with a number of high-end brands including Dior, Gucci Beauty, Jo Malone and my personal favourite, Christian Louboutin! Let's head straight into the interview:
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Olukemi Elebute, I am a calligrapher and engraver based in Milton Keynes. I specialise in on-site and in-studio customisation for luxury and corporate brands. I established Ribbons and Scripts Limited - a calligraphy and engraving studio serving clients in Milton Keynes, London, and across the UK, offering wedding day-of details and live event experiences.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR INTEREST IN WHAT YOU DO?
While working in the insurance industry years ago, I was the go-to person for gift ideas for colleagues, family and friends. Because of my keen interest in gift styling, I became the resource person for everything gifting and surprises within my network.
My inspiration stems from my constant quest to learn something new and to amplify my knowledge. Because of this thirst for knowledge, I started a small gift styling service. While looking for new service offerings and avenues to enhance my gift-wrapping skills, I found calligraphy. The combination of my beautiful lettering with gift styling created amazing personalisation and styling for brands and individuals.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS IN YOUR SPACE?
As a strong communicator, I love helping my clients achieve their goals. I pride myself in finding ways to use my creativity in nearly any position, and my insights enable me to spot unusual patterns to come up with out-of-the-box solutions, creating real change.
I offer custom-made engraving on different types of surfaces as well as support my clients by helping them create a beautiful and intimate in-store experience for their customers, most especially the VIPS. I always ensure my services create first and lasting impressions in the minds of guests and clients.
My focus is helping my clients achieve their desires and goals through the art of a written word - Calligraphy.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CLIENTS TO WORK WITH?
I love all my clients – Individuals, Couples, Wedding/Event Planners, Luxury Brands, Departmental Stores, Invitation Designers, Beauty Brands. I literally love them all.
I am super grateful for every single one of them as they’ve followed my journey for the past 3 years, and I am thankful to them all.
I love working with these people because they give free rein for my creativity to flow. No single commission is the same because the possibilities are endless which is why I love what I do.
HAVE THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS TAUGHT YOU ANYTHING NEW ABOUT YOURSELF?
The last couple of years has taught me a lot. One cogent lesson for me is that – I should do my part as an individual and then leave everything to align and fall into place.
LET'S GET MORE PERSONAL - WHAT MEAL COULD YOU EAT EVERY DAY FOR A YEAR? #FOODIEALERT
I think eggs. I love eggs because there are variety of ways it can be cooked, and you can have it with almost everything.
WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU SMILE?
Meeting customers and listening to the sweet stories they share with me while I personalise their products, gives me so much joy. Seeing that instant smile on their faces, immediately they see their bespoke purchases, makes me smile as well.
Another thing that makes me smile is dancing. It makes me genuinely happy when I see people dance.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO HAVE A PHOTOSHOOT NOW?
I think it's about time! It is something I have always wanted to do for the business; most especially because imaging is important to me, and I always strive to create a lasting impression with potential clients.
DID YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS BEFORE THE PHOTOSHOOT?
Not at all. I had done my research on what I wanted. When I found Wani Olatunde Photography, it was a no-brainer as I see she’s an experienced photographer who understands the goal behind personal branding.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR BRANDING PHOTOS?
Oh, I plan to use it everywhere. We created a library of photos that will be applied to various product offerings and different images for various situations.
FINALLY, WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?
You can get to know me on my website: www.ribbonsandscripts.co.uk
I am always open to chat, so you can find me on Instagram or Facebook @ribbonsandscripts, you can also reach out to me on Linkedin @olukemielebute.
Be sure to visit Olukemi's website to see how she's incorporated her branding images beautifully.
P.S: As small business owners, we should all be in planning mode for 2023. So if you've had updating your business branding photography on your list for a while now and are ready to level up, then get in touch for a complimentary consultation to see how I can help you at our photography studio. We are based in between Milton Keynes and Northampton.
