The Sister Accord Accelerator: Q&A with Claudia Parker

Zambezi is a proud partner of the Sister Accord Accelerator, a program aimed to help a group of diverse female entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses through education, grants, and mentorship.

This week we are excited to spotlight Claudia Parker, Founder of Claudia Parker Portraits, a photography and video production company based in Chicago, IL!

Q: What has been the most challenging part about growing your brand?

I believe building a brand is intentional and strategic. Each time I say anything publicly I have the mindset of "forever." I need to be comfortable with the content I've created or shared being linked back to me or my business forever. With that in mind, I only put out content that supports initiatives that speak to my faith, family and/or my business. 

The most challenging part about growing my brand is time and money. Most would agree, it requires a lot of effort to show people who you are. Not all platforms are right for my brand, knowing how to tap into the audience that will most appreciate what I represent has been a challenge. In some cases paying to boost posts has helped to extend my reach, but again, it's hard to decipher how much of that translates into opportunities. 

Q: What has been the most rewarding experience in your brand journey?

The most rewarding aspect of building my brand is controlling the narrative. I am empowered by creating content that embodies my authentic self.  The people within my network are powerful and influential within their perspective areas.  While I don't have a large following, I'm putting my energy into the genuine few that support what I do. Through collaboration we bring awareness and exposure to each other. It's been wonderful playing a small part in each other's success. 

Q: How and where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration from people's stories. I LOVE telling stories, sharing stories and creating stories. I am most intrigued by the underdogs that defy the odds, because that is who I am. I'm a girl from a small town that grew into a successful woman who now lives in a big city. I am a woman who believes you should underestimate no one, because that might be the person you report to one day.

Q: How do you see yourself growing within this program, or what skills do you wish to develop throughout the next several weeks? 

This program has been about connection, support and camaraderie. We are gaining insight and business acumen from leaders and innovative thinkers. Those that see the obstacle before them and move forward anyway. Hearing how they overcome real life scenarios is refreshing. Success doesn't come easily, you have to be committed to yourself and the vision you've established. This program is helping each of us remain true to our unique, big picture. 

Q: What advice would you give someone who is just starting their business, or who is thinking of starting a business? 

Know who you want your business to serve and why. When you have a niche, it's much easier to focus your area of expertise. 

The back-office aspects of a business are critical, the finances of any organization rely upon the strength of the accounting. Be smart about how you spend, how you save and how you invest. 

Be open to accepting help. We are no less intelligent or capable because we've accepted someone's physical or monetary assistance. A large part of starting and growing a business is having the faith to rely on others.