Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Kate Wark Photography!
Four questions with Kate Wark, founder of Kate Wark Photography.
Why did you start your business?
Taking pictures of things that are meaningful to me -- namely people -- has been a passion of mine since I was very young. Though I had always been known as the documentarian of my family and among friends, it wasn't until a few friends in Ridgefield, after seeing my photos shared on social media, asked what my rates were that I began to think seriously about starting a business. I launched in December of 2017.
What is your best-selling product/service?
Family portraits, hands down. Though fall is my busiest season, I do portrait sessions for families all year, and capturing the connections that families share brings me more joy than I can probably express in words. Lifestyle-driven newborn sessions, which are done in-home and without props, are among these family portrait offerings. Headshot sessions come in a close second to my family work.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
Working in the community and supporting local businesses and services is a passion point of mine. I exhibit at Audrey Road's AR Marketplace, a curated market within the store with more than 35 designers, makers, and artists. If florals are needed, I direct them straight to Laura at Purple Heather Floral Design as she's an absolute magician with flowers. I refer clients to makeup artists Jasmine Gannalo and Jennifer Kinford of J Kinford Beauty Group and Jamie Rees Thompson of Jamie Rees Beauty, all locally based and super talented.
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
I haven't reimagined my business, per se, but I'm so thrilled because it's growing all the time. I've begun adding some specialties that I didn't imagine I'd be doing when I started. During covid, I started shooting weddings, and I'm adding more engagement clients with each season. I've also been regularly shooting editorial work for Ridgefield & Wilton Magazines, which is another really fun and fulfilling addition. Ridgefield is such a supportive community for small business owners and I feel really thankful to serve this community in some small way with what I do.
Kate would like to nominate Laura Cantwell of Purple Heather Floral Design and Danielle Verrilli at Audrey Road to be featured next!
Visit Kate Wark Photography online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!