During his freshman year of high school, Evan Taber became friends with a senior who owned her own business. That simple meet and greet changed everything.
“I was in awe that a student could balance school, family and a social life while running a business. I became interested in photography during my sophomore year of high school and challenged myself to start my own business.”
In the process, Taber experienced the headaches common to all business owners: taxes and government requirements.
“The biggest challenges I faced as a young entrepreneur were learning the legalities of owning a business,” he says. “I struggled with learning how to approach taxes and getting official licensing for my business, but it was worth it in the end. I learned that while the struggles are certainly an unavoidable part of a business, the joy I get from being able to do what I love is far worth learning how to pay taxes.”
His persistence—and talent—paid off. In the past two years, his photography business has grown steadily.
In 2013, Taber shot five or six paid portrait sessions, mostly for friends and family, to build a portfolio. By the following year, he was fully booked for senior pictures and had to turn some potential clients away; he’s on track to do the same in 2015. Taber also shot his first wedding in 2014 and now has five more booked for this year.
“I believe that the biggest thing that brought Evan David Photography success is the fact that I love photography,” he says. “Seeing the smile on a client’s face as I show them the back of my camera, adventuring through forests and to waterfalls, capturing a newlywed couple’s first kiss—all of these things drive me to be the best at what I do and constantly improve my business.”
In the fall, Taber will head to University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in Entrepreneurial Studies, and he plans to continue his business there.
“I believe that moving to a bigger city and attending a large college will provide me with many connections, contacts and opportunities to grow my business,” he says. “I plan to continue my business through college to support myself as a student and will evaluate my future as I graduate. I know college will provide me with new perspectives about my future, and I would like to keep my options open. If I do continue with photography, I would like to become a destination photographer.”
Taber hopes other young, aspiring entrepreneurs will go for it, just as he did after seeing what his friend accomplished.
“Believe in yourself,” he says. “If you put your mind to it, you can run your own business and take control of your future. Find something you are passionate about, be enthusiastic about growing and preparing your business, and you will prosper in the world of entrepreneurship.”
