New Jersey is home to many ambitious and talented women who juggle family, career and home. A select few of these women are also extremely busy building their own companies to help better manage the whole work-life balance. At NJ Mom, we want to highlight these extraordinary women building NJ businesses and learn the secret to their success.
Photo Extraordinaire & NJ Mompreneur: Allison Tolpa
Allison Tolpa is the NJ Mompreneur and Owner/ Photographer of iKandi Images. iKandi Images is a one-stop photography solution for your family photo needs including a portrait studio and photo-shoot parties for kids. iKandi Images’ offers reasonable packages for families who want an updated family portrait or a child’s birthday party experience that will be remembered and cherished long after their special day. NJ Mom had the wonderful opportunity to ask Allison a few questions about her business and herself; here’s what she had to share.
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Allison: In April of this year, I expanded my studio and with the idea of “bringing the party to the photographer,” I created iKandi Images Photo-shoot Parties. An iKandi Photo-shoot Party is a unique and fun way for girls to celebrate. Guests invite up to 15 friends into the studio, and we make the photoshoot fun and entertaining for the attendees. We offer a basic party with in-house props and many other theme options, as well as a number of fun add-on’s to make each party as unique as your guest of honor. We even have an awesome photobooth kiosk with the capability to post directly to social media. These parties are not only incredibly fun, but we promote positive self image and confidence in the girls. Everyone leaves the studio smiling ear to ear and giggling! It’s an amazing way to capture memories for the girls, and moms never have to say they missed taking photos at a party!
NJMOM: What inspired you to come up with the idea for your business?
Allison: As a mother of three, I wanted to provide a one-stop photography solution for families when I expanded from my home studio to my new storefront on Main Street in Chester, NJ. We offer standard sessions with many additional options to create the perfect affordable price point you are looking to invest at the current time. Not everyone wants a two-hour photo session and can afford to spend a $1000. I understand that sometimes we just want a cute updated photo for a gift for the grandparents, and at times we want something special like a custom newborn session. With iKandi Portrait Studio, I wanted to serve a market that my own family taught me was undeserved.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
NJMOM: What is your background in business and photography?
NJMOM: Who is your role model?
Personally, my role model is my mother for so many reasons. Mostly for her compassion, kindness and incredible strength.
NJMOM: What’s the best piece of advice your mother ever gave to you?
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by? Why is this quote so important to you?
Allison:
“Be kind, you never know what others are going through.”
I think this quote speaks for itself.
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
NJMOM: Where do you vacation in New Jersey?
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in New Jersey?
“Little girls with dreams become women with vision.”
To learn more about Allison’s inspirational photoshoot birthday parties and family portraits, visit ikandiimages.com or give her a call at 908-809-0202. Be sure to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!
Fine Art Photography, Portrait Studio, Events
www.ikandiimages.com
87 Main Street
Chester, NJ 07930
908-809-0202