Erin is the owner of Rezolution Photos and an enrolled member in the Assiniboine Tribe on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. Rezolution Photos is a woman and indigenous-owned business. Erin specializes in graduates, weddings, families, and community events. Her work can also be found in Native Max Magazine, the world’s first indigenous fashion magazine. She has recently been recognized by Accelerate Montana through their Native Women Launch Program.
We asked Erin to answer a few questions to help us get to know her better.
What inspired you to start your own business and what was your biggest challenge?
I started photography to cope with my issues with my anxiety and depression in college. The same thinking that essentially kick started this business has almost been my biggest challenge. Having more and more people rely on me to show up in a way that I didn’t realize I could, was a challenge in itself. Overcoming the overall doubt has been one of the most rewarding feelings and I just hope to inspire someone to take the leap and make a career out of what they love to do.
What are some of the most important skills you’ve developed as a business owner?
Gaining networking skills has allowed me to travel all over and join so many amazing opportunities. It gave me a new network of people that have been consistently supportive and that has given me the confidence to expand.
What is your best advice for someone starting a new business?
Realize what to say no to, as early as possible. Quality over quantity.
What is most important to you about your business?
The most important part of me having a business is having the ability to do what I want and to not feel like I am constantly working. To be paid for doing my favorite hobby, is something I am so grateful for. With that being said, I come from an area that doesn’t have many people having the means to create their own path. To be somebody that the youth back home on the Fort Belknap Reservation can look up to and recognize the work I’ve put in and that creating the life you want is possible.
Is there anything else you would like to mention about your business?
Being a genuine person with others’ best interests is in our best interest.
If you’d like to know more about Erin LaMere and Rezolution Photos, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.