First Communion to LinkedIn

Plano photographer captures genuine client stories } By Caryn BErardI

~ Misty Hoyt, owner, Photography by Misty

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“I have no desire to ever retire, I just want to bring people along with me . I want to build financial freedom not just for myself, but for others . That’s what really motivates me .” — Misty Hoyt 5

Photography by Misty, the Plano, Texas-based company founded by Misty Hoyt, has evolved over the years. What started with personal and family portraits has moved toward a more corporate client focus, including headshots, events, branding services and more.

Adapting to industry trends and taking advantage of the thriving business community in Collin County and across Dallas/ Fort Worth has helped the company grow, but Hoyt said no matter who is in front of the camera, the key to its success has remained constant – a genuine passion to seeing its clients succeed.

“I do not hire anyone who doesn’t have a passion for people,” she said. “From asking questions to learn a client’s story before we even get out the camera to straightening a necklace or rearranging furniture to make a shoot work, we offer our clients assurance that we are always looking out for their best interests.”

This client-centered approach and focus on genuine photography and storytelling has been the foundation of Photography by Misty since Hoyt founded the company in 2003. As a journalist working at smaller publications where she was responsible for both writing and photographing her stories and then a mother who was always taking pictures of her babies, Hoyt realized she had an eye for capturing special moments. A hobby turned into a full-time entrepreneurial enterprise.

Her early clients mostly came from her children’s school community. Now, 18 years later, some of the kids for whom Hoyt took First Communion pictures are coming back to her for their LinkedIn headshots.

This connection to her local Plano community was critical in building her business, and Hoyt has continued her involvement through the Plano Chamber of Commerce and its Leadership Plano program. She also serves on the City of Plano Cultural Arts Commission whose mission is to support arts and culture within the city by encouraging innovation in diverse programming, education and outreach. It’s her way to give back to a community that has been such an asset to her.

“Being involved in the Chamber helped when I was starting my company, and I continue to obtain at least one client per week either directly or indirectly through it,” Hoyt said. “My involvement connects me with resources not only for my business, but also ones for clients so I can help them grow their own initiatives.”

Persistent networking is just one of the things that Hoyt practices herself and advises for other small business owners. She also encourages mentoring relationships with people outside of your generation and being open to suggestions and advice, even if you consider yourself an industry expert, recalling that one of her favorite photographs came from a suggestion made by a 6-year-old client. Perhaps most importantly, Hoyt urges business owners to never stop learning.

“Listen to every business podcast and take notes, attend seminars and read books. Even if you think you don’t need it now, you might find you need it later,” she said.

Using everything she has learned throughout her career, Hoyt is excited about the future of Photography by Misty. Her goal is to have three to four photographers booked all day three to four days per week. And while the businesses’ competitive advantage remains its client-focused approach and expertise, Hoyt is also focused on staff members’ growth. At the beginning of every year, she sits down with her employees to discuss their personal goals. It’s an extension of the passion she brings to her clients for learning about, supporting and celebrating individual stories.

“I have no desire to ever retire, I just want to bring people along with me,” Hoyt said. “I want to build financial freedom not just for myself, but for others. That’s what really motivates me.” ¿

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