Interview with a local entrepreneur

Guest post by OOHS senior, Maddie Simons

Our very own business teacher, Teresa Gellenbeck, is an entrepreneur herself. Her younger sister, Kelsey, and her started this small photography company out of Dublin, Ohio in 2012. The sister duo has grown from hobbyists to now owning their own studio in historic Dublin! We’re so proud to have a teacher of our own as such a successful role model to look up to, as both a success story and a great teacher for her subject. The bio on their website is as follows:

LeenaBee Photography consists of sisters, Teresa Charleen (Burris) Gellenbeck & Kelsey Lynn (Burris) Babineaux. LBP came from a combination of our names… Leena (CharLEEN + LYNN) and Bee (B for Burris)! We are both happily married and happy mommas… and we LOVE LOVE LOVE working with kids, brides, families… well really, just people in general!

We feel blessed to be able to turn a hobby into a business. Our addiction to pictures at family gatherings (lots of photo sessions over the years), the love of motherhood (photographing our growing bellies and eventually our handsome boys) and a passion for people lead us to second careers with our cameras. We have met so many amazing clients through this process, many of which have become friends, and hope to continue meeting many more.

LBP was founded in the fall of 2012 and currently serves customers in Columbus, Ohio.

A few Q & A’s with Mrs G…

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?

A: I get to make it “my own!” I get to design the blog, set my own schedule, decorate the studio, cuddle all the babies and be the “creative” in all aspects of my (our) business. I can do things how I want, in order to satisfy my clients. In other words, I get to be my own boss! I also love that I got to take something I’m passionate about, images & memories, and turn a hobby into a business.

Q: What is the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur?

A: Definitely the time commitment. In my situation, I also have a full time job so that limits the time I can commit to my business. But an entrepreneur never rests. I often answer emails at 2AM, edit files on Christmas Eve, take appointments on holiday weekends… if you want it to be successful, you have to put in the hours.

Here is a glimpse at their portfolio, showcasing their love of lifestyle photography and portraits for little ones…