Amy Lewis launched Amy Lewis Photography in Brunswick in 2022 after a slow and steady rollout the year prior. Her business now serves clients across Southern and Midcoast Maine, offering family portraits, senior pictures, weddings, and a growing list of commercial services such as real estate and marketing photography.
Amy moved to Maine after earning a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management and began her career as a Wilderness Therapy Guide. She later earned a master’s in Education with a concentration in School Counseling from the University of Southern Maine and spent a decade working as a School Counselor. Though she once imagined retiring as an educator, Amy found herself drawn to photography as a new way to connect with people and support her community.
With no formal business training, Amy faced a steep learning curve. She was eager to approach her new venture thoughtfully and sought out local resources that could provide meaningful guidance. That search led her to the Maine SBDC, where she began working with Business Advisor Chris Cole.
“I was looking for any resource to help me prepare for starting my business with as few hiccups as possible,” Amy said. “Meeting with someone who is actually based in Maine, who has experience running a business, is priceless.”
Through several advising sessions, Chris shared her own experience as a business owner and helped Amy find additional support, including workshops on bookkeeping and a marketing expert. That direct, in-person connection gave Amy confidence and clarity as she navigated the early stages of business ownership.
As a parent and solo entrepreneur, Amy appreciates the flexibility and meaning her business brings. At the same time, she’s honest about the ongoing challenge of time management. Late nights editing and early mornings handling admin tasks can add up quickly, but she remains energized by the relationships she builds with her clients.
Reflecting on how far she’s come, Amy says her second career has been more fulfilling than she ever imagined. “I NEVER would have envisioned myself as a small business owner,” she wrote. “But I think the families, businesses, individuals, and property owners I’ve worked with would say they can tell I love meeting people and making them feel comfortable in front of a camera.”
Looking ahead, Amy’s focus is on continuing to grow while staying grounded in her values: connection, authenticity, and joy. For anyone just starting out, her advice is simple. “Utilizing this resource is a no-brainer. You can ask questions without feeling judged and get unbiased and helpful feedback.”