Success Story: Sonia Tapia Photography

From Behind the Camera to Brand Authority: Sonia Tapia Photography Empowers Entrepreneurs to Shine

Location: Southern California | San Bernardino County | Upland / La Verne

Business Type: Photography Studio

Small Business Center: Inland Empire Women’s Business Center

Assistance Received: Business Planning, Financing, Capital Access, and Technical Assistance

California State Assembly District: 41 

California State Senate District: 25 

Visit Sonia Tapia Photography online

Sonia Tapia once struggled to put her face into the spotlight, and she realized this fear was costing her business opportunities. As a photographer, she found herself hiding behind the camera, avoiding her own marketing and branding even though she knew she needed to be the face of her brand. 

That personal journey of growth and empowerment became the foundation of her expertise. Sonia realized she needed to overcome her fear of being in the spotlight and get in front of the camera to grow her business. This revelation led her to discover the genre of personal brand photography and make it her mission to help other entrepreneurs and businesses overcome that same fear to feel comfortable and confident on camera. 

Like many creative entrepreneurs, Sonia realized she could use some guidance. She wanted clarity on crucial elements like messaging, pipeline development, and the strategic planning required to scale her business. 

Then, Sonia connected with the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC), where she received support to transform her creative passion into a sustainable, growing business. She worked with her business advisor, LaVonne, to clarify ideas, tidy up loose ends, and gain focus and direction. Through the IEWBC, Sonia participated in multiple transformative programs including It’s Your Time, Finish Line Finance, and Ignite. These programs provided her with the business acumen and strategic framework she needed to move from creative professional to confident CEO. 

“I would say it’s been transformational,” shared Sonia. “The courses, workshops, and coaching taught me to have a lot of clarity on the business aspect of things, and just being around other entrepreneurs, I got a lot of clarity, and it gave me a focused direction of where to go. I was able to tidy up my messaging, my pipeline, all of those things that are required as a CEO. The coaching was invaluable because I know people pay thousands of dollars for this type of coaching.” 

The most transformational experience came through the Finish Line Finance pitch competition, where Sonia was selected as a pitch winner and received a $1,500 investment. “This experience stretched me in so many ways,” Sonia explained, “because I had to put everything I learned together in an articulate way to communicate my business’s purpose, heartbeat, expansion plans, and contribution to the community to judges and bankers. This process of compiling all my plans into a cohesive presentation was truly transformational.” 

Since founding ABUNDANCE MEDIA 888 LLC, doing business as Sonia Tapia Photography, Sonia has achieved $75,000 in sales while investing $20,000 of her own funds. She created an actual, reviewed business plan, and gained clarity on her pipeline and what was needed to achieve her client goals monthly. 

The visibility from winning the pitch competition and her renewed confidence led to an unplanned increase in speaking opportunities at expos, conferences, and panels. This increased visibility has resulted in gaining new clients and expanding her business operations. Sonia now hires associate photographers on a per-project basis and is gearing up to expand her team with an administrative person, a goal included in her business plan. 

Today, as a Headshot and Personal Brand Photographer, Sonia helps driven entrepreneurs stop feeling like the world’s best-kept secret. She creates impactful images that instantly communicate authority and trust, giving clients the confidence to be unforgettable and turn their digital presence into a client magnet. Her personal transformation from camera-shy photographer to confident business leader and pitch competition winner exemplifies the power of strategic business support combined with personal determination. 

Visit Sonia Tapia Photography to learn more about how she helps entrepreneurs overcome their fears and create powerful personal brands through professional photography. 

If you’re a woman entrepreneur in the Inland Empire looking to grow your business with strategic planning, capital access, and transformative programs, connect with the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center to access their comprehensive business development services. 

12/2/2025