William L. is a videographer who makes wedding videos and commercials. William started Bella Videography six years ago and has over 25 years of industry experience. He worked at the Houston Independent School District for 16 years before deciding to open Bella Videography, a decision he has never regretted. He loves being able to do what he loves and advises prospective entrepreneurs “to take the plunge… if you never do it, you’ll never know.”

Born in Colombia, William came to the United States when he was three years old. Being fluent in Spanish helps William market to Houston’s Hispanic population, and is especially useful when dealing with older clients who don’t speak English. Houston’s warm climate makes for a non-traditional, year-round wedding season that keeps William on the run. A typical week for William has him editing footage during the business week and working events on the weekend. He hires hourly, part-time employees who help him with events requesting multiple cameras.

When the recession hit a couple of years ago, business slowed as people were forced to shrink their wedding budgets. William turned what looked to be a bad situation into a positive one for his business by creating a less expensive package that still offered clients a high-quality product. He says that if your business can’t change with the environment, you won’t stay in business. In the six years William has been in business, revenues have increased every year.

This is William’s third loan with ACCION Texas-Louisiana. William is using this loan to purchase a new camera that will increase product quality. With technology continually improving, it is critical that William’s equipment be up-to-date so that he can provide his customers with the best quality footage.