The Day I Stopped Playing Small: How Losing a Client Became My Biggest Win
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
By Andriana Ortiz
I never expected losing a dream client to become the moment that transformed my entire business — but it did.
At the time, I was in the early stages of building my photography business. I said yes to almost any opportunity, underpriced my work to be “competitive,” and believed that quality alone would speak for itself. My calendar was full, but my confidence — and my bank account — told a different story. I was delivering work I was proud of, yet I constantly questioned whether I was being taken seriously and whether my effort was truly valued.
The project I lost wasn’t just any job.
I had poured hours into preparation, envisioning the final gallery, and imagining how it would elevate my portfolio and open doors to new opportunities. When they decided to hire someone else purely based on price, it felt like a personal rejection. I wasn’t just losing income — I was questioning my worth, my skills, and my place in a competitive industry.
For several days, I replayed the loss in my head, wondering if I should lower my rates, feeling the ache of being undervalued, and doubting the path I had chosen. Then, a realization hit me: this wasn’t the first time I had over-delivered for too little.
I had been sending the world a clear message about how to treat me — and the world had been listening. I could continue proving myself at a discount, or I could set my own terms and protect my value.
That week, I decided to take control. I doubled my rates and clearly packaged my services, eliminating vague “event coverage” offers that left room for scope creep. I invested time in refining my website, curated my galleries to reflect the work I truly wanted to attract, and established firm boundaries. Any opportunity that didn’t align with my values, creative standards, or rates would no longer occupy my time or energy.
The results were transformative. Within months, I booked my first major conference coverage at a rate that reflected not just the hours I worked but also the expertise, strategy, and vision I brought. I photographed leaders, innovators, and changemakers up close — moments that only proximity, trust, and intentionality could deliver. My work began appearing in public exhibitions. Most importantly, I started collaborating with clients who respected my vision, valued my expertise, and understood the presence I brought to every project.
Looking back, losing that client wasn’t a setback — it was the catalyst for building a business that honors my time, my talent, and the communities I serve. That “no” became a permission slip: permission to lead, to set standards, and to pursue the work that truly matters.
Here’s what I learned, and what I hope other women entrepreneurs take away from my journey:
Protect your value — If you don’t, no one else will.
Be specific in your offerings — Clarity helps clients understand your worth and helps you enforce boundaries.
Say no to the wrong yes — Every misaligned job is a missed opportunity to work on what really matters.
View rejection as data — Sometimes, a “no” is a mirror showing exactly what needs to change.
Now, when a project isn’t the right fit, I don’t flinch. I remember the lesson that changed everything: sometimes, the loss is the win. This experience shaped not only my business but also my leadership, teaching me that impact, purpose, and long-term vision are worth more than any single client or paycheck.
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