HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Photographer Cindy Duesterhoeft has launched Portraits by Cindy in Hutchinson with loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program.
Focusing on children and families, Duesterhoeft will fill the gap left by the closure of Target’s Lifetouch portrait studio in January. She managed that studio and took photos there for 10 years, during which time it was one of the highest-grossing of the retailer’s studios. Target closed all its in-store studios this year, inspiring Duesterhoeft to strike out on her own.
Besides exploring outdoor photography the last couple years, Duesterhoeft has stepped out of the studio in other ways. She hosts an annual photo booth at the McLeod County Fair, Ladies Night Out and a Halloween event at Woodstone — and she’ll be back at these events and more this year. For no charge, she snaps a couple photos of visitors at the booth and sends them by text or email within minutes, including her studio information and the ability to share the pictures on social media. The booth has been a great way to market herself, earning Duesterhoeft a strong following.
Looking ahead, Duesterhoeft has already booked sessions with many of the more than 100 families who worked with her through Target. Portraits by Cindy offers both studio sittings and outdoor options for Hutchinson, Glencoe, Litchfield and the surrounding area. Portraits by Cindy is located at 820 Cleveland Ave SW in Hutchinson, with an online presence at www.facebook.com/portraitsbycindy.
Financing from SWIF will allow Duesterhoeft to purchase quality lighting, backdrops and additional props, as well as providing working capital.
“SWIF is happy to assist Cindy with her new photography venture, giving local families a way to capture some of their most treasured memories,” said SWIF Program Officer Jackie Turner.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities by providing market-rate loans.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff — who all have personal business experience — to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and reading financials, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a single connection offering unlimited possibilities to grow and promote kids, families, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities in rural southwest Minnesota. As a regional community foundation, SWIF has contributed more than $75 million through its grant and loan programs. Through its business finance programs, SWIF has helped start or expand more than 700 businesses, which have created or retained more than 8,600 jobs. SWIF also established 25 community affiliates and more than 100 school, donor-advised and other funds. SWIF has also established 16 Early Childhood Initiative coalitions to support young children. SWIF has received 1,650 acres of farmland through our Keep It Growing℠ farmland giving program. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
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