Shuva Rahim’s life has been the staging ground for her passion—what she calls “lifestyle photography”—photographs taken in natural light, on location, that reflect an individual’s personality or lifestyle.

Born in Bangladesh in 1976, Shuva’s parents emigrated to the United States the following year hoping to provide their children with greater opportunities and a better education. Shuva has taken full advantage of both. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in journalism, Shuva spent six years as a reporter in Iowa City, Kansas City and Ohio. She served in the Peace Corps in Suriname, South America where she participated in marine conservation projects designed to save the endangered leatherback sea turtle. There she photographed the people, culture, events and environment, and it was there she discovered her passion for photography.

Upon returning to the Quad Cities, Shuva took a job with Hola America, an English/Spanish newspaper. Her love of photography continued and led her to the Salt Institute in Portland, Maine where she completed an accelerated graduate program in documentary photography studies.

In the fall of 2007 the desire for freedom, flexibility, and to be her own boss led Shuva to the decision to open her own business in Davenport, but like most entrepreneurs she was confused on where to start. In January 2008 Shuva attended the “Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs” workshop at the Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center in Davenport. “The SBDC really gave me a starting point,” says Shuva. “I was nervous about leaving my job, and I just didn’t know how to get my business off the ground.” Following Boot Camp, Shuva began to think about where to start. In her job with Hola America she had made great contacts in the Hispanic community and targeted taking photos for Quinceaneras, the Hispanic equivalent of a sweet sixteen party held on a young woman’s fifteenth birthday. From there, her business just took off!

Ann Hutchinson, director of the Eastern Iowa SBDC, sites Shuva as being one of her best students at marketing her business. “I stress to new businesses that they have to develop a marketing plan, take advantage of technology and get their name out there,” says Hutchinson. “You just can’t expect the world to find you. Shuva really took this advice to heart!”

Shuva worked hard to develop a portfolio of work that she shares with others through her website, monthly newsletter and blog. In addition, she belongs to two Internet photography forums, where she shares information with other photographers throughout the country. The results have been photo assignments throughout Iowa and Illinois. She tried running ads in local publications, but nothing yielded results like her web-based marketing. Within four months of opening her business, Shuva was booked two months in advance and looking forward to a great future.

Shuva believes entrepreneurs are missing a great resource if they visit the SBDC once and don’t come back. “It’s important to get feedback, advice and guidance from a variety of sources. I know I can get that at the SBDC,” says Shuva.

Check out Shuva’s photos on her website at www.accentphotographics.com.