Maple Gallery

www.maplegallery.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

We are a home based photography business dealing with newborn, pregnancy, children's and Wedding photography.

2. When and why did you start your business?

We always wanted to run our own business for a bit of flexibility and financial gain.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

We started out on a part time basis to progress into full time without borrowing for capital. It took 3 years of juggling evening and weekend work but we got there.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

Time was a big challenge being part time. We also fund everything ourselves without borrowing so that makes growing a little slow. GFC did slow down the portrait market a lot but a little more hard work kept us going.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

We have 3rd party or local promotions with business that relate to our target markets. Very successful for us.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

We have run small ads in local papers and mags with little reward. Letter box mail outs don't work either.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

Dealing with Families and couples on a personal level is great. Being able to work from home is also a big plus.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

Other photographers are inspirational. Jerry Ghionis, Yervant, Micheal Warshall, Picolli, studio max, passion8, xsight,

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

We would like to grow the wedding and portrait side of the business to be able open a shop and to employ several staff to help run the show. Being widely known is also a goal we want to achieve.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Set a small goal and be persistent until you achieve it. Then set a new goal and so on. Without a goal you don't know where you are aiming.

Visit us at: www.maplegallery.com.au