What are you nominated for?
I am so excited to announce that I am a finalist in the 2021 Business NSW Sydney City Business Awards!
https://www.businessnsw.com/members/business-awards/sydney-city
The category is Excellence in Micro Business. I am competing against other service-related businesses – a beauty clinic, resumes writers, a jeweller, an entertainment provider for burlesque performers, online course providers for small businesses, an accountancy firm, and even a mobile bike mechanic.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you’ve made in starting or running a business?
I have worked so hard for this and put in the long hours – often working all weekend. Knowing that my success is completely dependant on me is frightening at times, but I would not change the flexibility of having my own hours for the world.
There have been moments of wondering if I should take a job with regular hours and regular pay, or followed a more corporate career path that utilises my university qualifications. Instead, I have stuck to my guns, stayed true to my path and followed my own heart. I am proud to say I have persisted with this dream of running a business and pursuing my creative talents and it’s nominations like this one that make it all worthwhile!
I would say that putting yourself out there is key. The more I build up momentum, the easier it is to reach out and make opportunities like this happen. Networking and getting customer feedback have been critical in developing my business, along with being a lifelong learner. Get yourself out there, make use of the wonderful resources provided by Business NSW https://www.businessnsw.com/ and collaborate with other businesses!
What is your favourite thing about your workspace?
Being part of The Aerie, upstairs at Tortuga Studios https://tortugastudios.org.au/space has been an amazing boost for my business as I’ve been able to work with people and other businesses I admire. Housed in an old brick factory, my studio workspace has sky-high ceilings and exposed beams, stunning hardwood floors and soaring wall space. I love that I am able to create many different looks in one shoot with the amazing natural light streaming in the windows. When the windows are open it often feels like we are floating through the clouds.
What would success mean to you?
Success for me would be winning this award! I would also love to think I am using my creativity to have a positive effect in people’s homes and for their children. I can do this by celebrating their family love through artworks in their home or in heirloom storybooks. See my feedback here – people love the end result – https://business.google.com/reviews
My motto is
“In an age where digital is king, Lion & Cub believes there is power and beauty in real art, hung on the wall for everyone to see.”
The winners of each category of the Business NSW 2021 Sydney Business Awards will be announced on November 26th at a Gala Dinner. I will be sure to take my camera and will document the highlights! Wish me well and I thank you, my clients, for making this all possible!
Lion & Cub Photography is nominated as a finalist for the 2021 Excellence in Micro Business Award.