From Side Hustle to $134k/Year - Sean's Photography Business

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

—I’m your host, Chris Koerner, and I’d like to welcome you to a special episode where we delve into the intriguing success story of Sean Audet, a 30-year-old food photographer hailing from the heart of Canada. Sean's journey is a fascinating exploration of the principles that catapulted his freelancing career to unprecedented heights. In today's episode, we'll unravel the three key business principles that not only fueled Sean's success but are applicable to any entrepreneur looking to carve their path in the business world.—

—From skill leveraging to adaptability in niche and strategic investments, Sean's story is a goldmine of insights. Let’s dive in!—

—Sean's story is all about the perks and pitfalls of freelancing. He pulls in a cool hundred thirty four grand annually, capturing the essence of culinary delights. But it's not just about the money; it's the freedom and flexibility that drew him in. Sean emphasizes the invaluable agency over his time and the ability to craft a lifestyle around his work.—

—Now, if you're not from a culinary arts background, breaking into food photography might seem like a stretch. But for Sean, with years spent in the culinary trenches, it was a smooth transition. From day one, armed with his kitchen-honed skills, he carved out a niche, charging anywhere from one thousand dollars to a whopping 17 and a half grand per shoot.—

—Sean's income trajectory has been impressive. Starting at a modest 10 grand in twenty eighteen, it doubled and doubled again every year. It wasn't long before he realized this freelancing gig was more than just a side hustle – it was a legitimate career path.—

—Of course, success doesn't come without its expenses. Sean's business growth demanded location rentals and hiring additional professionals, from models to stylists. His journey from cook to sous-chef laid the foundation for his leap into photography, initially a side gig that quickly morphed into a full-fledged passion.—

—Learning the ropes of photography was a mix of trial and error and YouTube tutorials. Sean's initial budget came from his college days, and he kickstarted his side hustle with borrowed cameras and budget lights from Amazon.—

—Juggling multiple jobs simultaneously is never a cakewalk, but Sean sees it as a necessary step in the journey of building something meaningful. His first significant investment of 15 grand marked a turning point, allowing him to weather the storm when the hospitality industry took a hit due to Covid.—

—As Sean pivoted towards product photography, his focus on food remained, expanding into beverages and even cosmetics. The size of his team fluctuates, ranging from a one-man show to a crew of twelve for larger productions.—

—One of Sean's secrets to making food look irresistible? A paintbrush and oil for that perfect glisten. His journey wasn't without anxiety, especially during the big leaps. But for Sean, the risks were always worth taking, providing valuable lessons and skills even when things didn't go as planned.—

—And that's a wrap on Sean's freelancing odyssey – a testament to the rewards of perseverance, adaptability, and a brushstroke of courage.—

—In this next segment, we're dissecting the success story of Sean Audet, our freelance food photographer from Winnipeg, Canada. What made his venture not just thrive but skyrocket? Let's uncover the principles that propelled Sean's success.—

—Principle 1: Skill Leveraging—

—Sean's journey teaches us the importance of leveraging existing skills. As a seasoned cook and sous-chef, he entered the world of food photography with a unique advantage. Business owners, take note – identify the skills within your team that can be repurposed or amplified in a new venture. If you're a tech company, perhaps your developers have untapped design talents. Leverage these existing skills to diversify your offerings and stand out in the market.—

—Principle 2: Adaptability in Niche—

—Sean didn't stick rigidly to one niche; he evolved with the market. Starting with food photography, he expanded into beverages and even cosmetics. The lesson here? Be adaptable in your niche. Businesses should keep a finger on the pulse of industry trends. If you're a software company, for example, don't shy away from exploring related fields or integrating new technologies. Adaptability ensures your business remains relevant and resilient in changing times.—

—Principle 3: Investing Strategically—

—Sean's strategic investments played a pivotal role in his success. From a modest 15 grand to additional investments as his business grew, he understood the importance of financial strategy. For any business owner, strategic investments are crucial. Whether you're a startup or a seasoned enterprise, allocate your resources wisely. Invest in areas that will yield long-term benefits – whether it's upgrading equipment, expanding your team, or adopting new technologies. Strategic investments pave the way for sustainable growth.—

—So there you have it, folks – three principles from Sean Audet's journey that any business owner can apply: Skill Leveraging, Adaptability in Niche, and Investing Strategically. Incorporate these into your business strategy, and who knows? You might just be on the path to your own success story.—




—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—