Kelly Borgers, founder of Fuzzy Beast Photography, is turning her love of dogs and eye for art into a standout creative business in South Georgian Bay. As a Starter Company Plus graduate and startup owner, Kelly captures more than just photos—she creates vibrant, personality-filled portraits that celebrate the unique spirit of every dog. From playful grins to soulful stares, her pet photography is all about authentic moments and ‘furever’ memories.
Read the Q+A below to learn more about Kelly’s journey, inspiration, and growing business.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
Many dog owners rely on phone snapshots that don’t truly capture their pet’s unique personality, and often regret not having beautiful portraits as their dog ages. Fuzzy Beast Photography solves this by creating professional, artful photographs that preserve a dog’s spirit in timeless images. Each session is relaxed and fun, making it easy for pets and stress-free for owners. Clients walk away with high-quality keepsakes, both prints and digital files that turn fleeting moments into furever memories. Because every dog deserves to be celebrated as a true work of art.
Who or what do you turn to for creative ideas and business inspiration?
When I need inspiration, I often turn to the arts themselves. A visit to an art gallery or museum gives me the chance to step away from my own work and be energized by seeing how other artists approach storytelling. Giving myself time to explore the creativity of others, whether through painting, photography, or sculpture always opens new perspectives for me. I also find inspiration in the work of legendary photographers like Elliott Erwitt, whose playful yet artistic photographs of dogs have always resonated with me. His ability to capture both humor and heart reminds me of the power of photography to reveal personality and emotion in unexpected ways. Inspiration, for me, comes from pausing long enough to notice and appreciate the creativity all around me.
What sets your business apart?
With decades of experience as a professional artist, I bring a unique creative perspective to my photography. My years of drawing, painting, and exhibiting work have trained my eye to see light, form, and detail in ways that elevate each image beyond a simple snapshot. This artistic foundation allows me to approach photography as a storytelling medium, capturing not just how a dog looks, but the spirit and emotion that make them extraordinary. By blending fine-art sensibility with modern photography, I create images that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful, offering clients cherished memories that become artful keepsakes.
What do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember that the experience is just as special as the photos themselves. Sessions are fun, relaxed, and tailored to each dog’s personality, making it stress-free for owners and joyful for pets. Clients walk away with cherished memories and artful keepsakes that celebrate their dog as familymembers. Above all, I want them to think: “That was such a fun experience—and the photos are unforgettable.”
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it?
I applied for the Starter Company Plus program to gain support and guidance from experienced mentors and entrepreneurs who understand what it takes to successfully start and run a business. As an artist, I often work independently, so I also see this program as an important opportunity to develop a sense of community, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn from others’ experiences. My goal is to strengthen both the creative and business sides of my practice, while building lasting relationships that can help me grow as an entrepreneur.
Describe a moment when you felt really proud of your business.
This is about the Fuzzy Beast Studio part, I was recently interviewed for CTV news. I am still waiting on that moment for Fuzzy Beast Photography.
What do you love most about serving your community?
I love meeting new people and their pets, and all the different personalities of the dogs
How has being part of a local business community shaped your journey?
It has been great to meet others in the community who are starting their own business. I spend the majority of my time working alone, (other than when I am shooting) so it is nice to see and interact with others. We may have all different businesses, but we have so much in common!
What’s something you’ve built or created that means a lot to you?
I have built a really nice area in my backyard for the dogs to run or pose where I can capture very cool shots or them in motion. The beautiful nature of ferns and trees around them serve as the perfect backdrop.
What tool, app, or habit helps you stay organized?
Post it notes…best invention ever, whiteboard and a to do list that I never get to the end of.
What’s your favourite product or service that you offer?
An artful memory and photograph of your dog. It’s not a snapshot, you couldn’t take it with your cell phone. Sadly our furry members won’t be with us forever, but their images and memory of doing a shoot with Fuzzy Beast will be in your capsule forever.
How do you celebrate achievements and milestones within your business?
Chocolate! It’s good for the highs and lows!
How do you prioritize work-life balance?
Finding balance while growing a new business is always a challenge, but I see it as an exciting part of the journey. Right now, much of my focus is on building Fuzzy Beast Photography while continuing with Fuzzy Beast Studios, and I truly enjoy the creative energy it brings. With my kids grown and out of the house, I now have the freedom to dedicate more time to my passion. Starting a business is definitely hard work, often more demanding than any job I’ve had, but because it’s something I love, it feels rewarding rather than overwhelming.
What are your favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
On my day off I get into nature, anywhere near or far. I love to hike the different sections of the Bruce Trail or take my bike and climb the escarpment, the bigger and longer the hill the better! Pretty River is one of my favourite climbs!
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“You’ve Got A Friend In Me”….. because out dogs are our best friends!
What’s the weirdest or funniest thing that has happened while running your business?
Funny…not so funny…I spend a lot of time lying on the ground and with that comes bugs and critters. I seem to attract ants and am constantly getting attacked by swarms and it hurts! I also have a pair of horned owls that are nesting outside my studio. They love to stare at me, wondering what am I doing?
If you could collaborate with any brand, who would it be?
While not a traditional brand, my dream collaboration would be photographing the Royal Family’s dogs. Their deep and longstanding love of dogs makes it a natural fit, and King Charles’s commitment to environmental stewardship aligns beautifully with the artistic and nature-inspired vision of Fuzzy Beast Studios. Capturing their dogs would not only be an incredible honor but also a perfect way to merge my passion for art, animals, and environmental awareness.
What book, podcast, or resource has had the biggest impact on you?
Claudio Piccoli is an Italian photographer who photographs dogs in action, he has been an inspiration, I am part of a community of dog photographers with Claudio that meet each week to share ideas, struggles with the camera or editing, this community has been extremely valuable.
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order while working?
Diet coke…. The afternoon pick me up when lying on the ground on a hot day.
If your business was a TV show or movie, what would it be called?
How To Shoot a Dog and Get Away With It or How to Shoot A Fuzzy Beast
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Connect with Kelly:
https://www.fuzzybeastphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fuzzybeastphotography/
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography