Starter Company Plus Spotlight – Victoria Mae Photography
Meet Victoria Cassell of Victoria Mae Photography. This local photographer oozes sparkly energy and if you’ve had the chance to meet Victoria (or Tori to some) you may remember her bright smile, colourful dresses, statement earrings or straight-up zest for connection!
Victoria brands herself as a Georgian Bay photographer for the feminine entrepreneur and brides-to-be. For her, it’s not just about taking the photo. It’s about helping her clients tell their story in a way that feels comfortable, fun and on point with their brand. Through brand strategy and personalized packages, she makes this happen.
We are so excited to have Victoria in our 2022 Starter Company Plus cohort and can’t wait to join her for the entrepreneurial ride.
To learn more about Victoria, check out the Q+A below. She shares her bucket list items, love for South Georgian Bay + her favourite camera gadget.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
Dreaming. When you begin to work for yourself, the world is your oyster, and the possibilities seem endless. Getting to dream about where I want this to go is what keeps me inspired. I also love that it lets me have the opportunity to dream alongside other small business owners and cheer them on.
What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always been entrepreneurial, and started my first business at 11. Launching Victoria Mae Photography was the natural next step for me. With a background in photography and marketing, supporting small businesses and helping them succeed brings me so much joy.
What services or products do you offer?
Primarily we serve business owners with brand photography, but we have been known to do a fair share of weddings too. Our new concierge package is my favourite for the busy entrepreneur. Think all your images, studio time, hair and makeup, the whole works are all taken care of for you, so all you have to do is show up.
Who do you look up to for ideas and inspiration?
Jasmine Star, Hope Taylor and Katelyn James are all industry leaders I admire.
What’s your favourite piece of gear and why?
My 50mm lens. I know it better than my right hand. I’ve had this lens for 8 years and I know everything it can do, and how to really manipulate the light for it. It creates such a beautiful creamy look and I honestly couldn’t have gotten to this point without it.
Favourite shoot location?
Outdoors! Honestly, if there’s flowers or water I’m such a happy camper. It could honestly be a ditch on the side of the road with some flowers and you’ll hear me say, “Oh, this is the spot!” But it’s less about where I shoot and more about when. My favourite time to shoot is about an hour to 2 after sunrise. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s pure magic when it does.
Who is your biggest cheerleader (and why)?
My husband. Whether it’s taking on ALL the laundry, giving me a pep talk, calming me down when I’m panicked (because let’s be honest, entrepreneurship can definitely do that), listening to me at nausea talk about business ideas or giving me a good dose of tough love, he’s always there and ready to support me in any way I need. He’s my best friend and I’d be remiss to not acknowledge that this has been as much a transition and experience for him as it has for me.
Why South Georgian Bay? What keeps you here?
I’m a total water baby. Growing up in Barbados, being on and near the water is a way of life for me. I love that Georgian Bay can feel like an ocean with its vastness and beauty. Even more than being near the water, I love the community that is building around here, and the more I plug in, the more I feel it impossible to ever leave.
What is one important skill every person should have?
Empathy and humility. I don’t know which is more important in life, but both are so needed.
What are your favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
In Wasaga- The beach! We are big fans of the beach and try to sneak in even an hour or two on most sunny days in the summer. We also love to pop in at grandma’s ice cream and head to the boardwalk for a walk.
In Collingwood – We love Lowdown. The atmosphere is so fun and intimate and the food is always an adventure.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
Bucket list item: I want to do an around the world cruise, or at the very least travel the world. Swim with jellyfish, watch giraffes and elephants in the wild, pick all the lavender in France. I love to explore, and I want to see all the beauty of this world.
What book are you currently reading?
Grant Cardone – The 10x Rule. I’ve read it before, but it’s been a few years and I love to re-read business books. There’s always a new nugget of wisdom I didn’t catch the first time. Most of the books I’ve been gravitating to are business books, but I did recently finish “Verity” by Colleen Hoover. If you haven’t read this one, it’s totally a must read. Go grab it!
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Give Victoria Mae Photography a follow on social media and make sure to check out their website if you’re in the market for some photography. She’s ready for ya!
Website: https://www.victoriamae.ca/
Instagram: @victoriamaephoto
Email: hello@victoriamae.ca