The Feeling Behind the Frame: A Conversation with Erin Coholan of Fourteen Coats
When Erin Coholan steps behind the lens or picks up any creative tool, something extraordinary happens. As the founder of Fourteen Coats, a multidisciplinary creative agency, Erin brings bold vision, artistic depth, and unmatched storytelling to every project she touches. Her work evokes feeling—of play, of passion, of genuine curiosity, through vivid colour, rich texture, and a sense of narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. A photographer, writer, and creative director, Erin is carving out a space unlike any other in the region’s creative landscape.
As a participant in our Starter Company Plus program, we had the chance to connect with Erin and get a glimpse into the mind behind the magic. The final products she creates are inspiring and what’s even more fascinating is everything that goes into making them. Perhaps the real magic lies in what we’ll never quite be able to see.
Read on to learn more about Erin and Fourteen Coats.
Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What sparked the idea to start your business?
Fourteen Coats is my love child of over 15 years of making, documenting, dreaming, and experimenting. I’ve always been creating it seems, whether it was with disposable cameras, curating community shows, or making short films. The idea for a full-fledged agency came from wanting a home for all of my creative energy. The name itself is rooted in the idea of identity as layered and ever-evolving, trying on different “coats” as we move through life. This business is where all my creative selves live together.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
We offer photography, video, creative direction, content strategy, and branding services—always custom, always collaborative. In a world overwhelmed with fast content, we slow things down and get personal. We help businesses and individuals translate their ideas into visuals that feel true. Whether it’s a branding shoot or a full visual campaign, our work is grounded in storytelling, emotion, and clarity.
Who or what do you turn to for creative ideas and business inspiration?
I think I pull from a lot of different places, art, fashion, film, music, and the environments I travel through. Another big one is the people I work with. I ask a lot of questions and stay curious. Each client brings a new perspective and energy that lights something up in me. I also surround myself with other creative women and thinkers.
What sets your business apart? What do you want people to remember about you?
I think what sets us apart is our heart. We’re not interested in surface-level branding or cookie-cutter marketing, and I think we dig a bit deeper. Everything is built through trust and collaboration. I want people to leave feeling seen, supported, and proud of what they’ve created with us. It’s very very personal to me.
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it?
I applied because I knew I needed structure and support to turn this into something truly sustainable. I have the creative part on track, it’s the business side that needs anchoring. This program has already helped me become more intentional with pricing, planning, and growth, and I feel more confident than ever that I can scale without losing myself in it.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about entrepreneurship that you wish you knew sooner?
I wish I knew that everyone is riding a fine line between being completely consumed by their business and needing to protect themselves from it. Balance isn’t about working less—it’s about not letting your identity become your income. I’ve learned how essential it is to step back, reflect, and have a life outside of the business, even when you enjoy it.
How has being part of a local business community shaped your journey?
It’s shown me the grit behind every business. There’s this beautiful, messy undercurrent that runs through all entrepreneurs, and being in a town like Collingwood, where community matters, has given me fuel on the hard days and inspiration on the good ones. It’s helped me feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep showing up.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting your business?
I’ve learned how deeply I care. I’ve always known I was passionate, but seeing that come alive in real time—with real clients and real stakes—has been eye-opening. In addition, I’ve also realized how sensitive I am to energy, and how much that affects the way I work.
What do you consider to be your core strengths as an entrepreneur?
My ability to connect with people. I really listen. I think so much of entrepreneurship is about solving problems, but for me, it’s also about understanding people on a deeper level. I don’t believe in hiding behind a hard-line business front; people connect to people. At the core, vulnerability, intuition, and trust are my strengths.
What’s your favourite way to de-stress after a long day?
A bike ride around Collingwood, a beer at Endswell, or just taking photos for fun—no agenda or plan!
What book, podcast, or resource has had the biggest impact on you?
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. A classic for a reason—it reminds me that art is sacred, not transactional, and that creativity doesn’t need to be forced to be real.
What quote or mantra keeps you inspired?
“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change. It can not only move us—it makes us move.”
— Ossie Davis
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Connect with Erin:
www.fourteencoats.com
Instagram: @fourteencoats
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography