Meet Grace, a shining light in the Newstead Studios co-working space and one of Brisbane’s most sought after new photographers. Grace shared with us how she found her feet in Brisbane and launched her photography career all in just two years.
Tell us a bit about your business and how you got started
So, I moved up here two years ago working in hospitality and still studying full time but photographing food and cafes by myself as a tried to find my feet in Brisbane. My photos were picked up by my Editor at The Urban List Brisbane and I picked up my first freelance contract – since that moment Grace Elizabeth Images has hit the ground running. Everything really evolved organically. I run my business out the most amazing co-working space called Newstead Studios and shoot a range clients and work – from fashion to interiors, food, people and events…tbh there’s nothing I won’t shoot. I recently launched my Social Media Subscription Packages for small businesses and they have been a huge hit!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sometimes my days can be totally erratic – I might be coming and going from the office anywhere between 3-5 times a day. There’s always a mix of being out on location shooting with clients and then editing and admin in the office. TBH I never really have a typical day though – each one is so different and can change so quickly which keeps it exciting.
What’s been your stand out ‘win’ as a business so far?
My standout out win – I would say there’s probably been two! I recently just shot my first full fashion campaign for a brand called Get Robed in the Byron Hinterland and that was simply amazing – It’s a strand of work I’d love to be pursuing more of as there’s so much room for creativity and you get to work with an amazing team of creatives to pull together a vision. My other win would be my Social Media Subscription Packages which I launched late October last year. They’ve been so popular and really beneficial for small to medium businesses in need of consistent content. Never doubt yourself – I thought I wouldn’t sell one package and I’ve sold out twice which makes me pretty proud.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?
If I was being honest – I’ve learnt so many little lessons since starting my business that I think are as equally as important as the other!
• Get intimately acquainted with all things money, tax and GST from the very get go.
• Be nice but still be strong in your business values and sticking to them
• Surround yourself with the most amazing people and build a support network – pay the extra little bit and run your business out of a co-working space, there’s no dollar figure or price I can put on the value I get from Newstead Studios.
• If you’ve got a unique original idea and its working, people will copy. Don’t waste your energy on them – Chanel that into your business and into coming up with bigger and better ideas that help you evolve.
• You’ve got to look after yourself more than ever – If I’m not functioning optimally I can’t work to the level I need and give back to my clients so this element is super important and has been a major priority for 2019.
• I’ve learnt you’ve got to hustle hard and all the time!!
What made you chose Newstead Studios and what do you get most out of working here?
Funnily enough I think Newstead studios chose me! I remember wanting to chat with Sam as I had come across his work and loved it, pencilling in a meeting at the time not really knowing much about Newstead. I remember walking in and instantly fell in love with everything about the space, It was so coincidental that you guys had the one desk spot opening up too. So I grabbed the paperwork – signed off and a few weeks later I was in. Newstead Studios gives me my community, it’s like a family. If your not sure about something or need a lift up you know that as soon as you walk in the office it’s there. I feel a sense of professionalism and pride with being able to link my business with such a unique and stunning space and that’s truly valuable.
What’s your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)?
Hmm that’s a tough one – overall I think I’d love to see my business keep growing sustainably and working towards more editorial and fashion work as my skillset continues to evolve!
Where can we find you?
