Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Walters, Lead Videographer & Editor of Aperture Lane, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We primarily provide high-quality, story-driven wedding films for couples in the premium and high-end markets. Aperture Lane films are not cookie-cutter or music videos - they are films intentionally edited with narration drawn from the stories told at the event to build a unique keepsake that our clients will be proud to share for years to come.
Tell us about yourself
Aperture Lane started from an earnest desire to capture special moments in my life and those around me. The moments ranged from my personal moments with my friends and family all the way to special events and projects with my faith community. Eventually, I decided to venture into turning this passion (and increasingly expensive hobby!) into something that could make a little money on the side. Little did I know that this adventure that I hoped would be a side hustle to my teaching job would become more than that.
I spent the first four years building my business alongside my 9-5 and being the primary caregiver to my twin girls. Eventually, I realized that I thrived in autonomy, and I didn’t want to go back to corporate. I would also learn the impact I could have on my faith community with the skills and perspectives I gained as I grew in my business acumen. In my fifth year, I officially made the leap to full-time and have been here ever since.
Today, I’m driven by building the life that I want for my family and me. I’m also motivated by the impact and connections in my life that I would not have been able to have had it not been for my business and the places it has taken me. Though It’s been years since I left the education field, I’m still finding ways to fulfill my passion for teaching through mentoring other creatives on my team, informative content for the wedding community, and a small Youtube channel.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest achievement is still being in business and supporting my family through the years and especially after the pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest aspect of business for me is being okay with being uncomfortable. Every time when I “find a groove,” it’s time to grow and learn more. I honestly wish I could have a year or two to just “coast along.” But I’ve learned that my business would suffer. I’m learning to be okay with always growing and progressing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Here are three tips I would give anyone looking to start a business (in no particular order).
- Be okay with mistakes. In fact, don’t be afraid to make them. You will, and those mistakes will be a part of the foundation of your learning and improvement.
- Don’t go through your business journey alone. Find a mentor or peers that you can build relationships with so you can learn, be encouraged, and be challenged with.
- Show up consistently and messily. Small and imperfect steps every week will get you farther than a massive tornado of action every now and then. People who are doing the thing not as good as you are making money because they choose to do the dang thing and not overthink.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://aperturelane.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aperturelane
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aperturelane/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conqueringryan/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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