Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elena Aleksandraviciute, Founder of Ellenfinds Creative Media Inc., located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ellenfinds Creative Media Inc. is a Social Media & Content Creation Agency in Vancouver, Canada. We offer high-end photography, content creation, social media consulting, and strategy. I started Ellenfinds in early 2020 with a dream of showcasing local small businesses. Since then, we have really grown - working with over 100 clients to create custom content and gaining more each month!
Tell us about yourself
I am a Computer Science graduate from Lithuania and moved to Canada 6 years ago. My journey in photography and social media content creation really took off when I became a foodie/influencer in Vancouver, BC. It was a busy year filled with working with local companies, taking photos, and building my network. I soon realized I could do this as a full-time job, and that's when I decided to start my own business.
My tireless imagination and love of photography refuse to confine me to one genre of photography. I love product photography, but I also love to shoot portraits, events, and even surprise proposals! Ultimately, you will see a consistent level of work throughout all genres. Seeing clients come back motivates me to always strive to better myself by improving my skills and techniques. I value every single one of my clients and go above and beyond to make sure they are satisfied with the images.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's definitely the ability to grow my team and grow my company. To be able to have creative people on my team who believe in my vision. You win customers by giving a good product, and a good product is made by a great team.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Remembering to take time to unplug and rest. My mind is constantly busy thinking of ideas and strategies to find ways to improve and grow. For a while, I believed that what I was doing at Ellenfinds was my peak, but I was wrong. I needed to understand my weaknesses and find the right people to help me. It can be hard to let go and give up control. In two years, I have learned to trust my team and delegate work. This helped me find a healthier work/life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about your business idea. I got my first clients because I showed how passionate I was about growing and helping their businesses grow.
- Figure out your weaknesses and ask for help. Share your vision very clearly with your team. As a business owner, your role is to be a good leader, so trust your team as you build your business. You can't do everything by yourself, and that's ok. Delegating will help you avoid burnout and become successful more quickly.
- Don't underestimate the power of your instinct. I didn't have time to think about failure when I jumped into starting my own business. I just jumped and trusted that I would figure it out. Stop thinking about "what if," and just believe in your idea.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ellenfinds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenfindsvancouver/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenfinds/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellenfinds
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellenfinds/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.