Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
From the earliest times, storytelling has been one of the most important tools used to inspire, empower, teach, and comfort. Whether a fairy tale classic or a story from your own childhood, these stories were a vehicle for us to envision possibility, experience the power of imagination, and believe that anything was possible.
Now, meet Danielle Morandini of Sunmoon Media, an authentic storyteller, mama, filmmaker/photographer, and what she likes to call, a “soulpreneur.” This small business owner has been serving the Simcoe County, Toronto, GTA and Muskoka area for the past four years by preserving some of life’s biggest moments for clients.
We are so excited to have Danielle in this year’s cohort of Starter Company, presented by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia.
To learn more about Danielle, check out the Q+A below.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
Freedom/sovereignty, making my own schedule and income, making clients’ dreams come true by preserving their most special moments. A client telling me they are satisfied is the BEST FEELING! I love breaking through my own self-limiting beliefs and working towards my goals.
What inspired you to start a business?
My experiences during my time in the Broadcasting – the Radio, TV & Film Program at Niagara College gave me the background in production and editing as well as taught me about the opportunity of freelancing. I began shooting and editing on the side of my full-time job and then after I became a mom, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to pursue. My business allows for me to spend time with my son while being able to still make an income.
What services do you offer?
Videography and photography services for weddings, families, and small businesses, including an adorable photo-booth named LUNA to capture keepsakes instantly. We also offer limited micro wedding event packages (planning and coordination). I am starting to offer more mentorships as well as workshops and educational content for wedding filmmakers and “soulpreneurs.”
Who do you look up to for inspiration in the photography world?
Photo - @thefoxes @dawn_photo @nikimariephoto @allyandnicholas @alchemy_creative @katiemariephotography_@cassidylynne @natcaronphoto @janasnuderl
Video - @kejproductions @thefilmpoets @whiteinrevery @wethedrakes @sculptingwithtime @thismodernrevelry @jayandmackfilms @lerevefilms @bottlebrushfilms @wildoakfilms @o.skifilms
How did you come up with your business name?
The balance between sun and moon energy. Sun energy is ‘masculine,’ logical, organized, driven while the moon has a ‘feminine’ energy of creativity, intuition, and flow. I started to watermark all my photos back in college with just a sun and moon logo (instead of a signature like most photographers were doing at the time) and it has kind of just stuck with me.
If you could go anywhere in the world to shoot, where would it be?
ITALY! I’ve been brushing up on my Italian and find myself wanting to go back to where my grandparents are from to film a dreamy and romantic wedding there. I imagine heritage buildings, epic lush gardens, luxurious food al fresco under the sunset, and a classy party throughout the night! I also have always dreamed of filming in the mountains and officially booked a BC wedding for next summer (the perfect way to celebrate my 30th birthday!). We will be taking the gondola to the top of the mountains with the most epic view!
What is unique about your business?
We offer our clients the ability to preserve moments and feelings that they want to be able to relive over and over again. We capture the authentic moments and preserve them forever. I really take the time to get to know my client’s stories and what is most important to their hearts.
What is your favourite thing about weddings?
I really enjoy learning from each and every love story. Each couple has walked a unique path to lead them to where they are on their wedding day. I love getting to know about the chapters of their adventures together and even before then through the various words and moments shared on this special day. I love that this is usually a time that people take the time to share how they really feel about the people they love in their life. It’s also sometimes the last time that good photo or video clip is captured of grandma, uncle, etc., so being able to preserve these faces and memories is the absolute best. Also, you can’t forget about the food and sunsets.
What technology innovation made the most impact on your life?
Adobe Editing software is elite! I’m so grateful for the speed of my MacBook Pro because it really cuts down on editing/processing time. I also love using Honeybook for my client management software; it’s upleveled my business in so many ways and has saved me so much time in day-to-day office admin.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
I dream of having a fully self-sustaining homestead where I can grow veggies and have chickens year-round! I also dream of living somewhere warm and safe during the winter months (Costa Rica?).
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
Through this program, I really hope to see the job I have created for myself evolve into a secure and successful career. I feel that through education and guidance on finances, hiring and business management I will be able to feel the security I long for.
I hope to upgrade equipment, hire and train new employees (or subcontractors if we think that’s still the best route to go) and I know that taking the time to write a detailed and comprehensive business plan will help me so much with everything I hope to accomplish.
My dream one day is to open an organic market garden and event venue (imagine eating a fresh salad and meal grown on site!). It will be a cumulation of my passions as well as what I hope to contribute to the community as I grow older. We will focus on weddings and private events as well as outdoor education for kids and families.
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Give Sunmoon Media a follow on social and make sure to check out their website if you’re in the market to create everlasting memories!
Website: https://www.sunmoonmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunmoonmedia/
Email: connect@sunmoonmedia.com