The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall.
Meet Emily Blocksdorf and Anchors Away Photography
Emily Blocksdorf and Anchors Away Photography has been capturing Small Businesses and Personal Brands across Simcoe County since 2021. Emily’s goal is to give other entrepreneurs their time back by providing them with custom, professional content for their online presence. Her quality photos – used on social media and websites – help her clients stand out and gain the trust of their own potential customers. By using a photographer that specializes in branding to create content, entrepreneurs receive images that tell stories and resonate with each of their target audiences. Anchors Away Photography allows you to outsource the time-consuming and necessary skill of photography that every business needs to ensure sales are coming from your online presence.
Make an Online Splash with Anchors Away Photography!
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is being able to connect with other like-minded individuals. As a Brand & Product Photographer, my entire network is based around other Small Business owners. It’s truly so exciting to be able to support and cheer on others doing similar things as I am.
What inspired you to start a business?
I was on maternity leave and fell into becoming a motherhood blogger/influencer, but something was missing. I was creating content for big brands, but I preferred to shop local & small. I had an epiphany of “If I can do this, why can’t I do that? I can offer content services to my local community”. This also allowed me to not return to a rigid and draining schedule after my maternity leave. I was able to create flexibility in my days for my new role in life as a mother without worrying about my job security.
What services/ products do you offer?
I offer Photographic Content Services to Small Businesses, this includes Branding & Lifestyle Photography, Headshots & Product Photography. I also host networking and workshop events for business owners.
Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
I get inspired by my clients and community all the time. Seeing that other people like me started their own business, and have been able to achieve growth and success, makes me feel like I can do it too.
How did you come up with your business name?
My business name came from my nautical obsession. I don't even know how it really started. Anchors became a part of my personality at some point, and when I got a house many of the gifts involved nautical decor. I got married at a lighthouse and have a lighthouse tattoo. So, Anchors Away just felt right.
What is unique about your business?
What is unique about Anchors Away is that I’m not just another photographer. I truly care about the person and the business behind the brand I’m capturing. I’m big on community and create events to not only benefit me, but to benefit my peers as well.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself is that I actually like learning… given it’s something that interests me or will benefit me. Entrepreneurship is all about constantly learning something new. I really enjoy getting to be self-sufficient and not worrying about trying to find someone that can do it for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
Find a community. Entrepreneurship can be so lonely, and your family and friends in your personal support network may not fully understand it. A community of entrepreneurs will be able to relate to your ups and downs, and have advice to point you in the right direction.
Explore Anchors Away Photography Today
To learn more about Emily Blocksdorf and Anchors Away Photography, you can head to their website: www.anchorsawayphotography.ca. Follow Anchors Away Photography on social media to stay informed about their services.
- Instagram: @anchors.away.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anchors.away.brandphotography
Learn More About the Starter Company Plus Program
To learn more about the Starter Company Plus program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445.