My name is Simone and I am the founder of Your Photos Filed, a photo organising business. I started this business late in 2020 and gained my first client early 2021. I help people overcome ‘overwhelm’ with their photos – organising photos both in digital and print form. Once photos have been organised, I help to implement back-up systems, keeping peoples’ precious memories safe and secure.
I also provide a scanning and photo restoration service. I am passionate about having photos available to share with family and friends in printed form – not just on social media – and to this end, offer a photo book and wall art design service.
// What were you doing and why did you get started?
For years I have been employed in a variety of administrative and finance roles, but in 2020, I got to the point where I felt the time was right to try something different, with both my daughters finishing up school and starting their own lives as young adults.
I have always loved photography and the stories behind photos – my house is full of photos that I’ve taken over the years. I wanted to start my own business which encompassed my passion and skills. I came across the idea of being a photo organiser through an association called The Photo Managers. I realised it was possible to have a business offering this type of service, spoke to other Photo Managers based interstate, and decided to give it a go doing the necessary training and certification to get myself started.
Although I am still working two days per week in an admin role, I hope to be full-time in my business sooner rather than later!
// Who has supported you most on your business journey?
Without a doubt this would be my family, particularly my husband Matthew, who has always supported me, being a great sounding board for new ideas or any concerns or doubts I’m having. I’ve also had great support from The Photo Managers community which is mainly Facebook based, but the Australasian members also meet regularly via Zoom, which has been really helpful.
// What are you most proud of?
I am proud that I’ve been brave enough to put myself out there and promote a business that is really very niche within SA. I still have a long way to go, but feel that I’ve made some headway having already successfully completed several client projects.
// What do you love most about doing business here?
I love having a home-based business in Prospect, close to all the shops and cafes that I need! I also love connecting with like-minded people, and for this reason, I’m very glad I’ve joined SA Woman. South Australia has an amazing amount of talented women in business and I really enjoy getting out of my comfort zone, going to functions and meeting new people who are all running their own businesses. I find this very inspiring and motivating. I also love using the services of SA businesses, both in a general business sense, and within the photographic industry, to help grow and service my own business needs.
// What advice would you give other women wanting to start a business?
I would suggest finding a business model that suits their skill set and passion and then doing the research to see if this business would work in SA.
And then I would advise to be brave and go for it! It is very hard to give up a regular income, but if you can work part-time whilst building up the business, as I am, then I feel this is a good way to go.
Get in touch with Simone:
Facebook: Your Photos Filed
Instagram: @your.photos.filed
LinkedIn: Simone Larwood
Website: www.yourphotosfiled.com.au