PIXEL BY PIXEL/LITTLE CRITTERS
Bio
I originally trained as a Visual Artist/Photographer with the intention of pursuing a career in advertising but was unfortunate to graduate during the “recession we had to have” when there were very few of these sought after positions available, especially for young graduates without experience.
I found myself working as a portrait photographer and, within a very short time, managing a portrait studio in Melbourne. I worked in similar roles as a photographer, manager and photographic trainer in NSW and QLD before taking time off to travel and then eventually, returning to University (eight years after the completion of my degree) to complete my Diploma of Education.
I worked for eight years as a Visual Arts/Photography/Digital Imaging teacher in NSW high schools and then eventually began my photo restoration and retouching business after a move to Melbourne with my family. I am a WAHM to two gorgeous children and I also operate a second small business; “Little Critters” www.littlecritters.com.au creating customised art and keepsakes.
What is your business name and your website url?
Pixel By Pixel ~ Photo Restoration and Retouching ~ www.pixelbypixel.com.au
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for four years.
What made you decide to start your own business?
My family made the move from Sydney to Melbourne in 2005. I had intended to return to teaching once settled, but soon discovered that my four years of University training and eight years of teaching experience in NSW high schools were not recognised in Victoria and I would be required to work for a salary equivalent to that of a first year graduate which was almost $30,000 less than what I was earning in NSW. Without family in Melbourne to assist with babysitting and a lack of desire to enter a workforce where my skills and experience were not valued, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to begin my own business, develop my passion for restoring photographs and experience life as a WAHM.
What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?
In the short time that I have been operating my business, my photo restoration skills have been widely recognised within the Genealogy community in Victoria. I am often invited to speak and provide workshops at expos and conferences and for special interest groups. This keeps me “on top of my game” plus gives me the opportunity to get out of the office (my spare bedroom) and share my love of photo restoration and retouching with others. It’s a great feeling to be admired by others and this motivates me to continue to learn and to keep abreast with new technology.
I also teach photo restoration at a local college and I have become a member of our local women’s business network. Sharing experiences and knowledge with other women, many of whom are also WAHMs, is inspiring.
Do you have a current product or promotion running?
I like to support other small businesses and provide very competitive rates for deep etching of product photographs for catalogue and web publications.
For new clients, I offer a free trial. Simply email up to two images to carol@pixelbypixel.com.au and I will colour/exposure correct plus deep etch your two images, free of charge.
What makes your business/products unique?
There are quite a few online businesses ow offering digital photo restoration (many located offshore) but no other in Victoria (that I am aware of) who maintain a public face and promote themselves via public speaking engagements and education programs. This has been my point of difference with the photo restoration side of my business.
With my photo retouching, I like to work closely with my clients and am very fussy with aspects such as exposure and colour correction. It is vitally important when selling a product online to provide an honest visual representation of the product. I take the time to liaise with my clients during the retouching process to ensure that colours are as true-to-life as possible and the image “does the product justice”. If I don’t get it right the first time, my clients know that I will persist until it is as good as it can be.
How do you keep the balance between family and work?
I wish that after four years I could say that I have a healthy balance between family and work, but I still struggle with this, especially during busy times of the year like the lead-up to Christmas when there are not only more work orders, but also more social events to slot into my already busy calendar. I would love more hours in the day!
I have a seven year old and a two year old, the latte of whom is often very demanding of my time. I work whenever I can, which mostly means during the evening after my children are in bed. I utilise occasional care three times a week and have a very supportive husband who is great with washing up and laundry.
I have learnt not to stress about how tidy my house is and most importantly, I have learnt to say “no”.
Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?
To succeed, you must be passionate about what you do.
Recognise your strengths and your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Don’t forget the reason why you have chosen to become a WAHM. If working from home means you are spending “less” quality time with your children than you did when you were working full time, then perhaps it is time to take a step back and re-evaluate your business and your family plan.
Find a business network in your area (or online) and network with like-minded business people who will inspire and motivate you.
Find your unique selling point and build your business around that “thing” that make YOU special.
