One of the most valuable wedding day investments you will make is your wedding video. After spending almost an entire year planning the big day, a videographer can capture all of the little details to treasure for years to come. From those perfect getting ready moments to “I do” and finally to the reception for the big celebration this is one essential that should top your list. If you are a bride-to-be in Vancouver, B.C. (Canada), check out Kirsten Aubrey from Sweet Currant Weddings. Empress Avenue had the exclusive opportunity to get the inside scoop on her booming business!
1. Tell us about yourself, your career or business. – My name is Kirsten Aubrey, and I am a videographer based in Vancouver BC. I started my career in videography doing web-series, business and artist video promotions. I have recently expanded my business into wedding videography, and have been so pleased with that that choice. The heart of my business has always been story-telling, and with wedding videography I get to tell a unique love story for every couple I work with. This is so engaging, and I love working with couples to find what makes their day special.
2. Describe your most recent business success and tell us about your next big goal!- A recent business success has been creating promotional videos for “The Ultimate Potential”, a group of fitness coaches who are offering a series of training workshops in Whistler leading up to the 2014 Iron Man competition. These guys are pretty inspiring!
My next big goal is to complete the 2014 wedding video season with the skill and will-power of an Iron Woman!
3. Give us the ‘inside scoop’ – what does a day in your business life look like?- A day in the life of Sweet Currant Weddings involves meeting with clients and exploring new opportunities, checking out what’s happening online in terms of interesting video production and the nitty gritty of writing emails, and editing videos. I always try to mix up my day in order to spend an equal amount of time working on the computer and moving my body, so I fit in time to go on runs or garden on a sunny day.
4. What types of customers are in your business ‘pink book’ and who are you looking to connect with?- I am looking to connect with businesses with a unique story to tell, artists with a skill to promote and couples who want their wedding day captured beautifully and with style.
5. If you were not doing this job, what is your plan B? Are you still chasing your dream job?– I have a passion for music and am currently working with two bands writing and recording music. I wouldn’t say it’s a “Plan B” for my career, as much as a very serious hobby. I love it, I can’t help myself!
Our team is professional and fun. We strive to be a part of the celebration while capturing all of the most precious moments.
6. Do you think it’s important to love what you do, or make good money?- I think that loving what you do is important when it comes time to dig deep when facing the inevitable ups and downs that come with running your own business. I think earning my own money has taught me a deeper appreciation for the income I do generate from my business so I use it carefully.
7. Is owning your own business as glamorous as it sounds?- It depends on how you want to spend your time. For me the dreamiest part of running my own business is the flexibility. I have time to pursue different opportunities as they come up and work hours that fit my schedule. I am also a total night-owl and freelance videography works well for that.
8. Where did you get your education? – I graduated from Emily Carr University with a Fine Arts Degree in Critical and Cultural Practices. It wasn’t until my last year at school that I picked up a video camera to make a short film for my grad project. I absolutely loved the experience from start to finish and have been making videos ever since.
9. What celebrity do you look at for style inspiration and why?- Julie Doiron from the band Erics Trip because we have similar hair!
10. What are your favourite stores to shop at for the perfect work wardrobe?- I like to Vintage shop, and I love Mintage on the Drive (Commercial Drive in Vancouver, B.C.).
11. How do you create your products? – I create my videos using a pretty mobile videography setup: A DSLR Canon mark II with a variety of lenses and a Zoom H6 with a lavalier or shotgun microphone for sound. I try to keep it pretty light and use a shoulder rig and tripod for most of my shooting. Anyone wanting to get into videography can find many of these things online or used if you just want to get started.
Weddings are an exciting way for me to collaborate with new people, and create something that my clients really value.
12. What are your plans for expansion?- I plan on expanding my wedding videography business, over the next 5 years or so. I am also planning to shoot some really fun music videos for my bands and other local musicians.
13. What is your favourite travel hot spot?- I really love going to LA to visit my sister-in-law. The surrounding areas like Joshua Tree National Park are incredible to be. The scenery is amazing!
14. What business book would you recommend for our book club?- I would recommend “Creating Your Business”- a workbook you can get from participating in a course offered through the Womens Enterprise Centre. Great programs are offered there to help set you on your path.
15. Can you offer any advice for new entrepreneurs?- Be patient and don’t spend your whole budget at the beginning! Keep a cushion for low income times, especially at the beginning.
Sweet Currant Weddings
- Your Name: Kirsten Aubrey
- Business Name: Sweet Currant Productions
- Corporate Headquarters (location): Vancouver, BC
- Email address: Kirsten@sweetcurrant.com
- Website: www.sweetcurrant-weddings.com
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sweetcurrant
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetcurrantweddings
- Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sweetcurrant