Fourth in our series of local Good News-Great Business stories focuses on a Whangārei based micro business on a mission to create “a safe, loving and empowering space for women to reclaim their love for themselves and their bodies!’ Unsurprising then that armed with that value set, her business acumen and working off feedback from previous Awards entries Kirsty Halliday of Kirsty Joy Photography walked away the 2021 winner of the NorthChamber Business Excellence Awards ASB Micro Business category! Kirsty Halliday said she was simply blown away by winning the Award.
“I was definitely hopeful that I would make it into the finals, I only wish to better myself from the year prior or prior entry,” she says. “It is a pretty amazing feeling to be recognised as a successful small business, especially in a creative industry. I feel that a creative (a photographer) winning such an award helps the industry as a whole. Personally, I feel that it reassures me that I’m on the right track as a business owner.” That is the something the Awards judges strongly agreed with. “Kirsty Joy Photography stood out in the micro category with good leadership, strong business planning, robust processes and a good understanding of financial statements.
In addition, Kirsty Joy has recently expanded her business and leased commercial premises, setting her business up for growth and future strategy,” they said. A previous entrant in 2019 when first establishing her business the judge’s feedback was invaluable and she grew her business from there. Even her recent success has altered how she manages the business. “The feedback (this time) has made me assess where the majority of my business expenses are going and how/if this can be tailored back the essentials and things that will benefit the business. It has also helped me with my own confidence amongst my business owner peers.
The win has impacted on her business in other ways too. Says Kirsty: “I have received many congratulations from clients, local MP’s and the Mayor which was really nice but business is busy as usual and I’m not sure whether this is a direct impact from the award or general bookings.” Despite opening a commercial studio in the middle of a pandemic (which was not the plan!), Kirsty is confident that if she can survive that, she can survive anything. “I’m excited for the year ahead and new products that I’m introducing to reach a greater audience and increase income. I have hired another contractor which helps by allowing me more time to photograph and less wait times for clients. The creative industry is forever changing but photographs are something that will forever remain in our lives through our history and our future.
Kirsty’s studies in psychology and expertise in portraiture have her uniquely positioned to fulfil her goal of empowering women through her photography and with her success as business owner following her heart her message to other women business owners is clear. “I want more women to enter the 2022 awards. Just do it! It’s a win-win situation. At minimum you receive a free and highly beneficial assessment of your business and if you do really well you might walk away with a trophy and recognition! Why wouldn’t you want to do it?” she says. To view more of Kirstys work visit www.kirstyjoyphotography.com
