Koji Cam Photography
Putting business in focus
Naomi Koji-Paton, Owner of Koji Cam Photography in Epping Forest, tells us how peer network programme Group2Grow helped her to frame her business, providing her with new contacts, an understanding of all areas of running a business, and a fresh perspective on how to take things forward.
Young entrepreneur Naomi Koji-Paton has always had a passion for photography, but up until 2 years ago, her career was taking a very different path. Studying Law at University and then moving into law based roles, it took the COVID pandemic to give her to push she needed to believe in herself and take the step to turn her hobby into a business.
“Covid made me look internally to what I find value in my life. In doing this I came to the realisation that this wasn’t what I wanted my future to look like. Up until now I didn’t have the confidence to step out on my own, but this time, I thought it’s time to take a chance on myself”
Naomi Koji-Paton, Owner of Koji Cam Photography
In August 2021 Koji Cam Photography was launched, giving Naomi the chance to immerse herself into telling stories through imagery and videography, capturing the essence of each business she works with. Whilst some photographers and videographers tend to adopt a specialism, Naomi offers the full package, adapting her approach for every business requirement whilst maintaining her natural and unique style. She has already worked with a series of large clients including The Economist, Shelter, Amazon Music, and Marriott, and recently had some of her work showcased on a billboard in Leicester Square!
“I like taking pictures of everything. I enjoy the variety of working on all types of photography from headshots to wedding shoots, and events to landscapes. I don’t want to be put in a box, I want to be able to offer my clients everything they need”
Modelling the business
As Naomi’s business started to develop and grow, she started aiming to work more with commercial clients, offering her services for business branding, events, headshots and promotional videos. Whilst her legal background gave her a strong headway into the legalities of running a business, the operational side still felt like undiscovered territory, and so she started looking for help.
During a Google search, Naomi discovered BEST Growth hub, a free service offering free support and advice to Essex Businesses. After an initial discussion BEST referred Naomi onto the Backing Essex Businesses peer network programme ‘Group2Grow’.
Backing Essex Business is a fully-funded business support service, funded by Essex County Council, offering advice, access to business finance and training for businesses in Essex looking to develop and grow. The Group2Grow peer network programme brings together groups of 8-10 business professionals to share challenges, experiences and solutions, utilising the shared knowledge for individual business growth. The 8 x 2hr sessions are led by a professional business coach, with each weeks topic being agreed in advance by the participants based on their current challenges.
“Group2Grow came at exactly the right time for me, I got so much out of it. There was so much flexibility when deciding what would be discussed at each session, and the facilitator Graham was excellent at leading the sessions and adding his insight from his vast experience.”
Naomi Koji-Paton, Owner of Koji Cam Photography
Group2Grow provides an opportunity for business leaders to gain access to likeminded professionals of all age groups, from all industry backgrounds, and from multiple stages of business growth, providing unique insight into how everyone fits into the bigger picture. Each participant also receives 3 hours of 1:2:1 coaching from the groups facilitator, allowing you to deep dive into your business and any challenges that might be unique to you.
“I found the 1:2:1 coaching incredibly useful. Graham was encouraging and knowledgeable and helped me to understand areas of my business that had previously been a bit alien to me. I had an idea about licencing my imagery to my corporate clients, and he really helped me to develop that idea, so that I was ready to progress it.”
Flash Forward
Naomi’s Group2Grow cohort has now completed, but the great thing about the programme is that it creates an ongoing network that you can turn to whenever you need them. Naomi still talks to several members of the group, and feels confident that the connection will remain long into the future.
As Naomi looks into her own future, she has big plans to continue to grow the commercial side of her business, but also wants to help provide space for the younger generation of creatives to express themselves. She recognises a lack of informal creative space where young people can explore their talents and learn the technical skills of creative media, and would love to help facilitate that for the next generation. As a sole trader herself, she wants to encourage people to explore their artistic side creating a future legacy for not only her business, but for the industry itself.
““If the last 2 years has taught me anything, it is the importance of networking and meeting people. I have been lucky enough to get a lot of work through my existing contacts, but expanding my network is definitely a priority for me. Group2Grow has been great for helping me achieve that, and I absolutely would recommend contacting Backing Essex Business to see how they can help you.””
For more information on Koji Cam Photography visit www,kojicam.com
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