“For me it’s about chasing my passion whilst also being there for my children to chase their passion.”
Blending creativity with the technical side of photography, Kelly Barker of Studio Labyrinth shines in her role as a visual artist. To her, the camera is a portal through which she can create pieces of art and imagery each day.
Kelly’s love for photography started as a young child, where she enjoyed spending time in the dark room working with film and chemicals. In the following years, Kelly chased her passion and founded her own photography studio.
After rebranding her business in 2021 to Studio Labyrinth, Kelly now specialises in commercial and architectural photography and videography. Her clients range from wineries to building companies, located both locally and interstate.
As an experienced photographer, Kelly has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography numerous times.
She also currently serves on the WA Photographers Association committee.
Since joining the HerBusiness Network earlier this year, Kelly has found a renewed sense of self, focus and determination. She particularly looks forward to expanding Studio Labyrinth to provide even more clients with the best quality commercial images.
But when she isn’t in her studio, Kelly loves spending time with her gorgeous children. She also regularly volunteers at not-for-profit businesses.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Travis Hayto. No he is not famous and he may not be a trazillionaire but he runs an amazing company and employs some incredible people here in Perth. He is an extremely wonderful guy with a young family and treats his staff with respect and gratitude. His photography and videography company is something I aspire to and if I could do half of what he has done in a short space of time, I would be blessed. Truly one of the gems of my industry.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I originally started my business as I was working as a photographer for someone else and I really wanted to run my own show. I’ve always had a passion for the business side of operations but I didn’t have the capacity to tap into that working for someone else. I also had a planned family and wanted flexibility to work the hours required while being a mum.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The flexibility I have to be there for my gorgeous children. For me it’s about chasing my passion whilst also being there for my children to chase their passion. I also love the variety of the day to day with my own business. I enjoy the ‘many hats’ role required.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Don’t hesitate, jump in and just try. And that goes for every aspect.
- Don’t be scared of failure. You forget the failures as soon as you find success.
- Say no if the work is simply not right for you. Not every job or every client is right for you or your business and sometimes they end up costing you more than you make.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Jump in and give it a go, you don’t have much to lose, and seek out mentors that can help guide you through.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Knowing your numbers and accounting is of great importance. The more informed you are, the better to make decisions going forward.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
I would ideally like between 4-8 staff members, working out of a studio in Joondalup WA and making a really good wage for myself and my staff. I would like to slide into the role of running my business and operations while my staff facilitate the work/jobs. I would like to have several árms’ of my business as I have way too many ideas and never enough time to implement them.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
So far, it has given me more focus and direction. A renewed sense of self within my business. I felt lost in the path moving forward and being a member has already converged my focus and my determination feels rejuvenated.
