Today’s Notable Young Professional is photographer Melody Davis, who’s on the verge of great things as she’s set to take up residence in a standout state-of-the-art studio space at BC’s very private Pitt Meadows Airport. Yes, sometimes moving away from self-employment and joining a team of incredible individuals to reach ambitious goals is the way to go, as you’ll see in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Mode Photography is artistic commercial and advertising photography. Its purpose is to support the brands under the Westlund Group of Companies, and to provide services for companies across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. My background is fashion and this approach to photography gives professionals a more distinguished presence for their own marketing. Mode Studios is opening in the fall. It’s a brand new state-of-the-art studio, space, and rental facility located at the very private Pitt Meadows Airport. It partners with Sky Helicopters to bring a unique executive experience to any event – from a small informal studio rental, to a lavish wedding or conference. The possibilities of its uses are endless.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was in transition, ready to move away from self-employment and ready to work alongside a team, but didn’t know which route to take and what that would look like. Sometimes you seek out the right people and sometimes they seek you out. The head of the Westlund Group of Companies, Andrew Westlund himself, asked me to come help him out on a few projects and it wasn’t too long after I was offered this opportunity. The studios came about after I heard plans for the Sky Helicopters Hangar. The opportunity to use the space for a studio was something I couldn’t pass up, and to turn it around and offer it to other professionals was a collaboration and the idea just took off. This was the team I was looking for. This was the project that I needed to make work challenging again.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my job now is that it’s never mundane. The project is different every week. Sometimes I’m kind of thrown in without time to really think about it too much and that keeps me on my toes. I love that. Every project is a challenge and making the client proud of my work is the goal. When I hear about their satisfaction or their excitement about what I’ve done for them, that’s the best part of my job.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see companies strategizing with us to be loyal partners and enhancing each others’ brands across the board. I see a focus more on the Studios and growing it to become a distinguished event facility. On the photography side, I want, more than ever, to have the time to explore more creative artistic images. The Studios will be an amazing place to explore that.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success to me looks like a business that has a solid reputation and a lasting presence, where people chase after it, rather than it’s employees chasing after leads. Success to me is a business that has a firm foundation in its community and people are ecstatic to recommend it’s services.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
It’s this very moment right now. I’m on the verge of the unknown. The possibilities are endless and the end result/goal is still to be determined. The building is going up, it’s a fresh start, and I have a group of companies supporting my transition. It really feels too good to be true… and the fun part is just jumping right in. It’s risky. It’s scary, but that makes it so much fun!
What is Notable to you?
It speaks my language. Inspires and challenges me to not only follow the trends, but to create them. You have to stay challenged to stay in the game.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I’ve made all the mistakes in the books. I’ve juggled family and a home business. I’ve succeeded and failed. I could probably give you a list of 10 things not to do. But, overall, the main thing is to go with your gut and keep an open mind about opportunities. Ask for wisdom wherever you can find it. Weigh it carefully, and in the end, even if everyone around you doesn’t quite understand it, go with your gut. Mistakes will be made over and over and over. Simply take everything as a lesson and keep going forward.
How do you stay active, vibrant and energetic?
At 34 I already feel old! Sad, but true. I was a little slow to realize that sleep actually is the key to feeling energized. But now I believe it. Dedicating a “no-phone” time with my kids keeps me vibrant, and getting out of town here and there is crucial!
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 5S.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.
