What it’s like being a start-up business during the Covid-19 crisis

BEING a start up business is difficult at the best of times but what’s it like if you’ve launched your business just a few weeks ago.

Melksham News finds out by chatting to 21-year-old Caitlin Backhouse who left her job in February this year to take the leap into full-time self employment…

Hi Caitlin, what is your business?

I am the founder of True To You Photography, a pet and brand photography business based in Melksham. I travel throughout Wiltshire and the surrounding counties photographing horses, dogs, brands, weddings, equestrian events and more.

When did you start?

True To You Photography was established in 2017 as an official business and I conducted all my work at the weekends. During the week I had a full-time job which helped me pay the bills. And the in February 2020, I left my full-time role and took the leap into full-time self-employment.

What impact has the Covid-19 crisis had?

The impact of COVID-19 has been massive. My equestrian events have completely stopped and since the lockdown was announced I have been unable to conduct photoshoots. It’s possible to keep a 2-meter distance when at photoshoots, but with the guidelines asking everyone to not mix with people outside of their household, photoshoots have been put on hold.

How difficult has it been to carry on trading?

It is hard to run a photography business online when photos cannot be taken digitally, and I would say that 90% of my business is unable to carry on trading. However, I am still able to sell gift vouchers for my photoshoots, which can be redeemed up to 1 year later. I have also adapted my business to offer my editing skills to the general public. This includes techniques such as creating watercolour edits from your own photos or removing dog leads from pictures.

We understand you are raising money for the NHS. Can you tell us a bit about this?

I decided that I should do my part and raise some money for the NHS. The watercolour edits that I started to produce since lockdown have proven popular and therefore, I decided to donate a percentage of my sales to the NHS. To have one photo edited it costs just £10 or you can choose three photos for £25. Everyone has been thrilled with their edits and I am pleased to do my bit and raise some money for the NHS.

What made you do this?

I felt that with my work opportunities being limited, the least I could do is offer my watercolour edits and raise some money for a brilliant cause. It was a no brainer to choose the NHS during this challenging time.

How have you managed to stay positive?

I have been using this strange time to plan. With my business being so fresh to me as a full-time career there was plenty of updating to do to my website, which I never had time to do before, and planning that can be done in preparation for when the lockdown restrictions are lifted. This has helped keep me occupied and looking forward to brighter times when I can start to pursue my dream career once again.

Will you be able to carry on the business?

I certainly hope so. I feel that once the restrictions are lifted or reduced, I will start to be able to trade again. It might take some time to get back to where we were, and I may have to find some temporary work to start with, but I believe I will be able to go back to trading as before in the future.

Are you optimistic things will get back to normal when the Covid-19 crisis is over?

I believe that things will return to normal. It might be longer than we hope but the government are working hard to solve this and develop a vaccine to prevent a future pandemic. I for one will be over the moon to socialise again and return to more normal times. I have no doubt that many other people will also be desperate to return to normal when possible.

What did you do before you set up the business?

During my school years, I studied photography as one of my GCSEs and A-Levels at The Corsham School. I then left school and worked in retail at Wadswick Country Store, where I was already a staff member at the weekend. Following my time there, I left and started an apprenticeship in digital marketing, which helped me grow my business from a promotional perspective. And the rest is history. The steps I have taken have certainly helped strengthen my business skills and create vital connections within the industry.

What made you set up the business in the first place?

I have always loved taking photos and it all started with my granny’s little compact camera. I’m a horse rider and dog lover myself so equine and canine photography came very naturally to me and kick started my business. The feeling I get when I know I have taken a good picture and when I hear the feedback from clients is addictive to me and I cannot get enough of it. Naturally, I feel I must explore a career in photography.

How do people find out more details about your business?

You can find examples of my work and more information via my website which is www.ttyphotography.co.uk. I am also active on Facebook and Instagram and my handle is @ttyphotography if anyone would like to connect with me.