Owners: Mark Zagwyn
Location:  Topley, BC

The Business

Marks Digital Photography offers professional photography services for clients in Topley, BC and surrounding areas.

From passport photos and other identification services to outdoor all seasons event and recreation photography, Mark helps people in his community, and tourists passing through, document their experience of the area’s gorgeous natural backdrop.

The Founder

After his retirement at age 65, Mark Zagwyn was looking for ways to stay busy and supplement his pension.  He chose to develop his photography hobby into something that could meet his financial needs, while increasing his opportunities to get out and enjoy events, meet people and stay active.

The Small Business BC Connection

Small Business BC seminars on a wide range of business topics to help small businesses get off the ground and enjoy success. Zagwyn found Small Business BC’s seminars particularly helpful for learning about how to efficiently market his business.

 Entrepreneurial Advice

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start your own business, Zagwyn stresses the importance of doing your research and crunching the numbers to make sure you can build a client base in your chosen location.  If you choose an area where the weather can drastically affect your business income through the seasons, such as Topley, which has very cold winters, be sure you have a backup plan in case you need to shut down for a while.

Mark also found joining local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce helpful in terms of driving customers to support his business.  Community Futures also provided support through their Self Employment Program.