We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Voth Mchugh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

For me and my partner, the term “family business” goes beyond just blood relations; it represents a heartfelt commitment to collaborating with team members who share our values and mission. While some of our team members are indeed family, others have become part of our chosen family—dedicated individuals who contribute to our vision with passion and enthusiasm.

In our business, we prioritize aligning our values with those of our staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. I have had the privilege of working closely with my nieces, sisters, and cousins, mentoring them and equipping them with diverse skills that will benefit them both personally and professionally. Our team consists of other talented photographers who are family by choice that excel at capturing the essence of our clients, along with skilled editors who bring those moments to life. Additionally, we emphasize training in client communication, ensuring that every interaction is positive and meaningful. This structured approach not only strengthens our team but also enhances our commitment to delivering exceptional service, creating a harmonious atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute to our shared vision.

Ultimately, the strength of our family business lies in the relationships we cultivate—both with each other and with our clients. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who share our vision and values, we create a supportive network that drives our success. Together, we strive to build a legacy that reflects our dedication to quality, integrity, and community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into photography has been a lifelong passion. My love for capturing moments and people began in childhood, with a playful camera in hand. When I was 12, my parents started to support me buy purchasing my first camera. As I grew up my interest blossomed into a commitment to the craft, and my Dad continued his support by gifting me a real SLR camera. Recognizing my seriousness, I sought guidance from my high school art teachers to learn the fundamentals. This passion led my to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I majored in photography and printmaking. My education continued with an intensive year-long commercial photography program that provided my with valuable insights into the business and commercial side the art of photography.

Meeting Sean shortly after completing my studies was a turning point. Our shared vision and complementary skills made us ideal partners in both life and business. As our marriage and business matured, we decided to relocate to the Okanagan, drawn by its beauty and potential for growth. This move marked a new chapter, allowing us to expand our businesses and further establish our roots in the community.

My background in Fine Art and Education, coupled with my ongoing learning in business and administration, has equipped me with the tools necessary to thrive in my field. My story is one of passion, partnership, and continuous growth, as I continue to balance my artistic pursuits with the practicalities of running businesses.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Photography began as a part-time venture for me, initially viewed as a stepping stone towards a full-time career. The journey was anything but straightforward. It required a great deal of perseverance and a willingness to explore various avenues within the craft. Through trial and error, I eventually discovered a rhythm that allowed us to enjoy the process while honing our skills.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it brought immense challenges, leading to the temporary closure of our martial arts business. However, amidst the uncertainty, we noticed a significant increase in demand for graduation portraits. This presented a unique opportunity for us to pivot our business model. We quickly transformed our martial arts studio into a dedicated graduation portrait studio. Fortunately, we were already somewhat prepared for this shift, as we had previously set up a portable photography studio tailored for such events. This existing foundation allowed us to adapt quickly and effectively to the changing landscape.

The transition was not just about physical space; it was a testament to our resilience and creativity. We embraced the challenge of reimagining our business and found joy in capturing the milestones of students during a time when celebrations were limited. The experience of photographing graduates became a rewarding endeavor, allowing us to connect with families and commemorate their achievements in a meaningful way.

After navigating through the pandemic and successfully establishing our portrait studio, we were able to reopen our martial arts studio, creating a harmonious balance between both passions. We then relocated our photography studio to the heart of Kelowna, BC, placing us in a vibrant community where we could engage with more clients and expand our reach. This move has invigorated our creative process, as being situated in a bustling area opens up new opportunities for collaboration and artistic exploration.

Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that adaptability and a willingness to embrace change have been crucial to our success. The experience has not only solidified our commitment to photography but also enriched our overall artistic vision as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of our businesses.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer lies in the profound impact that capturing moments has on both self-expression and self-reflection. For me, photography is a personal language that allows me to communicate emotions and experiences in ways that words often cannot convey. Each photograph becomes a tangible reflection of a moment in time, inviting introspection and deeper understanding of my own journey.

Through my lens, I embark on a journey of self-discovery with every click of the shutter. Each image I create is not just a representation of my subjects but also a snapshot of my thoughts and feelings at that moment. This exploration enables me to confront my own joys, fears, and uncertainties, revealing deeper truths about who I am as an artist and an individual.

Pushing boundaries is another essential aspect of my photographic journey. I constantly challenge myself to experiment with new techniques, perspectives, and styles, stepping outside of my comfort zone. This willingness to take risks not only enhances my skills but also fosters innovation in my work, allowing me to create images that resonate on a deeper level. By breaking through conventional norms, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own creativity and explore the world through their unique perspectives. 

I am excited to embark on a new project that celebrates women embracing the beauty of growing older through a special celebration photo shoot. This initiative is a heartfelt reflection of my own journey and how I aspire to feel about myself as I age—confident, vibrant, and wise. I believe that every stage of life deserves to be honored, and through these photo shoots, I hope to empower women to recognize and celebrate their unique stories, strength, and individuality. Together, we’ll create stunning images that capture not just their outer beauty, but also the wisdom and experiences that come with each passing year.

Ultimately, the intersection of self-expression, reflection, and boundary-pushing in photography is what makes this art form so fulfilling. It transforms personal experiences into universal themes, creating connections between me and my subjects, as well as with the audience who engages with my work. This shared journey enriches not only my experience as a creator but also the lives of those who connect with my photographs, contributing to a collective understanding of the human experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.VothPhotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vothphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VothPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissavothmchughphotographer/

Image Credits

All photos by Voth Photography Kelowna BC Canada