Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bobbi Way. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Bobbi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Older adults and senior citizens seem to be underserved in the photography industry. I live in a community whose population is predominantly older adults. On a long drive, my husband and I discussed how I could start a photography business that didn’t have to compete with the incredible photographers already serving our community. The idea for Heirloom Way Storytelling & Photography has blossomed from that conversation.

We live in a world in tension, both incredibly connected and disconnected simultaneously. Through this new business, I want to give busy people like me the opportunity to connect with their parents or grandparents. Capturing stories and images and putting them together in a tangible way.

Other services allow you to type up your story by answering emailed questions over the course of a year. And they’re great. I just thought about my own parents and how telling the stories was much easier than writing them out. I wanted this service to be more personal.

Ultimately, my goal is to create connection and ensure these seniors feel seen and valued.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been taking photographs since disposable cameras were cool and writing (in one format or another) just as long. I am at the very beginning of the entrepreneurial journey with Heirloom Way. But, I have 20 years of experience specializing in customer experience, communication, and project management.

Heirloom Way is not your typical photography studio. My target market is women in their 40s to 60s looking for a gift for their older parents’ milestone birthday or anniversary.

How it works: I start with a questionnaire to better understand the themes in the parent’s life. Following the initial questions, I will visit and interview the parent, recording their stories. I take photographs of their prize positions and document the story that makes each item special.

Then, I get to work compiling their stories into a mini-memoir. In the end, they’ll receive an heirloom quality bound book with their stories and photographs all together.

No matter how boring you think your life is, everyone has a story worth sharing.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Three significant life events drive me forward in this business.

In February 2012, I experienced a powerful sense that I should photograph everything I loved at my parent’s family business. Less than eight months later, a fire destroyed the building. What I have left are photographs.

Years later, in 2017, I traveled to Southeast Asia. While sitting with a few local women, I had the opportunity to share a personal story of pregnancy loss. I witnessed deep connection being created through the power of sharing my story and holding space for them to share theirs.

And more recently, this year, I lost a dear relative – far too young. It was a harsh reminder that we must make time to connect with those we love.

On a more practical note, I have many ideas about how I’d like to grow and expand this business. However, my goal right now is to make this my full-time job. I believe there’s a real opportunity to help cultivate connections within multiple generations of families, and I want to use my gifts and talents to facilitate that.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I live in Canada, I’m not sure about the resources available elsewhere, but I wish I knew about all the free small business resources that exist. I was able to take free business classes, receive website and social media coaching, and even banking resources.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heirloomway.com/