Cody Caissie: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Cody Caissie has been operating as an entrepreneurial photographer since 2007 with his first business, Cody’s Photography, and has since launched Cody Caissie Studios in Montreal, a production house of photographers, retouchers, and stylists. What was the inspiration for his career route? Find out in today’s profile…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Cody Caissie Studios represents a production house of photographers, retouchers, and stylists. We provide professional photography services to Montreal.

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I started my own business because I couldn’t sit back and not take the wheel of my own career. My inspiration comes from a place inside me that wants to have a better life that is not offered from your regular 9-5 “would you like fries with that?”…I have had a lot of jobs in the food industry #pitapit.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Simple! I get to take pictures. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be working in the field I majored in at the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design. The most challenging part for me is the marketing aspect. No one really knows who I am yet and that frustrates me. I’m like a puppy on a leash; I’m young, energetic and have lots to offer… so pay attention to me! Ok that came across a little juvenile, but you get my point. I just want to work hard for my clients and be successful.

Where do you see your business going in five years?
In five years, I see Cody Caissie Studios becoming a brand clients want on their wall, on their sites, wherever they go. We will expand into more provincial and international markets. In five years, we will have a headquarters with the name on the building, the option for walk-ins, and creating full-time positions for young commercial artists like myself.

What does success look like to you?
Success looks like that guy who is sitting in the Cafe in old Montreal, blogging on his iPad, replying to client emails, tweeting the latest news for his company and sharing his most recent shoot on his fan page. Also he is wearing the latest Armani jacket in 3D stretch cotton with some flash Prada cap-toe lace-up shoes and a classic Gucci messenger bag. I guess success looks pretty darn good to me. 

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My most memorable milestone in my career was when I got the product photographers position at Beyond The Rack Inc. back in November 2009. Now I am operating as the assistant manager of photography for Canada’s top online flash sales shopping club.  

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The best advice I could give young professionals is to brand yourself right away! Buy your online name and start building your online presence through blogging and social media. I feel I missed that boat when I started out but, oh boy, I found my way back. 

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Unfortunately I do not support any charities yet but if I was I would like to support something more local here in Canada, such as hunger or something to do with children. It is in my 2013 plan to begin supporting. 

What is Notable to you?
What is notable to me are the aesthetics inside beauty and design. I love design, I love visuals in imagery, film, music and more. 

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
How I keep active is by going to the gym. I become energetic by having a cup of coffee and a good song on my iPod. What keeps me vibrant is knowing the fact that I am doing what I love to do, and that is photography in Montreal.