Meet Venita Mooney
Venita is a talented photographer and artist from Mackay, proudly connected to her Yuwi, Aboriginal, and South Sea Islander heritage. Earlier this year, she officially launched her photography and art business full-time after building it gradually as a side venture.
Working primarily as a freelance photographer from home, Venita specialises in event photography; capturing cultural gatherings, family moments, and community-focused projects. Her passion for storytelling through images has already taken her across Queensland and into vibrant communities, allowing her to connect deeply with her clients through creativity and cultural understanding.
Read more about Venita’s business journey so far:
Venita’s Business
I do photography and art, and I started my business at the beginning of this year. Before that, I was doing it on the side while working full-time in hospitality. I’d been in the hospitality industry since I was about 15, and photography was just a hobby until people started asking me to do photoshoots. Slowly, it grew into a little side business.
Working with Many Rivers
I met Hayley from Many Rivers at a business workshop in Airlie Beach last year. At first, I didn’t really know what she did, but after talking to her, I realised she could help me take the next steps in turning my hobby into a full-time business. I’ve always loved photography and art, and I wanted to turn my passion into something I could do every day.
Hayley has guided me through so much from bookkeeping to business planning to financial management, insurance, and cash flow. She also referred me to people who needed photography services and pointed me in the right direction to sell my prints. She’s helped me think strategically and even supported me in starting the process for a website through IBA. Her support has been practical, encouraging, and exactly what I needed as a new business owner.
The bookkeeping support has definitely been the most useful. At first, I was just taking photos and hoping it all worked itself out! Going through my finances, cash flow, and bookkeeping with Hayley has helped me understand the business side of things, which is especially important for someone like me who is more creatively focused.
I didn’t get a loan. I was still working full-time in hospitality when I started and was able to fund my own gear and equipment. Right now, it’s just me in the business, although my partner helps out when I need an extra hand.
Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenge so far has been confidence. I’m still learning to really believe in myself and what I can do. Hayley has been incredible as a mentor—she always encourages me to think outside the box and helps me see the possibilities for my business. Her support has made a huge difference in helping me grow my confidence.
Biggest Success
My biggest success has been being able to do something I truly love as my full-time job. I’ve travelled to Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, and Bowen for photography work, and I’ve been able to do a lot of community-focused projects here in Mackay.
Working within my community, especially with First Nations and South Sea Islander clients, has been incredibly rewarding. I love seeing people’s creativity, connecting with familiar faces, and meeting new people through my work. It’s been a beautiful way to grow both personally and professionally.
Biggest Change
The biggest change has been the flexibility that comes with working for myself. I can plan my schedule around family events, work from home, and manage my time in a way that suits my life and my business. It’s definitely a lot of responsibility, but it’s also very rewarding to have that level of control and balance.
Future Goals
In the short term, I’m focused on launching my website so my work is more visible online. Long term, I would love to participate in an artist residency—either in Australia or overseas—where I can spend a few weeks or months creating a body of work inspired by a new environment.
Travelling helps me generate new ideas and stay inspired. I’ve even had the chance to travel to Canada, which was an incredible experience for learning about Indigenous culture and expanding my perspective. I’d love to keep exploring opportunities like that as my business grows.
Thank you Venita for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Venita’s small business, follow “Ochre Lens” through the following links:
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