Boss Money: Tasha Van Biene, Spindrift

Tasha Van Biene is a photographer, jewellery designer and ocean lover who is passionate about our planet. Through her photography work, she loves working with businesses to tell their unique brand stories, through engaging and creative photography and videography. Tasha's company Spindrift is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and gives back 1% of their revenue each year to nonprofit organisations tackling our planet's most pressing environmental issues.

Can you tell me a little bit about your business, Tasha?

I am a true creative at heart and adore storytelling. I have two areas to my business, my jewellery brand which I have been designing for 9 years and my photography + videography. I love telling stories through the photographs I take, be this a business or brand story, or a family story. I love capturing those moments in-between, as I believe this is where the magic happens and where the story is told. My jewellery designs are also inspired by my customer’s stories.

Did you always know you wanted to be your own boss?

Throughout my life I had had many jobs, my curious mind meant i've tried many career paths all of which I feel pushed me towards working for myself. It is clear to me now that I was never going to be able to settle in a career working for someone else. I wanted to create something and feel so blessed that I've been able to do that.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?

That you can do anything just not everything!

I learnt the hard way through burnout, that it is entirely possible to do anything you want to, but you just can't do everything!

Being a business owner when you are starting out, means you have to wear many hats, some of which I learnt are not my super power. So I wish I understood earlier to concentrate my time on the things that I love and excel at, and outsource the other areas sooner. It's been the biggest lesson i've learnt in my business.

What's the biggest business money lesson you've learned since starting your business?

That you can never predict what around the corner (I'm looking at you Corona Virus!)

What's been your biggest financial win as a business owner?

Pivoting my business to develop my passion for photography alongside my product based business.

Having two income streams (service + product) in my business gives me the ability to be able to ride out the ups and downs and shift focus from one or the other when required.

What kind of legacy do you wish to create with your business and why?

I want to create a legacy of stories! Family stories, brand stories and personal stories, all captured and celebrated through my photography and design.

What does your business empower you to do?

I LOVE working for myself, I adore having the flexibility and freedom to follow my heart in business and set my own work schedule that gives me time for my family.

Who's in your 'A Team' ?

I have so many amazing people in my A team! From friends, family (including my 3 year old son!) to fellow businesses owners to professionals like my incredible book keeper. I am also part of a business community called 'The Founders Team' and those women always have my back.

I don't have an 'in house' team in my business, it's just me, so it's great to have this community of 'work colleagues' to bounce ideas around with and celebrate the wins.

What advice would you give to another lady hoping to start her own business?

Start now!

It's going to be a wild ride, but it's so worth it if you LOVE what you do.

And finally, What are you looking forward to right now?

Not business related but I am so looking forward to being able to travel again and see my family in the UK.

We hear you, Tasha! Hopefully your wish will be granted in the new year and you’ll be reunited with your UK family soon!

I can personally attest to Tasha’s creative talents as she’s my go to photographer for all my brand photos. She is a delight to work with, is super helpful in creating a story for a shoot and her warm, encouraging nature makes you feel comfortable and natural when that lense is trained on you. If you’re looking for a photographer, please consider using Tasha!

To find out more about Tasha her jewellery and her photography business check out her website. She’s also on instagram and facebook as Spindrift Stories.