Madi Stefanis, founder of 35mm Co, has revitalised the way we capture and relive memories with a modern twist.
With a passion for flipping vintage cameras and an entrepreneurial spirit, Madi has transformed a once-simple marketplace listing into a thriving business.
In a world of ‘fast photography’ where everyone has high quality cameras in their pockets 24/7, 35mm Co has set out to revolutionise the way we think of memory capture, by reviving the way we used to do it.
“I listed a vintage camera on Marketplace. I had no idea about photography … I listed it for $50 and sold for $250; I've always been a little bit business minded.”
- Madi Stefanis, 35mm Co
Driven by the nostalgia of flipping through her parents’ photo albums from their youth, Madi took to print photography to capture her own memories. However, she soon realised that disposable cameras were an unsustainable way to build her archives.
“I spent the next year and a half manufacturing and producing my own film camera for beginners. 35mm Co started completely by accident,” Madi says.
Looking for a fun, simple and engaging way to capture photographs, 35mm Co was born.
“I decided to go all in and invest all of my savings and start developing and manufacturing my own film camera.”
- Madi Stefanis, 35mm Co
“I had an old vintage camera sitting at home that I had no idea how to use,” laughs Madi, as she reflects on how far her business has come in such a short time.
Understanding the customer need as a driver of growth
With her business plan up and running, 35mm Co launched the Reload camera in August 2021, addressing key pain points identified through Madi’s initial market research: that vintage cameras were too tricky to use, and disposable ones were not a sustainable resource.
“I think the easiest part of understanding my customer is the fact that I am the customer's age,” Madi says.
“I actually needed that consumer data, that insight into what people wanted in the market, whether it's a product that would sell; it was really important for me to be able to understand our customer and what they actually wanted from us as a brand.”
The Reload is beginner-friendly, reusable, and priced at an accessible $119. This innovation bridged the gap between disposable and vintage cameras, making film photography more accessible to her Gen-Z peers.
“The fact that it's easy to use at a lower price point, and most importantly, it's reusable.”
- Madi Stefanis, 35mm Co
Harnessing modern tech to establish market share
Social media has been instrumental in 35mm Co's growth. Madi, equipped with a keen understanding of Gen Z consumer behaviour, prioritised TikTok for its ability to create awareness, leveraging the platform to introduce the Reload camera to a broad audience.
“I think that social has been so critical to growing the brand, particularly for brand awareness.”
- Madi Stefanis, 35mm Co
This holistic social media strategy, encompassing Instagram, Pinterest, and email marketing along with TikTok, has enabled 35mm Co to tap into diverse consumer groups and build a strong community.
“When we launched the Reload camera to market, I definitely prioritised TikTok as our hero platform to really introduce the product to the market,” explains Madi.
Pairing her innate understanding of social with a robust business management platform like MYOB Business, 35mm Co can tap into their market needs and insights with ease.
“I think it's really important to make sure your brand has a presence on all platforms. I think social has been so imperative for the brand, particularly since we have launched,” Madi says.
A business backed by cutting edge software
For Madi, MYOB Business has grown to become a key pillar of 35mm Co’s business operations. As a remote entrepreneur who is always on the move, she relies on the MYOB platform to provide a comprehensive snapshot of her business.
“I love using software like MYOB because it's a great snapshot into everything that's happening within the business, all in one place.”
- Madi Stefanis, 35mm Co
The software's flexibility and features allow her to manage cashflow, inventory, and overall business health seamlessly.
"MYOB gives me a great snapshot of my entire business while I'm on the go,” Maddy says.
“It integrates everything into one and provides an overview of all the different moving parts, which is crucial for someone who works completely remotely."
Expanding into the future backed by experience and a reliable tech stack
The future for 35mm Co is bright. With plans to expand as a lifestyle brand and introduce new products, Madi is excited about the possibilities on the horizon.
The focus remains on encouraging people to be present and capture life's fleeting moments, but shoring up the business operations that empower people to do that is front of mind.
35mm Co’s development is a testament to the power of innovation, determination and utilising the right digital tools to enhance your business.
MYOB Business has enabled 35mm Co to lead a flexible, efficient, and sustainable business model that keeps the customer at the heart of all they do.
