How I Started The Photo Magnet Studio (And What I Learned Along the Way)
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Hi, I'm Shell, a Melbourne mum of three boys and the person behind The Photo Magnet Studio. And honestly, I never planned to start a business.
It started with a feeling
I've always been deeply sentimental. Special moments, big milestones, everyday memories. I never want to forget any of them. And I believe photos are far too beautiful to stay buried on a phone or packed away in an album no one opens anymore.
I wanted a way to actually live with those memories every day. So I started looking for premium personalised photo magnets in Australia and I just couldn't find what I was after. So I decided to make them myself.
The early days were a lot of trial and error
I won't pretend it was smooth. Getting the print quality right, the sizing, the finish. it took a lot of testing before I was genuinely happy with what I was holding. I didn't want to put something out into the world until I was proud of it. That part took longer than I expected, and I think that's okay.
From idea to first sale took several months. Not because it's complicated, but because I refused to rush it.
Building something I actually believed in
The product had to be right, but so did everything around it. The photography, the packaging, the way orders were packed and sent. I personally make sure every order leaves looking beautiful and that hasn't changed since day one.
Setting up the store
I chose Shopify and figured it out as I went. There was a learning curve, but it gave me the control I needed without having to be a tech expert. The first sale was a moment I won't forget ,not for the money, but because someone else believed in what I'd made.
A few things I've learned along the way
- Don't launch until you're proud of it. Shortcuts show up eventually.
- Packaging matters. It's part of the experience.
- Photos sell products. Invest in getting them right.
- Make something that carries meaning, gifts that do that sell themselves.
- Be patient. Most people give up too soon.
- Sourcing the right materials takes more research than you'd expect, but the right suppliers are out there. Don't settle for the first option you find.
- Finding the right materials and ditching the ones that didn't work , is a whole story in itself. I'll cover that in Part 2.
And if you're thinking of starting something similar…
I hope this gives you a realistic picture of what it actually takes. It's not glamorous at the start, but it's so worth it.
In Part 2, I'll share how I set up my product photography and what I wish I'd known sooner. Stay tuned. 📸
And if you're here because you just want a beautiful magnet for your own home or as a gift, I'd love to help with that too. 🧲