BEHIND THE BRAND: 35MM CO

Introducing Madi Stefanis, the face behind the camera all over your IG Feed, 35mm Co. A must have for your upcoming travel plans, get to know Madi as she shares the journey of 35mm Co and promoting meaningful moments through photography. 

 

 IG HANDLE?

@madistefanis

HOMETOWN?

Melbourne, Victoria.

STARSIGN?

Taurus.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU STARTED 35MM CO?

I started 35mm Co when I was 19, straight out of high school. I was studying marketing and entrepreneurship at university. I was also working at Mecca part time.

WHAT IS YOUR JOB ROLE NOW?

Founder and Director of 35mm Co, but like any start-up my responsibilities span across so many different roles. Anything creative is my favourite part of my job.

TYPICAL DAY IN THE OFFICE?

Emails every AM, followed by meetings most days. We work mostly with contractors so I'm always checking in on production, marketing and PR. We've just moved into our first office after working remotely for the past year so I'm very excited to have our own space! I try to set aside time every day to work on the business rather than in the business. 

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND NAME?

Sadly not a super cool story. 35mm is the type of film that is used in our cameras, so it was a no-brainer. 

WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION FROM?

Everywhere. Travel, Pinterest, art, people walking down the street. I've always drawn inspiration from anything and everything. The past is definitely my biggest source of inspiration for 35. Shooting film is so nostalgic and a lot of the trends and inspiration we draw from lies in the past. 

BIGGEST PINCH ME MOMENT?

Honestly without sounding cliche, it's all of the small moments. Our first order, moving into a warehouse, getting the keys to our first office, seeing our products in store. Every one of those moments has led to where 35 is today. 

TOP TIPS FOR TAKING THE PERFECT FILM PHOTO?

Don't forget the flash! Hold your camera still and lean into the uncertainty of shooting film. Not every photo is going to be perfect but that's half the fun - it's all part of the process. Capture photos of everything and relive your memories later via film. 

BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOUR FILM? 

Both! Black and White is super nostalgic and retro, but colour is so much fun too. 

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNT FROM BUILDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Every day brings a new challenge. As cliche as it sounds, 1 step forward 3 steps back is so real. Hold your head high and keep pushing forward - there are moments where everyone wants to give up, you just need to be the person that keeps going.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

Small actions compound into big changes. Stay consistent, every single day and eventually you'll look back and see how far you've come. Everyone starts at a different place. Don't compare your journey to others - success is relative. 

WORDS TO LIVE BY?

You will only regret the risks you didn't take. 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR 35MM CO?

So much! We're incredibly excited for the next 12 months. We're focusing on the US and growing 35mm Co in new markets. There's something so special about reliving moments via film, and we really do want to share that experience and keep film alive all over the world. 

TOP NV PICKS?

The Jemima Tote - so perfect for work!