Community Futures Program & Services | Self-Employment Program & PRIDE in Entrepreneurship Program
Industry | Values-led media agency
Business Owner | Jess Beaudin
Please give us a brief description of your backstory.
I’ve always been a creative person; I loved drawing, writing, and taking pictures growing up. Since my first year in university (2016), I’ve done photography as a side gig, but in 2024 I started getting requests from organizations I knew through my day job to do other media and marketing work alongside photography.
Before I started the self-employment program in January 2025, I had been working as the communications and marketing personnel for a nonprofit organization in Kamloops since 2022. My employment contract was up for renewal at the end of 2024; that’s when I decided to take the leap into self-employment through Community Futures.
I’ve been vocal about the environment and human rights since I was a kid, and I’ve become more passionate about them as an adult. While working in the nonprofit space mostly aligned with my values, there were still certain constraints about working within the system that didn’t sit right with me, but I knew we had to follow as an organization. That was a big push for me wanting to be my own boss; I could decide exactly how I did things. The flexibility to pivot and do the best I can in an industry that doesn’t always use the most ethical practices is something I really love and am proud of.
Tell us about your business.
Jess Beaudin Media is a values-led media agency that specializes in working with human rights and environmentally focused brands.
I offer commercial photography and videography, and management for communications and marketing projects.
The most notable service I offer is 100% Indigenous-to-place film developers. This is a service I spent many hours developing; it uses plants that are native to the community I am photographing in to develop film in lieu of traditional film chemistry, which is toxic and environmentally degrading. The headshot of me has been developed using sagebrush and chokecherries.
What have been your successes, milestones, and challenges?
I’ve had the opportunity to work on some really cool projects! I photographed 20 climate disaster survivors in collaboration with the Climate Disaster Project, ran through UVic and TRU. These photographs were published in our local news outlet, The Wren, on display at the Kamloops Art Gallery and even adapted into an award-winning play! I also photographed Kamloops Designer Delayne Dixon’s sustainable fashion line, sponsored by Recycle BC, at Vancouver Fashion Week. Both projects and several others I’ve had this year felt like “I made it” moments. These larger commercial contracts really aligned with my values, and I didn’t expect these types of contracts so quickly after starting my business.
My biggest loss has been getting scammed out of $1500 while trying to upgrade my very old camera gear. That really sucked, but was a good learning opportunity.
What did you find most valuable in working with Community Futures Thompson Country?
The guidance and guest speakers in the Self-Employment Program were so helpful. Starting a business has so many moving parts it can be overwhelming, but the program laid out clear steps for me to take. I never would have known I should do half of the stuff you’re “supposed to” when starting a business if I wasn’t in that program – who knew I should register for Work Safe BC when I’m my only official employee?
The practice of making a business and financial plan was also valuable. The feedback I received on the business plan, and having to check in on my financial projections and business activities every month through the program really helped keep me on track while getting in the flow of working for myself. It’s something that feels more habitual now and that I’ll be able to keep doing when I’m no longer working with Community Futures.
Please share your funding experience and how that has supported and shaped your business:
I’m currently receiving monthly living support through the Self-Employment Program. Without this financial support I wouldn’t have taken the leap to start working for myself full time. The living supports let me invest money back into my business while I’m starting up and still be able to pay my bills. This was especially helpful during the early stages of the Self-Employment Program, where I was working on building my business and not yet working in it.
What advice would you give to others who want to open their own business?
Connect with community! I’ve met so many amazing people that have been fundamental to establishing my business. Whether you end up collaborating with other local business owners or just chatting with someone who gets what it’s like to be new in business or your industry, it’s going to help you. We can’t do great things alone; we need to support each other if we want to see our community succeed.
Have you accessed a program or service for those who traditionally experience barriers to self-employment? This includes the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program or the PRIDE in Entrepreneurship Program
PRIDE in Entrepreneurship Program
If yes, how did participating in accessible entrepreneurship impact your confidence, business plans, or sense of community as an entrepreneur? We’d love to hear your personal reflections.
It felt nice to be able to access business coaching that was in tune with my experience as a queer business owner. While the world is a lot more understanding of the different identities and experiences we all have, I definitely experience discrimination and harassment for just being myself, and this has already impacted my business. Through the Pride in Entrepreneurship program, I’ve been able to explore risk management practices related to being a queer entrepreneur, like handling hate comments online related to my identity, or dealing with discrimination from potential clients.
Where can customers find you:
Social Media: jessbeaudinmedia (IG, FB, TikTok)
