Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Jane Beiles Photography!
When did you start your business?
I started my business eight years ago, 2011 when my youngest child (I have three children at NCHS) was in first grade at East School. I studied Marketing and Art History at the University of Michigan and worked for a decade in the fashion/apparel industry in Manhattan prior to founding my own company.
Finish this sentence in regard to your business. “I wish I could…” ...
I wish I could travel to foreign destinations la "I Dream of Jeannie" with a blink and head nod. I love shooting different cultures and places but at this stage of life with three teenagers at home, I have to limit time away. Luckily, New Canaan is full of beauty and an appreciation for arts, so even when I can't stray too far from home, there is plenty of amazing material to document close at hand.
What is your best selling product/service?
Photo home tours shot in the style of a magazine feature of projects by interior designers, architects and builders are my most in-demand category of business. I have half and full-day packages for design professionals looking to document their work for their own portfolio, design awards, and editorial features.
How many people do you employ? Any youth or seniors from the community?
I have one office manager (another New Canaan woman) and have served as a mentor for the NCHS Senior Internship Program since 2012. You can learn more here.
My most productive days start with a barre or yoga class at StudiO on Park Street. I love the friendly staff and amazing teachers. Our favorite nutrition "on the job" comes from Green & Tonic, CT Sandwich, Zumbach's, Walter Stewart's, Rosie, Baldanza, elm, South End Uncorked, fjord and Organika to name a few! We recently held our annual holiday gathering in December at Heather Gaudio Fine Art. In the past, we have hosted events at Pimlico, Elm, South End and at my home with catering by Gates.
Our home renovation - including my office - was an all New Canaan design and building crew - architect Louise Brooks of Brooks & Falotico, designer Melissa Lindsay of Pimlico and Rich Rosano of RR Builders. Megan Wunderlich of the Design Dot did a bathroom renovation for us as well. Our home has been published by HGTV Magazine, Lonny Magazine, athome in Fairfield County Magazine and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. When I need to dress up for a work event such as Moffly Media's athome a-list, I usually shop at Togs and love the unique accessories at Found. And have to give a shout out and sincere thank you to Elyse Shapiro, at Silvermine Art School, who was my first Photography teacher and an amazing mentor.
You can reach Jane Beiles by phone 203.858.6841, email jane@janebeiles.com or online here.
You're IT RR Builders!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!