In this episode of Founders Future, with host Milan Kohut, Ellie Smeaton, brand photographer and founder of the VIB Club, shares how a non-academic start in school led to a powerful creative career. After studying press and editorial photography at university and launching her business just weeks before lockdown, Ellie built a thriving brand photography company in Dorset, UK—turning what felt like a setback into a blessing in disguise. She reflects on finding clarity in her niche, moving from weddings and family shoots to exclusively serving founder-led businesses, and why professional imagery is a crucial tool for visibility and positioning in today’s digital world.

Ellie also opens up about scaling challenges in a service-based business, launching her new retainer-style mini shoot series, and growing the VIB Club—a mindset and education membership designed as a safe space for female founders to grow at their own pace. From imposter syndrome to hitting her first £10K month and dreaming bigger toward long-term scalability, Ellie shares honest insights on balancing passion with profit and staying unapologetically yourself in business.