This month’s Business Spotlight, we talked to Mariusz, a videographer based in Inverness.
How would you describe your business in one sentence?
I help people and businesses share their stories through genuine, cinematic video.
How did you get started?
I never actually planned on becoming a videographer. During COVID I started making YouTube videos about psychology because I wanted to understand the world better and help others make sense of it too. I loved interviewing people and getting to the heart of their stories. Little by little I realised that telling other people’s stories felt far better than trying to build a channel about myself. My first real client came through someone who became one of my closest friends, and that one job opened the door to everything that followed.
…and how are things going currently?
Things are moving in the right direction. I’m still juggling three other jobs but videography is the part of my day that actually feels like me. I’m slowly building up regular clients and each project helps me improve. I know I am heading towards doing this full time.
What are the small, super-niche things that you love about your business?
I absolutely love editing. Colour grading is probably my favourite part of the whole process. There is something really satisfying about shaping the mood of a story through colour and tiny little decisions. And seeing the story finally click together on the timeline is honestly an amazing feeling.
What is the biggest challenge about operating a small business in the Highlands?
The Highlands are beautiful but they are not exactly overflowing with businesses looking for video work. You really have to go out and find opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear. It takes more effort but the relationships you build here are usually genuine and long lasting, which makes it worthwhile.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting your business?
Trying to run my video business while working three other jobs has definitely been the hardest part. There are days when it feels impossible to balance it all. It taught me discipline and also made me realise that videography is what I want to do with my life.
Why do you think the Highlands is the BEST place to run a small business?
Because it is home. I live in Inverness and I honestly cannot imagine living anywhere else. My family is here, my dog is here and I have my walks here. It is beautiful and peaceful and full of good people. It is the kind of place where you can build real connections.
What’s something you and your business have done that you’re really proud of?
I am proud that my videos feel real and honest. Two of my favourite projects were promo videos for churches in Glasgow and an advert for a whisky bottle. They were completely different from one another but each one taught me something new. My aim is always to make every video feel like a short documentary.
What’s your most popular product/service – and why do you think that is?
Most people come to me for promotional videos. It is usually the starting point and from there we often end up working together on more regular production.
Take us through a typical day
I usually wake up just after five. I go to the gym or go for a swim and then I take my dog out for a walk. After that my day becomes a mix of my other jobs: interpreting, housing support and running my advisory work.
Once the afternoon ends at around four, that is when my favourite part of the day starts and when I come alive creatively! From then until about ten in the evening I edit, learn, practice or work on videos.
I spend most weekends doing something related to video as well, simply because I genuinely enjoy it.
What’s playing in the background while you work?
Nothing at all. I need silence when I edit. Music distracts me unless I am at the very beginning of a project looking for inspiration.
What’s your customer round-trip record?
The farthest I’ve ever travelled for a job was to Manchester, and it turned out to be a great project, so the journey was absolutely worth it.
Any “oops” moments you can laugh about now?
I once asked someone ten really good interview questions and later discovered that one of the cameras had not even started recording. It was painful and embarrassing but you learn from it.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day?
Going out with my dog or watching a good film. I also love learning something new about videography even when I am supposed to be relaxing.
Tell us one industry secret that we probably won’t know (bonus point if knowing will improve our lives!)
Audio is more important than 4K footage. And people relax the moment the camera stops feeling like a camera.
What’s next for you or your business?
My goal is to get enough clients to make videography my main source of income. I want to grow my YouTube channel and hopefully work with more people so it is not always just me on my own. I already offer drone services and the next step is building a small team. And hopefully avoiding the temptation to buy more gear.
Any upcoming events, launches or plans we should keep an eye on?
My website, which is nearly ready.
Where can people find you?
Online through my website once it launches and through the platforms where I share my work.
Favourite local spot
Shakes ‘n’ Cakes, especially for ice cream.
Best advice you’ve ever received
Ignore what everyone else thinks. Do your own thing. Be brave. Take risks. Life is short.
Best business book you’ve read
Think and Grow Rich. It is not exactly a business book but it completely changed how I think.
Current obsession
Video production and learning everything about it.
One thing you never leave home without
My headphones, because I’m always listening to something or learning something.
Shout-out another small Highland’s business you love at the moment
Mark from Yopa Estate Agency. He is an amazing man and I honestly wouldn’t be here without him.
I’m grateful for him and I consider him a true friend.!