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Emma Zehr

Grade: 12

Location: Lapeer, Michigan

Business Name:

Captured by Em

Revenue: $7,000

At just 17 years old, Emma Zehr has accomplished what many seasoned professionals spend years building—a thriving photography business. Emma, a high school student from Michigan, is the founder of Captured by Em, a photography brand that has already made waves in her local community and beyond. From weddings to senior photos, Emma’s eye for detail and her unique editing style have made her a sought-after photographer in her area. Recently, Emma was awarded the prestigious Formidable Fellowship grant, a $1,000 award that recognizes young entrepreneurs making a significant impact in their fields.

Here’s a closer look at Emma’s journey as a photographer and entrepreneur, and how she’s turned her passion into a successful business.


The Journey Begins with Cinnamon Rolls


Emma’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with a camera—it began in the kitchen. As a child, Emma spent hours baking with her grandmother, and it was there that she got the idea to start her first business: selling cinnamon rolls. With the goal of buying her first camera, Emma baked and sold $700 worth of cinnamon rolls, marketing her treats on Facebook with the help of her family.


The cinnamon roll venture taught Emma valuable lessons about hard work, creativity, and the power of grassroots marketing. “My grandma was the expert baker, but I did all the selling myself,” she recalls. The experience fueled Emma’s entrepreneurial spirit and provided the funds she needed to purchase her first DSLR camera—a turning point that would lead her into photography.


From Hobby to Full-Time Business


Initially, Emma bought her camera to take pictures of her sports team and for fun. But before long, her talent began to catch the attention of friends and family, and her passion turned into a full-fledged business. In just one year, Emma photographed over 25 senior sessions, multiple families, and even two weddings—earning more than $7,000 along the way.


Emma’s dedication to her craft is evident in her attention to detail and her ability to connect with her clients. While she dabbles in weddings, her true passion lies in capturing senior photos. “I love working with seniors because it’s more personal,” Emma says. “I get to connect with them, and it’s not as high-stress as weddings. Plus, most of my clients are close to my age, so we relate well to each other.”


Her editing style, which emphasizes natural tones and vibrant yet timeless looks, has become a hallmark of her brand. Emma believes her editing sets her apart. “Editing is a process,” she explains. “Sometimes it takes me two weeks to finalize a gallery. I really take my time to make sure each photo feels perfect.”


Growing Pains and Lessons Learned


Running a business as a teenager hasn’t come without its challenges. During the peak of summer, Emma was booked nearly every day of the week, leading to a mountain of galleries that needed editing. “I was overwhelmed at one point,” Emma admits. “But I reminded myself that this is what I prayed for—it’s a blessing to have so much work.”


Through the chaos, Emma learned the importance of discipline, saying no to social plans, and staying organized. She’s already identified areas for improvement for the next summer, such as requiring deposits for bookings and charging extra for travel outside her local area—both strategies to streamline her workflow and manage her time more effectively.


Emma’s commitment to excellence hasn’t come without sacrifices, but she remains focused on her long-term goals. Her faith has also played a significant role in her journey. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I leaned on God and reminded myself to be grateful for these opportunities,” she shares.


Inspired by Family and the Future of Captured by Em


Emma’s entrepreneurial drive stems in part from her mother, who runs her own business. “I’ve always looked up to my mom,” Emma says. “She’s shown me the freedom and independence that come with being your own boss.” Her dad’s sister-in-law, who also owns a small business, has also been a source of inspiration.


Looking ahead, Emma dreams of expanding Captured by Em to a national level. Inspired by photographers she admires on Instagram, Emma envisions a future where clients fly her out to capture moments in beautiful locations—or even travel to Michigan just to work with her. “I want to build a strong social media presence and attract clients from all over,” she says.


Emma also hopes to one day hire help, especially during peak seasons, to allow her to focus more on content creation and building her brand. While she’s already achieved remarkable success, Emma believes she’s just scratching the surface of her potential.


Advice for Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs


When asked what advice she would give to other young entrepreneurs, Emma emphasizes mindset. “A lot of people put limits on themselves that don’t really exist,” she says. “Trust the process and don’t be afraid to go after what you want.”


Emma credits her mom for helping her develop this mindset, as well as encouraging her to lean into her faith when doubts arise. “If you have a dream, don’t let fear or self-imposed limits hold you back,” she adds.


Big Dreams on the Horizon


Emma plans to use the Formidable Fellowship grant to invest in a new mirrorless camera, which will elevate the quality of her work and keep her competitive in the ever-evolving world of photography. She’s also working on becoming more active on social media to showcase her work and connect with potential clients.


Her ultimate dream? To travel the world capturing moments for clients in breathtaking locations, while continuing to grow Captured by Em into a name that people recognize and trust. Emma envisions a future where her work speaks for itself and clients seek her out for her unique vision and storytelling ability.


For Emma Zehr, the sky’s the limit. With her talent, drive, and determination, it’s clear that she’s well on her way to making her dreams a reality. Keep an eye on Captured by Em—this young entrepreneur is just getting started.

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