Madi Stefanis is Developing a New Era of Film Photography with 35mm Co.In a world dominated by instant gratification and fleeting digital memories, Madi Stefanis is bringing back a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist. As the founder of 35mm Co., she’s not just making film photography cool again—she’s making it accessible and relevant for a new generation.
The early days of 35mm Co. were marked by determination and a keen eye for opportunity. During her first year of university in 2019, Madi sold an old SLR film camera on Facebook Marketplace. “I asked for $250, and I received multiple offers,” she recalls. “It sold for five times the amount I initially asked.” It was a lightbulb moment. Realising the potential demand, she began flipping vintage cameras, but soon encountered supply issues. That’s when Madi decided to create her own line of reusable cameras—small, compact, and perfect for beginners at an accessible price point.
“I wanted to create something as easy to use as a disposable camera, but with the added value of being reusable,” Madi explains. With $50,000 in savings from her high school supermarket job and her role at beauty retailer Mecca, she invested in her first production run. The results were immediate: 35mm Co. completely sold out in two weeks and turned over $2 million in revenue in its first year.
@madisonstefanis Plot twist, I actually dropped out with only a semester left 🫠 #businessowner #startup #businessjourney ♬ original sound - nada
Her entrepreneurial journey, however, was not without challenges. Launching a business during the COVID-19 pandemic, without a family business background to lean on, felt isolating. “I started 35mm Co. during the pandemic, so I really felt alone,” Madi admits. But she soon found her stride by connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and embracing opportunities to network and share her story. Particularly, her memorable appearance on Shark Tank, with two investors offering a $300,000 investment. Although she didn’t take the deal, the exposure put 35mm Co. on the radar of major retailers.
One being Australia’s leading consumer electronics store, JB Hi-Fi. Madi recently secured a six-figure contract with the company, making her one of the youngest entrepreneurs to sign such a deal. “It all started in June 2023,” Madi recalls. “I approached JB Hi-Fi to introduce them to 35mm Co., and to my surprise, the buying team was already familiar with the brand. They mentioned we’d been on their radar for a while, which was incredibly exciting.”
With a seamless blend of timing, passion, and strategic vision, Madi found herself at the helm of a significant business opportunity that would roll out 35mm Co. across JB Hi-Fi’s extensive network of 200+ stores. “The goal has always been to make our products as accessible as possible,” she explains. “I love the convenience of being able to pick up a camera on short notice—whether it’s for an impromptu adventure or as a thoughtful gift.”
With the ink barely dry on the JB Hi-Fi deal, Madi is already looking ahead. “My vision for 35mm Co. is to keep expanding into new markets. I want film photography to be something that’s easy, fun, and accessible—not this exclusive, expensive thing. There’s something magical about holding a physical photo in your hand—a tangible piece of your memories.” And it’s not just about cameras. Her latest venture, the Coffee Table Photo Albums, has been a hit, blending practicality with a sense of cherished nostalgia. “They’re a beautiful way to showcase those moments we all want to remember.”
But Madi’s ambitions don’t stop at 35mm Co. “I’d love to start another company in the near future,” she reveals. “Building a brand from the ground up is the most fulfilling experience. It’s challenging, yes, but so rewarding. I can’t wait to see 35mm Co. grow globally and explore new business ventures along the way.”
Recently, Madi made a bold move to New York City, driven by her vision to expand 35mm Co. in the US market. “I had never visited the US before relocating, but I knew I needed to be here to understand how 35mm Co. would resonate with American consumers,” she says. “I’m loving it. New York has this incredible energy and endless opportunities. I’m excited to explore some fantastic cross-brand collaborations.”
Her advice for aspiring female founders? “Believe in yourself and get close to your customers. Understanding their needs and wants is key. Building a brand is an incredible journey—enjoy every moment, and remember that small, consistent actions lead to big changes over time. Stay the course, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.”
Despite her meteoric rise, Madi remains down-to-earth and fiercely independent. “35mm Co. is completely bootstrapped. I own 100% of the company,” she says with pride. It’s clear that she’s not just building a brand; she’s crafting a legacy—one roll of film at a time.
In an era where speed and convenience often overshadow quality and intention, Madi Stefanis is proving that there’s still beauty in the slow, deliberate art of capturing a moment on film. And with her resolute drive and vision, it’s only a matter of time before 35mm Co. becomes a household name, inspiring a whole new generation to embrace the magic of analogue photography.
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