Inspiring Creator Series: Janelle from Cubie Props

Meet Janelle, the creative mind behind Cubie Props, a successful photography prop shop based out of New Zealand.

Her journey into the world of photo props began unexpectedly while running her own skincare company. She discovered a knack for product photography and styling. It was through this journey she saw a gap in the market for colourful photography props. This experience led Janelle and her husband to start experimenting with creating photo props in their garage. And Cubie Props was born.

What began as a simple DIY hobby has now grown into a thriving business, with Cubie Props supplying standout photography props to creatives around the globe.

Let's explore Janelle's path to turning her creative passion into a successful business venture.

Meet Janelle

How did your journey opening your prop shop start? Have you always been in a creative industry?

Hi, I’m Janelle! I'm originally from New Zealand. When I turned 33, I moved to Western Australia, and that's where my passion for product photography kicked off.  After that, I spent a year in Vanuatu, and now I'm back in New Zealand (for now, haha). I've definitely got the travel bug and loveexploring new places! Back in 2019, I decided to take the plunge and start my very own skincare company. I’d always dreamed of having a product-based business, especially after working as a graphic designersince leaving school. So, I dove headfirst into the skincare world and even dabbled in product photography. Armed with just a camera, I began shooting my products outside, basking in the gorgeous Western Australian sun.

Pinterest was my go-to for inspiration, and I noticed everyone using these cool props in all sorts of shapes and colours. But try as I might, I just couldn’t figure out where people were getting them! So, I roped in my husband, and we got crafty in our garage, making props out of wood that I would then paint myself.

Fast forward to today, and we've come a long way from those DIY days. We’ve found a way to make our props far more professionally, using resin. Now, we can create a dazzling array of colours and shapes—pretty much anything your imagination can dream up!

How did you come up with the name Cubie Props?

I really wanted a cute name that was fun and playful. Plus, I remembered how I used to search for "cube prop" back in the day, so it just felt like the perfect fit for what our business is all about. Now, we’ve got a name that’s not only adorable but also easy for people to find when they’re looking for exactly what we offer!

What are some things people might not know about you?

I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years now, so being creative is my jam. I've got three kids, and if I weren't channeling my creativity into my work, I'd probably be catching bad guys as a police officer or diving into the mysteries of criminal psychology. Oh and I love to cook—whenever I can steal a break from running my business!

What are your three favourite / top props you would recommend?I absolutely love our Cube Acrylic props! They catch the light so beautifully and are superversatile. They're fun, vibrant, and perfect for capturing those jaw-dropping light reflections. With a range of energetic, bright, and playful colors to choose from.

Our Bubble Disc Plinth Bundle is an absolute staple for me! I adore its smooth ripples andunique shapes - a definite step up from the usual flat-edged plinths. They add that extra bit of oomph to your shots. Plus, they’re super versatile with three different sizes, allowing you to build height and depth in your images.

Lastly, I have to rave about our Relief Styling Boards. They’re perfect for backgrounds,effortlessly adding texture and interest to any shot. They bring depth and color, making yourphotos pop with minimal effort.

What is your best advice to share with aspiring photographers and content creators?

Don’t stress if you haven’t got it all figured out yet. Lights and studio setups can be totallyconfusing and intimidating. Start simple with a camera and natural light, then gradually addlights and more advanced setups as you get comfortable with camera settings, angles, and compositions.

Plus, all that gear can get pricey, so keep practicing with what you have and addto your collection as you go. Take photos of what you love— for me, it was skincare andskincare swatches. They were a blast to work with and made the process so much fun!

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Lastly, what is next for you?

We’re all about keeping things fresh and fun, so we’re always looking to add new colors, styles, and ranges to what we already offer. Being new to the business, we’re learning as we go, but that’s part of the adventure!

Recently, we’ve added the option to order custom props, and we’re super excited to offer this service. Our goal is to build a community where we can share ideas and inspire each other's creative imaginations. Sharing custom prop ideas feels like a fantastic way to do just that.

We’re also excited to be working closely with our affiliates, teaming up to create new,collaborative collections and of course partnering with creator communities like Creatively Squared. It’s all about growing together and supporting each other!

Thank you Janelle for sharing the inspiring story behind Cubie Props! Discover their innovative products and services by following @cubieprops on Instagram or visiting their website here.