Cameron Howe, News by Cameron
April 24, 2018
A small point-and-shoot camera as a birthday present at age ten has culminated into a streak of entrepreneurial success for 16-year-old Josh Brnjac.
At age seven, Josh’s family emigrated from Durban, South Africa to Australia during a tumultuous time for the country in the search of new opportunities. “Just crossing the road by ourselves with no gates, security guards or alarms involved felt like newfound freedom,” says Josh.
The Somerville teen’s ninety dollars of capital was used to start up BRNJAC Creative following years of photography practice. Exiting school in Year 9, Josh who was only getting odd jobs soon attracted clients from Holden to Mercedes-Benz thanks to his tenacity. “My parents have been very supportive, having changed their hearts on preconceived career paths, but also being willing to support me every step of the way,” he says.
His audience are given a different perspective from higher heights. While also handling traditional photoshoots, he excelled in the then emerging area of photographing with drones. A long way from selling prints at the Red Hill Market, his coastal landscape photography was showcased in a solo exhibition at the Frankston Arts Centre last year.
This venture pathed the way for his next project, a high-fashion eCommerce retailer called Gntlmen, which is on track to pass seven figures in revenue with the support of a small international team.
Last year Josh was named Peninsula Young Entrepreneur of the Year, in recognition of BRNJAC Creative turning over $60,000 in photography and filming work on top of approximately $20,000 in sales via online mural company, Pickawall Australia. According to Josh, “the experiences and mentorship that I have gained from these opportunities has been invaluable.”
“I write out and examine my fears much more than I do with my goals, and with my goals considered, I then manage my own expectations in the event of failure,” he says.
More recently, Josh was the winner of the City of Kingston’s Picture This competition, with a drone captured image of a lone surfer at Gunnamatta Beach. “It’s a significant image that is close to me, as it represents those inevitable leaps of faith into the dark, which we all have to take on occasions in life.”
Both business ventures have made the finals of the Peninsula Business Awards, due to be announced on May 2nd.
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Amazing! Thank you so much for the article Cameron.
Josh, Nerai & Chino – Gntlmen
No worries Josh!
Thank you so much Cam, huge honour! – Josh