SCBUS Student Using 360º Photography in Interactive Tours
How students are using their passions to create innovative business ideas!
Vanessa Martinez Storin, a Science and Business student at the University of Waterloo, transformed her passion for photography into a thriving entrepreneurial venture through the Enterprise Co-op (E-Coop) program. As the COO of Virtual Tour Studios, Vanessa developed a business specializing in immersive and interactive virtual tours using AR and VR technology.
During her E-Coop term, Vanessa fully embraced the entrepreneurial experience, managing client outreach, learning new software, and troubleshooting technical challenges. Her hard work was rewarded with significant milestones and skill development, each playing a crucial role in shaping her personal and professional growth.
It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge taught me something valuable about running a business
From Snapshot to Big Picture
Vanessa’s venture began with her love for photography and a desire to push its boundaries. Inspired by her business partner's work in 360º photography, she saw the potential to transform traditional storytelling into immersive experiences. This passion, combined with a drive to innovate, laid the foundation for Virtual Tour Studios.
Mentors, Milestones, and Momentum
The Enterprise Co-op (E-Coop) program at the University of Waterloo empowers students to earn co-op credit while launching their own businesses. It provides access to mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs.
For Vanessa, E-Coop was pivotal, offering guidance and resources to grow Virtual Tour Studios. The opportunity to participate in the e-Launch Pitch Competition and success in securing $5,000 in funding was instrumental in securing resources and building her business. Advancing to the semi-finals of the Velocity Pitch Competition also helped Vanessa refine her pitch and gain validation. Mentorship, resources, and events provided by the E-Coop program not only provided her with funding, but validation from experienced entrepreneurs and connections which offered resh perspectives, constructive feedback and encouragement. Vanessa also credits her partner’s invaluable expertise in tackling the creative and technical aspects of their business.
The Science and Business program, characteristic of combining analytical and business perspectives, provided a solid foundation for Vanessa. From the technical side, her studies taught her critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for mastering virtual tour technology. On the business side, courses in entrepreneurship, finance, and management helped her develop a strong business model and value proposition.
A Look Forward and Reflecting on Progress
As Vanessa enters her final year of university, she has temporarily paused work on Virtual Tour Studios to focus on her studies. However, this is only a hiatus. She plans to re-engage with the business in the future, starting with smaller projects before scaling up.
Reflecting on her experience, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of adaptability and self-care to students considering E-Coop.
The entrepreneurial path is rarely a straight line, so be prepared to pivot—and don’t be afraid of it. Take risks, leverage the resources available to you, and prioritize your mental health. E-Coop is a unique opportunity to explore your passion, create something meaningful, and learn more about yourself as an entrepreneur.
A 360 Degree view
Vanessa encourages students to take full advantage of the E-Coop program’s resources and networks. By embracing challenges and learning from failures, aspiring entrepreneurs can turn their ideas into viable ventures.
For those seeking advice or wishing to connect, Vanessa welcomes inquiries via email at v9martin@uwaterloo.ca.