Entrepreneurship
Callum Staley Started His First Business at 11 Years Old and Hasn’t Stopped
While most of us were focussed on pre-teen acne, Callum Staley had already started his first business. At just 11 years old, armed with a small camera gifted by his parents, he launched CJS Photography and built his own website from scratch to sell his work. That decision not only kept his first venture going, but sparked a passion for web design.
That self-taught teenager has grown into a Gef 30 Under 30 2025 Entrepreneurship Category Winner, supported by Launchpad. His company is now home to several creative ventures, including CJS Websites, Aerial Mann Multimedia – offering aerial photography and video services, and most recently, Iris of Mann, a unique photography business that transforms the human eye into personalised, abstract art.
Keeping Busy and Making a Difference
When he is not designing websites or flying drones, Callum is also a Director of the Southern 100 Road Races, helping support one of the island’s biggest events.
‘I think I won in this category because of the mix of things I’m involved in, and the impact it’s had locally,’ he says. ‘Running a few different businesses means I’m always busy helping lots of local companies improve their online presence and grow. On top of that, being a Director of the Southern 100 Road Races lets me give back to the community and support one of the island’s biggest events. Working hard across different areas and making a difference for local businesses and the community has helped me stand out.’
Family Roots and Inspiration
‘My biggest role models growing up were definitely my family. Mum and Dad, Nana, and both my uncles all ran their own businesses, so I was surrounded by that entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Watching them work hard, stay committed, and build something of their own really inspired me to follow a similar path.’
Outside of family, he looked up to Gary Neville. ‘As a kid, I followed Manchester United closely. But what really stood out was what he did after football, how he transitioned into business, broadcasting, and investing.’
Looking Ahead on the Island
‘The best advice I’ve ever received is to always do the best you can, no matter the situation,’ Callum says. Looking back, he adds, ‘I wish I knew how important it was to have confidence in myself early on, because starting young made it tough to believe I could really make an impact.’
For the future, he is focused on steady, meaningful growth. ‘I’m happy continuing to grow and improve the businesses I’ve built, focusing on quality and strong relationships with clients and the local community. I’m not in a rush to expand wildly. I want to keep doing what I love, delivering great work, and making a positive impact right here where I am.’
And the Isle of Man remains central to his story. ‘I truly believe that without being based on the Isle of Man, my businesses might not have been possible, or at least would have been much harder to build. The island has a close knit business community where people know and support each other, which creates amazing opportunities for collaboration and growth. Being part of initiatives like the Micro Business Grant Scheme has also been a huge help, providing valuable support that’s tailored specifically for local entrepreneurs.’
On being recognised as a Gef 30 Under 30 2025 Winner, Callum says ‘it’s a real honour, it’s great to be recognised for the work I’m passionate about. While recognition isn’t the reason I do what I do, it’s definitely encouraging and motivates me to keep pushing forward. It’s a reminder that hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. It means a lot.’
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