My Journey

ABOUT IMRAN

Imran Abul Kashem

Serial Entrepreneur, Investor & Personal Branding Expert in Melbourne

I came to Australia as a journalist from Bangladesh with a camera, a passion for storytelling, and a belief that every person has a story worth telling. Today, I run a group of businesses in Melbourne’s west built on one simple idea: people trust what they can see and hear, not just what they read.”

Born in Bangladesh, Imran’s professional journey began in journalism, where he developed a strong foundation in storytelling, communication, and audience engagement. These early years shaped his understanding of how narratives influence trust, perception, and leadership. After migrating to Australia in 2008, Imran transitioned his storytelling expertise into photography, combining creative vision with business strategy and brand positioning.

In 2013, Imran founded Westend Photography from his garage, turning a small creative venture into a thriving professional studio. Today, Westend Photography operates from the heart of Werribee on Watton Street and is widely recognised for its expertise in personal branding photography, corporate headshots, and commercial branding imagery. The studio has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, executives, and organisations across Melbourne and regional Victoria, helping clients build credibility and visibility through high-impact visual storytelling.

Impact on the Community

Building on the success of Westend Photography, Imran expanded into a diversified portfolio of businesses. I am the founder of Westend Business Hub, Westend Digital, Westend Podcast, Westend Plants, WE Connect, and the co-founder of BizCon Events, Ripple Australia and NO Wukkas. Each venture reflects his focus on personal branding, entrepreneurship, and community-driven growth.

Westend Business Hub has become one of Werribee’s most recognised coworking and collaboration spaces, supporting startups, small businesses, consultants, and established professionals. Located in Werribee CBD, the hub provides flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and business events designed to encourage collaboration, learning, and long-term growth in Melbourne’s west.

Through Westend Digital, Imran helps businesses refine their branding, marketing strategy, and digital presence. His work focuses on clarity, authenticity, and sustainable growth, supporting clients across industries to stand out in competitive markets. Westend Podcast further extends this mission by offering a professional podcast studio where business owners, thought leaders, and creators can share their stories and build authority through long-form content.

Community engagement is central to Imran’s work. Since 2022, he has organised and hosted local business networking events that prioritise meaningful connection over transactional networking. In 2025, he launched Wyndham Entrepreneur Connect, a dedicated platform bringing together entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders across the Wyndham region to share knowledge, build relationships, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

My work has been recognised through grants from Multicultural Arts Victoria and Gandel Philanthropy, a Silver Distinction at the Australian Professional Photography Awards, exhibitions at Wyndham Art Gallery, and the publication of three photography books on the Wyndham region. I was also honoured to be a Finalist for Business Person of the Year at the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, I have contributed at an industry and governance level. I am a former board member of the Werribee Business and Tourism Association, where I supported regional business development initiatives. Since 2023, I have served as a judge for the Australian Business Conference, evaluating and supporting businesses from across Australia.

Mentorship

My journey is further enriched by his mentorship under Aaron Sansoni, one of Australia’s top mentors, known for his influence on business leaders including Sir Richard Branson. This mentorship has propelled Imran’s vision for continuous personal and professional growth, guiding him to inspire others in the entrepreneurial community. Through his experiences and insights, he fosters an environment where aspiring entrepreneurs can thrive.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, I’m focused on growing Westend Digital and Wyndham Entrepreneur Connect, expanding My Migrant Soul to reach more communities, and continuing to advocate for diversity and representation through storytelling and the arts.

I believe personal branding is not about creating a version of yourself that doesn’t exist. It’s about making sure the right people understand who you are, what you do, and why they should trust you. Because opportunities often go to the people who are visible, credible, and memorable.