Hailey York Creative Lead, Founder, Photographer
I’m Hailey! The eyes, the energy, and the creative tornado behind The Mighty Studio, a portrait space nestled in Toronto where things are always a little messy, deeply human, and beautifully real. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth, connection, and the kind of photos that make your heart skip or your eyes sting (in the best way).
The studio was born as both a passion project and a love letter. It carries the spirit of my late mother-in-law, Myra - the original “Mighty My,” whose vanity plate (“MYTMY”) is now part of our story. She believed in me before I believed in myself and nudged me gently, mightily, toward the camera. As it turns out, she was right.
I don’t have a fancy degree in photography, just a lifelong obsession with storytelling, a camera I rarely put down, and a wild devotion to capturing the mighty moments. You know the ones: a hand squeeze, a scrunched-up nose, a laugh that spills over. The magic in the mundane.
These days, I’m a mom to four kids and one very large dog, which means I live in a swirl of noise, love, and sticky fingers. It also means I know how quickly life gallops by. And I know exactly how precious it is to press pause.
So whether I’m chasing toddlers, documenting your brand’s next chapter, or creating a portrait that makes you feel seen, I’m here to tell your story the mighty way. No forced smiles, no stiff poses. Just honest, artful storytelling that looks like you and feels like home.
Let’s make something real together.
Maddy Sherman, Marketing, Partnerships & Campaigns Lead
Like all the best plot twists, Maddy’s story with The Mighty Studio didn’t begin behind the desk, it started in front of the lens. She first came in as a client, her daughters lighting up the frame. But it was her spark that lingered. We clicked instantly. What followed was a series of “what ifs,” a handful of “should we do this?” texts, and finally, a full-hearted, all-in yes.
Maddy was mighty from the start.
Now, she’s the powerhouse behind our marketing magic, part strategist, part hype-woman, part community wizard. She’s the one connecting the dots, building the buzz, and turning bold ideas into even bolder action. Whether she’s crafting a campaign, planning a partnership, or dreaming up an event that feels like a warm hug, she’s the force keeping our momentum alive and our calendar exciting.
With a background in real estate, two kids of her own, and a heart wired for connection, Maddy brings the perfect storm of creativity and get-it-done grit. She’s got a sixth sense for what people want, a Rolodex of local gems, and an uncanny ability to make magic out of a brainstorm and a coffee.
In short: she’s the glue, the spark, and the vibe. And The Mighty Studio wouldn’t be the same without her.
Betsy Wood, Head of Creative Operations & Client Experience
We met as brand-new moms, our eldest kids born just a week apart, and what started as late-night feeding chats turned into something so much more. From first giggles to big ideas, our friendship grew alongside our families. Eventually, the brainstorms got louder, the coffee stronger, and one day, it just clicked: we were building something mighty together.
Betsy is the structure to our soul, the calm in our creative storm. A former lawyer turned creative ops & client experience queen, she swapped legal briefs for portrait briefs and never looked back. With her sharp eye, big heart, and endless energy, she now helps shape the backbone of The Mighty Studio, keeping our systems smooth, our communications thoughtful, and our client experience rooted in care.
She brings clarity where there’s chaos, rhythm where there’s rush, and always manages to make the behind-the-scenes feel just as meaningful as the main event. From fine-tuning workflows to writing the words that make our clients feel seen, Betsy’s quiet brilliance touches every part of the process.
As a mom of three, she understands the juggle, the beauty, and the meaning behind the moments we capture, which makes her work here feel all the more personal. She believes in what we’re building, and she brings that belief to every email, every idea, every day.
Simply put: Betsy keeps us grounded, polished, and purpose-driven, and we couldn’t do this without her.
Eli Katz, Photo Assistant & Video Lead
And then there’s Eli…who quite literally grew up around the corner from me and somehow became the little brother I never asked for but now can’t live without.
Eli is a low-key powerhouse and a big part of the behind-the-scenes magic at The Mighty Studio. We’re lucky he keeps coming back. Eli is part of the creative spark behind much of the visual storytelling at The Mighty Studio. A passionate photographer and current University of Toronto student, Eli brings a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic vision to our team. Whether he's crafting compelling Instagram reel, assisting with shoots, or fine-tuning the technical aspects of our projects, Eli's contributions are invaluable.
Currently interning at Osler in Toronto, Eli balances his academic pursuits with his dedication to photography. His love for the craft is evident in every project he undertakes, and we're thrilled to have him back with us in September for more creative adventures.