Written by Davidson College student, Trang Dang ‘27
When Sebastian Macaire ’27, a rising junior at Davidson College, first picked up a camera, he had no idea his passion for photography could become a promising venture. Now, thanks to support from the Hurt Hub@Davidson through the Try It Fund, Sebastian is exploring a unique business idea—drone photography for commercial real estate—bringing a fresh perspective to properties across the Charlotte area.
As the recipient of The Try it Fund, Sebastian was able to purchase a drone, obtain his Part 107 remote pilot license, and launch his business. Sebastian began building his portfolio by capturing aerial shots of Davidson College and his relatives’ properties. His work quickly drew attention from local real estate agents who saw potential in his fresh, elevated visuals. Along the way, Sebastian sharpened his technical skills in drone operation, photography, and videography, while also learning the importance of perseverance and staying open to feedback.
The Try It Fund not only helped Sebastian take the first steps toward his entrepreneurial vision but also offered valuable lessons in the realities of building a business. “I was too focused on figuring out the details of real estate photography techniques and ideas that I did not think about how to get around the Charlotte area cheaply and frequently without access to a car,” Sebastian shared. When connecting with local real estate agents, he quickly realized that to serve clients effectively and respond to opportunities as they came up, he needed a dependable way to travel—something he hadn’t initially planned for. “I will take my lessons learned and I am optimistic to make my idea work out in the future.”
Opportunities like this remind us that only by putting an idea into motion that young entrepreneurs begin to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve with each step.
With the Try It Fund, the Hurt Hub empowers Sebastian, and other Davidson students, to test bold ideas, grow through experience, and lay the foundation for future success.
The Try It Fund has been made possible through generous support from the Charlie Hinnant ’72 Fund, Davidson alums, and other community sponsors. If you are a Davidson College student who is interested in exploring an idea we encourage you to apply! Applications open the first day of each semester and close at 10pm EST the last day of fall or spring break, depending on the semester.
