Celebrating Hertfordshire Women In Business! (Part 1)
There is nothing that inspires me more than meeting and chatting with women who have plunged into the uncertainty of freelancing or starting their own business. Having done the same myself, I know how hard it is to leave the security and stability of a 9-5 job to chase something you love. This is why personal branding is more than just a head shot - it’s storytelling!
So, I decided to do a personal project where I celebrate those women who have, against all sorts of odds, struck out on their own in the world of business. I reached out to business women who I’d met at networking events in Hertfordshire, friends I look up to and local women bossing it everyday. I adored meeting them, hearing their stories and of course, photographing them. Each and every headshot session left me giddy with inspiration, admiration and gratitude. And now I get to share those stories, and hopefully those emotions with you too! This is why I love my job! Being a personal branding photographer gives me the chance to showcase the stories behind the brand.
Aimee Greenwood - Luxe Beauty
Aimee Greenwood - founder, owner and lead make up artist at Luxe Beauty, Hertfordshire.
Aimee is a published make up artist and lash artist with a flare for business, so of course she's crushing it by running her own business But it hasn't come easy. Aimee has overcome some difficult personal challenges but her determined can do and will do attitude has made her a truly inspirational & successful business woman today. 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' is Aimee's motto.
Everything she has, she's worked for and achieved herself - through pure hustle and never, ever giving up. Despite juggling a rough family life, self care and financial roadblocks, Aimee is a success story and excellent at her craft.
So! For anyone considering jumping into full time freelancing to do what you love, @thelifeof_aimee will back me up in saying ANYTHING is possible 💪
Lynn Viccars- Somatic coach and Pilates Instructor
Lynn Viccars - A passionate Somatic coach and Pilates Instructor based in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
I had the pleasure of visiting Lynn Viccars, at her lovely home on the edge of the glorious Chorleywood Common.
Lynn is a Pilates instructor with a huge amount of training and experience, but she's not just any Pilates instructor, she's a passionate Somatic Coach. Her knowledge is born from personal experience, staying up to speed with the industry through workshops and years of helping clients. You just need to read her reviews to know she's damn good at what she does.
Lynn has an amazing no nonsense approach, she's not going to fix you but she'll teach you how to fix yourself. It was a joy to meet Lynn and photograph her in her gorgeous home, studio and garden (which was teaming with wildlife!) If you’re struggling with pain, do reach out to Lynn here or check her website out for more information.
Dipal Shah - Diva Coaching
Dipal Shah - Women’s Coach, supporting mothers returning to work after a career break | Workplace Reintegration| Back to Work Confidence
Introducing Dipal! Yet another fantastic woman I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing as a part of my Celebrate Women in business project- is there a better way to warm your heart as the temperature drops than to meet inspirational women? NO! Come at me!
Dipal fills an important gap in the market as she supports and coaches women who need to return to work after a career break following maternity leave or an injury. Her aim is to help these women build their confidence, self worth and get back to bossing it in the work place.
Dipal has two of her own small children and is well aware of the struggles of balancing home life, self confidence and work. After her second child, she decided to start her own business supporting women to do just that: Diva Coaching.
Coaching with Dipal helps those struggling with their day or day lives, managing their careers and reaching their goals. If this sounds like you, please get in touch with Dipal via her LinkedIn or her Instagram.
Dana Beale - Lead GP
Dane Beale - Lead GP for homeless patients in the heart of Westminster
Meet Dana ❤️ Dana is an INCREDIBLE person, she's warm and welcoming - everything that makes an excellent GP, having trained at Imperial college school of medicine she’s got all the skills.
Dana lives on a narrow boat with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 cats and one big dog, moored on the gorgeous canals in the Chilterns. She came to visit me on Chorleywood Common for a few headshots and to tell me her story.
As her SO is a full time stay at home dad, Dana dedicates her time and passionate energy for those people in our society who are homeless, as clinical lead GP. She jointly runs a community interest company which holds the contract for a GP surgery in the heart of Westminster, solely for homeless patients. (Homeless Heath CIC) Her and her business partner won a bid for a contract to run the surgery over some big fish in the industry - no easy feat!
Dana talks about her patients with love and care and you can see the burning passion she has for them. And I'm glad the streets of London has such a brilliant, wonderful doctor as Dana. Read more about Dana’s efforts here.
Nina Fitzgerald - Pilates Fitz
Nina Fitzgerald-Qualified pre and post natal mat and reformer Pilates instructor, Rickmansworth, Hertforshire.
Nina spent many years as an estate agent, but after having a little one and suffering from post natal depression going back that career just wasn't on the cards for her.
Instead she followed her heart and changed her life. She trained to be a mat Pilates instructor, going on to qualify as a pre and post natal instructor as well as a reformer Pilates instructor. She didn't stop there, despite having little to no self confidence and juggling home life with a new bubs, she went on to open her own Pilates business and built her own Pilates studio.
Her persistence paid off as she now loves her job! She adores teaching Pilates and helping all sorts of people with different needs, ensuring they progress and enjoy her classes. Her classes are carefully tailored to suit your level of needs and she has a 1-2-1 with each new client to ensure she tailors her classes specifically to their needs and abilities. If you’re looking for a Pilates Instructor in Hertfordshire, head on over to Nina’s Facebook Page to book a class!
Amanda Sissons - Renaissance Tattoo Studio
Amanda Sissons - Co-owner and Tatto Artist at Renaissance Tattoo Studio
Amanda is a multi award winning tattoo artist of 23 years and opened and runs her own tattoo studio in the village of Rickmansworth with her partner.
A woman opening a tattoo studio on a olde worlde village high street, surely not! The scandal! And yes, they tried to stop her, putting all sorts of silly legal hurdles in her way but she persisted and is now running a buzzing shop slap bang in a community who didn't want her there.
Not only is her art fantastic, but she supports women who have undergone breast surgery - renewing confidence with her tattoos and specialising in nipple reconstruction. She has also dedicated her time to raising money for those suffering with cancer.
Amanda has 4 children and from chatting with her, I am in awe how she's managed to build a business and juggle her home life. Amanda is a true master of her craft, putting her heart and soul into every piece of art she does. Head down to Renaissance in Rickmansworth!
Stay tuned for my next blog where you get to meet another amazing six women in business!