As women, we've been told for years now that we should ‘foster connection’, but I question why.

Has it been because it's a good business move? Because it's good to network, to have connections, to know the right people? Because community helps us grow? Even the way we talk about connection has started to sound like a business strategy. Build your community. Grow your network. Engage with your audience. Find your people. There's always an end goal.

I think I accidentally spent a lot of my twenties living in ‘hustle culture’ land.

You know what I'm talking about. The women on social media flashing their six figures and their courses, their issues with their new higher tax bracket and the ‘hey, looking for a new accountant, again!’ posts. For me, this was it. This was who I wanted to be. The most badass boss-woman-business-creator there ever was.

As a brand designer & photographer, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many creative business owners. This experience has reinforced my belief that brand creation transcends mere visibility. It's about bringing a brand to life, infusing each interaction with significance, and transforming it into a cherished element of someone's life.

There’s undeniable power in visuals that resonate deeply with a brand's ethos. Recently, I had the privilege of working with Aentos, a brand whose essence is rooted in nature and the philosophy of slow living.

Instagram is a powerful tool for brand visibility, but it can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, where constantly measuring your brand against others can diminish your unique value.

In the fast-paced world of running a solo business, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle for rapid growth. But what if there’s a more fulfilling way? Enter soft business.

With creative endeavours, there's a delicate dance between artistic vision and client expectations. As a creative business owner, you need to understand that this dance isn't about “high-pressure” corporate-esque communication, but rather communication with a relaxed and harmonious rhythm. It's about creating an atmosphere where ideas flow freely, and collaboration feels as natural as a conversation with an old friend.

Let's delve into a topic that's close to the heart of many creatives - imposter syndrome. It's like an uninvited guest that often takes residence in our minds, whispering doubts about our talents and accomplishments. But here’s the thing to remember: it's a mere feeling, not a fact.

In the vast realm of photography, finding your niche is like uncovering a hidden treasure—a journey that leads you to artistic fulfilment and the creation of work you are genuinely proud of. While some may fear that defining a niche could pigeonhole their creativity, in reality, it opens up a world of possibilities.