When you're working as an independent professional it's very easy to spend lots of time labouring at your desk working at developing your craft and also producing work for your clients. Although I make sure my shoots are fun, both for myself and particularly for my clients, I have been through a period of feeling isolated as a business, particularly as a start-up one, and wondering whether the issues I was facing were common to others. If they were, how did these new start up businesses tackle these issues?
After much research I decided to become a member of WIRE. Women in Rural Enterprise, which is a business club and networking opportunity for women who run businesses in rural areas. Having joined WIRE I will now never look back. I have attended several area meetings in Norwich, Waveney and South Norfolk, I have met dynamic network leaders who have inspired me, and some lovely people who I've been networking and formed friendships with. I have had the opportunity to develop myself as a more self-assured professional - workshops, training, inspiration and support, and only for £40 a year!
One such lovely person I'm really pleased to have crossed paths with is Maureen Chadwick. Together with her partner, Arthur, Maureen runs a local business called The Painted Tree. They create lovely hand-crafted, hand-finished, bespoke furniture, according to clients' specifications.
I came across Maureen when I emailed WIRE in reply for a request for network leaders. The East Norfolk branch had laid dormant for a while and I got in touch with WIRE to let them know I was interested in becoming a leader, but only if I had somebody to share the leader role with. I was given Maureen's number as she was also interested.
I'll never forget that phone call. Maureen, asked me if I was French (blame my funny accent! :)) ). When I told her I was Maltese the phone went silent...Turns out Maureen is half Maltese. Two Maltesers in little ol' Yarmouth!! Love the Maltese in her, extremely creative and ready with a smile, she reminds me of the warmth of my people!
I was therefore very pleased to take up the opportunity to do a quick
portrait session with her as she needed some shots for her WIRE
profile. 5 minute portraits I call these sessions! Not enough time to get the
client to worry about posing, a quick grin and a joke and we're done and
the shots are in the bag. She was chuffed with them.... :)
I'm so looking forward to start taking photos of her lovely furniture, and wondering what she means by that request for stilettos as props for the shoot. I wonder what she has in mind!!! :)
By the way, if you are a businesswoman based in East Norfolk and would like more information about WIRE, please do get in touch! We're planning to kick start activities early next year and would love to hear from you.
x
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