Question 1. So tell us, what was the lightbulb moment that made you decide to embark on your biz owner journey?

Question 2. What have been your biggest struggles, and your biggest accomplishments with owning your own biz so far?

I feel my biggest struggle has been shifting my corporate conditioned mindset – the idea that we HAVE to work 40+ hrs per week and that we SHOULD be working 9-5. In reality, I didn’t become self-employed to work myself into the ground (although I’m sure biz owners can relate – there are far more than 40+ working hours in our week), and that when I’m hustling at 1:30am, it’s okay for me to sleep in until 8:30 am. Reminding myself on the daily that I am my own boss – so make the most of that freedom!

My second struggle would have to be backing myself relentlessly and also valuing my time. Both are things that I’m working through at the moment. There are days where you’re questioning what you’re doing, IF you should be doing it etc. Learning to cheer myself on constantly has been an adjustment – corporate life there is a company and/or team backing you – but when you’re on you’re own, you’re facing off with yourself. Also, the ol’ time + energy + financial investment conundrum – taking the time to value myself and my work!

Biggest accomplishment would have to be launching into self-employment life far sooner than I expected, and perhaps the fact it even happened at all. This was a dream that started 8 years ago before it was shut down by limiting beliefs + negative circle of ‘friends’. To think I’m here now, living my dream and my late Mum’s dream is just so freakin’ WILD and electrifying!

Question 3. What is something that you wish you could tell young, blissful early in the biz days you? Something other biz owners could learn the easy way!

Seriously, I dreamt of starting a blog for 3 years before I fiiiinally created The Soul Echo (yep, that’s how this started). I think reducing the time between dream + action is vital, realising that the only limit at the end of the day is how much you stand in your own way.

Question 4. What would you say makes your brand stand out from the noise?

Question 5. Now we specifically LOVE the way that you use Instagram stories to share your vision of self-empowerment & your beautiful photography & use of pink branding throughout, are there any tips of the trade that you’re willing to give away that might help others nail theirs too?

My very blunt advice: JUST. DO. THE. DAMN. THING.

It’s perceived to be nerve-racking, and you know what, it kinda is. It can also feel a little uncomfy at first, but all it takes is practice…. Record, record, record. Even if you delete them, or save them to your phone for your eyes only, just start! You will only continue to grow and find what works for you! I truly believe this is such a kickass way to developing your voice and your brand’s message – and it doesn’t all have to be in video form! Speak from your heart, and let yourself get creative AND personal – videos, photos (of you/personal life – ie. I won’t post an iphone photo to my feed because I’m a photographer, however, I’ll share it in my stories), use your brand colours, and have FUN!

It is also a powerful way to show up as a human. If my work (as a photographer) didn’t rely heavily on visuals, I would be much less focused on a cohesive feed/photos taken with my DSLR. So I use my stories as a way to connect with my viewers, in my very real, raw and candid form.

My other tip, because let’s be real, it can feel super wanky talking to your phone like you ‘know it all’ (whether you do or don’t). Think of it as a close friend, how would you talk to them? I suggest avoiding words that feel impersonal (ie “guys”, “girls”), or substituting them for “friends” (which I do sometimes). Most often I try and channel my energy as though I’m talking directly to an individual, instead of a collective, even though my message is for the collective (or anyone who watches it), so I’ll use variations of “you”, or to make it relatable/inclusive of me (because generally, I’m sharing lessons I’ve learnt or my thoughts) I’ll use “we”/”us” etc.

My last tip, which I know is super common (and I’m guilty of it sometimes too) is saying “Guys, I just wanted to jump on and say…”. I know it’s tempting to announce the erm, announcement, but I don’t think we need to. Show up and own your airtime, you’re here for a reason with a very needed message – you don’t need to justify yo’self to anyone! You never know who needs to hear what you have to say, and how you might just alter their day or life.

Question 6. Holla to some Instagram accounts that you admire and why? We love to look for new inspo!

@gabriellarosie – her art and her energy is hella incredible and inspiring,, it fills my heart with so much yasss!

@liamwon9 – i loveeeee his neon night vibe photography.

@subliming.jpg – colour + words + design = yes!

@bodiposipanda – she is a kween of self-love, with such a powerful message to the women of the world

@celestebarber – for the lols

@ all the beautiful brissy biz babes (like you gals), nothing like cheering on fellow women on powerful missions!

Question 7. What’s something that triggers you about social media?

I will say it does really sh*t me when people are following for a numbers game, like, m8 don’t waste my time with disingenuous game playing. Here for the real deal support, 5eva!

Question 8. What’s one photography rule that you think was made to be broken?

The one rule I will never ever condone is crooked horizons (unless in very rare cases you happen to be shooting diagonally… which I feel is only really appropriate for dancefloor action). Straighten dem horizons, it makes a world of difference! Otherwise, go cray and get rule breaking!

Question 9. What’s the biggest misconception about what you do and how do you address it?

Its connecting, it’s building trust, it’s creating an experience that allows people to feel safe and relax, it’s knowing how to build a connection with someone you’ve never met in a short timeframe sometimes, it’s finding the location or composition while holding a conversation, it’s thinking about and knowing the science of light and how we capture it, it’s knowing how to get someone to pose without looking posed, it’s allowing someone to share vulnerably with me, it’s having the energy to help them in moments of release, it’s being ON in any given moment, it’s the editing processes which can take hours or days, it’s understanding a vision or brief in words and being able to bring it to life visually, it’s the admin life of having a biz and doing it all yourself, it’s valuing clients and nurturing them from start to finish…

It is so much more than ‘just’ photos. *mic drop*

Question 10. What’s the craziest request (good or bad) you’ve ever had from a client?

Please share the best way our lovely readers can find you:

My website is about to launch revamped – www.thesoulecho.com.

I’m on facebook too – www.facebook.com/thesoulecho

Or via email for super fun n’ cute chats – hello@thesoulecho.com

Thank you so much, beautiful women, for allowing me to share my thoughts! I’m so grateful for you both! x