MAD LOVE MONDAY - Shannon Vizeau | Shannon Vizeau Photography

ShantalMarieCreative.jpg

Hello! My name is Shannon Vizeau and I am a family and children’s lifestyle photographer. Although I have only been in business for myself for 2 years, photography has always been a constant in my life. I remember in seventh grade learning how to use a darkroom to develop film, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I have always been creative and loved drawing but there was something about seeing an image come to life in a photograph! Time passed and I ended up going to school for Graphic Design and Fine Art in Medicine Hat, Alberta – although my focus wasn’t on photography, I took as many classes in photography as I could during that time. I then went on to take Technical Theatre at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Through all of my years of schooling, I never really felt like my heart was fully in it, and I floundered a bit after graduation when I moved home. The one thing that I never gave up on was taking photographs. I packed around my Dad’s old Canon TLb film camera, taking photos where ever I could. I think he has given up on the fact that he will never get that old camera back! ;)

Realizing that I should really be an adult, I got a job. So once again throughout my different job choices over the years I never felt content or that it was what I was meant to be doing. I wanted to be doing something creative which lead me to getting a job at a Photo studio in West Edmonton Mall, I loved it! It wasn’t your classic portrait studio and I could feel my creative side starting to resurface. Sadly the company didn’t last long, I was able to find another photography job but on the editing side of things. Fast forward to 3 years ago, I was off work on maternity leave with my second child. I had been taking photos here and there for friends and family, never thinking I could actually go anywhere with it. After a lot of encouragement from my husband, friends and family I got my business license upgraded my equipment and Shannon Vizeau Photography was formed!

Image 1_Shannon Vizeau.jpg

After having my son, I was able to stay home full time. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this. I went back to work after I had my daughter, so this has been a pretty amazing experience being home with him. Not always easy, don’t get me wrong! There are tough days for sure. I don’t know if it’s because he’s my last baby or because I can see how fast time is going, I want to document everything, all the little details. I started doing a 365 day project and I focused on different lighting in my home throughout the day. Using my kids as my subject, something clicked. I started creating interesting images for myself that made my creative heart sing. I began wanting to translate this to my family sessions. During that time I also attended a workshop called ‘Life Unposed’ hosted by Shantal Marie Creative. Meeting Shantal, and the 4 other photographers was such an amazing experience. Not only did I learn a lot, make new friends in the industry, but it reaffirmed the type of images I want to create – ones with connection and emotion.

I had the chance to be a part of a newborn photoshoot a little over 6 months ago, not only was this photo shoot for one of my very best friends, but she is also a very talented photographer. I was a little nervous to say the least! But that photo shoot is one that I am very proud of. I captured the emotion and connection I had always wanted to portray in my photographs.

Image 2_Shannon Vizeau.jpg

That’s why I love photographing families and children. Capturing those little moments and details is so important. Laughter, joy, (sometimes tears) little hands and feet, a small caress or a sweet little hug. I know as a Mom I will love looking back at all the photos of my kids and remember what it felt like in that moment. I love having the ability to capture these memories for others.

I have a lot to learn on the business side of things, my creative side takes over and I forget that there’s a whole other aspect to this whole entrepreneurial world! (insert face palm emoji here!) I often have to be reminded that it can be a slow growth. I just get so excited to take photos that I want to be doing it all the time! So, slow steps keep working hard and pushing forward. It’s easy to want to just give up at times. Being so new in the industry professionally, I have moments of self-doubt quite often, moments when I feel like an imposter. Why would people get me to take their photos when there are so many talented photographers out there?!

‘What if I fall? Oh my darling, what if you fly’- Erin Hanson.

I often think of this quote when it comes to my daughter but it speaks loudly to me also. In times like this I pick up my camera and keep going. I go back to my 365 project and take photos for myself. I am lucky that I have a lot of support, my husband, friends and my photog tribe. They push me to keep going. I love learning so I am constantly watching videos, reading or taking online courses about different aspects of photography.

abstract board game bundle business

Instagram has been a really fun platform for me to share my work. I really enjoy being part of the photography community, seeing other photographers work is a great motivation and inspiration. I know that there are still a lot of tips and tricks I can be using to boost up my presence on Facebook but honestly my days go fast and I can be a bit of a procrastinator. It’s hard to focus everyday on all aspects that are required to run a business from home. Blogging, live posts, stories, editing, updating my website...it can become very overwhelming, especially when you have a 3 year old asking you to play all day! The mom side usually wins out which in turn means late hours into the night trying to catch up on work. Times that I really need to focus, grandparents are usually more than happy to occupy my kids’ time ;)

I am so happy to be a part of this YEGBOSSBABES community! It was such an awesome experience being at the Spring Mixer. Meeting other women running their own businesses was an inspiration. Knowing that no matter what industry you’re in there are always struggles but in return there are successes, and that’s something to look forward to. <3

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me!

Instagram - @shannonvizeauphotography Facebook – Shannon Vizeau Photography Website – www.shannonvizeauphotography.ca

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Kathleen Pare | The Hair Lounge

Hello beautiful boss babes! My name is Kathleen.  I have been in the hair industry for eight years now, and I still am absolutely in love with what I do. My love for the industry originated when I took the cosmetology program at Paul Kane High School. Shortly after starting grade 10, I decided to enroll with the Registered Apprenticeship Program, starting my apprenticeship at a small local salon and I was on my way, building towards my career. In my grade 11 year I was the victim of bad high school bullying, so I decided to graduate early by fast tracking all of my high school classes. Shortly after, I decided to challenge the hair program at Eveline Charles Academy, graduating at the age of 17, and quickly earning my Red Seal Certification at the age of 18. Fast forward over six years, and I now own a hair salon called The Hair Lounge in St.Albert.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Since the beginning of my career as a hairstylist I had worked in the same small, less than 500 square foot, salon. After seven years I started to feel as though I had no room left to grow where I was working. I was suffering from bad anxiety even just heading to work every single day because I didn’t know how I was going to be treated from day to day by the owner, you can say I was beyond fed up. I was at the point that I wanted to quit hair, but in the back of my mind I knew hair was still my passion, I just had to move on. Long story short, I ended up getting fired for having a dream of potentially opening my own salon. I was left with no job, and still had bills to pay. Let’s just say that lit a fire under my butt. Getting fired gave me the push I needed (that and my fiancé constantly telling me “you can do this Kathleen!”), and in that moment I decided I was never going to work for someone again. In less than 17 days, I got keys to a building, and we were fully renovated. I guess what I am saying is, as unfortunate as it was, I had to hit rock bottom before I could start building, but the thing about rock bottom, is it makes for a pretty darn strong foundation to build off of.

What is your best boss babe moment?

Actually, this moment wasn’t until very recently. Although I have been fortunate enough to have a very successful career from day one, I did not realize how much support I had until opening The Hair Lounge on June 1, 2017. My best boss babe moment was when The Hair Lounge turned one this past June. One year of successfully working for myself. One year of hustle (honestly, I never leave the salon). One year of confirmation. One year of “yes, Kathleen, you can truly do this.”

Why do you love being an entrepreneur?

In this day & age, honestly who isn’t trying to be a female entrepreneur, and I love it. Why wouldn’t we want to try to be the best we can be for ourselves? I absolutely love the support I get from co boss babes, and I will always do anything in my power to support other entrepreneurs. Being a female entrepreneur is so rewarding in many ways. Although, anyone who tells you that working for yourself is amazing because you can work less hours, have holidays whenever you would like, etc. is totally lying to you. Working for yourself is amazing, but it is A LOT more work in the first few years. You don’t get many vacation days, and you work a lot more hours without the extra pay. But, I can personally say, being an entrepreneur is probably the most rewarding thing thus far in my lifetime. I get to make my own rules, and if you ask any of the girls that work with me, they will tell you, I don’t like rules.

Professional goal for your business?

I am currently in the process of making an online shop for The Hair Lounge so clients don’t have to leave the comfort of their own home to be able to have our professional products in their hands. Also in the works is our “Local Company Shop” where we do a two month rotation in store of goodies from other local companies. I love the idea of supporting local so I feel like this is a great way to get other small companies names out there.

Life is a balance of holding on and letting go. In my past there have been a TON of bumps in the road, and I can honestly say that I appreciate [almost] every single one of them because without the bumps I probably would not be where I am today. You have to be able to hold onto the bumps that will push you into being the best you can be, but also let go of the bumps that may hold you back. My hope is to encourage & motivate anyone into being the best they can be, and to stand behind & encourage any co-YEGBOSSBABES!

All photos by Sara Jewell Photography – www.sarajewellphotography.com

Facebook link – www.facebook.com/t8nhairlounge

Instagram – business @the.hairlounge

                       Personal @hairbykatleenaa

Website – www.t8nhairlounge.com

Risky Business

When do you make those big decisions like, 'When do I actually start up my business or next venture?' or, 'How do I know it's the right time to switch things up and take that next step?'

There never seems to be a good time for big decisions. But if you wait until that 'perfect' time, you will be waiting forever.

So, how do you know it's the right time?!

By listening to your gut, planning, saving, talking to your support team, and if you're like me: a lot of praying.

Whatever you're doing, whatever you're deciding: make a solid plan. What are your goals? What is your timeline and budget? And how will you achieve all of this?

What are you doing in the meantime to work towards that goal?

Big goals take big work. A lot of times we have to do things we don't want to, to get us to a certain point. So, what are you willing to do?

To me, that is what being an entrepreneur is. It's the tough stuff. The keep you up at night, can't shut your brain off, what's my next move mentality.

YES, the appeal for a lot of us as business owners is to do what we want when we want, but let me tell you there is so much more to it.

When is it time to push through something because it's so worth it? When is it time to take a break because you're burnt out? Or, when is it time to actually move on to the next idea or plan? These are things only you can decide. If you do your due diligence, put a lot of planning and thought into it, and listen to your gut, those big decisions won't seem so scary.

Remember, just because we're entrepreneurs, we don't always get to do whatever we want. Tackle those tough jobs, persevere, and take some risks.

You never know where it will take you!

xo Amy