‘After being made redundant it became very apparent that
getting back into my chosen career was very difficult, therefore I took a part
time job that would help support my family’ described Helen Powell, mother of 2
young children, on her experience of redundancy and battling to break back into
her chosen field.
Helen had worked for various photographic companies and
suppliers, including 6 years as a photographer with Cheshire Constabulary based
within the Forensic Investigation Department, which she really enjoyed. Unfortunately,
after being made redundant, the Wirral woman was forced to take a part time job
as a toll officer in order to help support her 2 young children, both of whom
are under 5.
Being a very experienced photographer, Helen began to notice
a gap in the newborn photography market. She recognised that the style used in
the USA and other parts of Britain was lacking in the North West. She told us:
‘Before I was made redundant I began exploring this area and started to build a
portfolio of work and self-funded myself on a Newborn Safety & Posing
Workshop.’
So after her husband, who had also been made redundant, had
opened up his own successful graphic design business with family, Helen began
moving forward with her own idea.
The biggest barrier for the mother of 2 was her confidence
and self-belief in her abilities. The prospect of becoming her own boss was
very daunting, especially the idea of being completely responsible for every
aspect of the business. However, with the help of The Women’s Organisation, who
was suggested to her by a friend, Helen talks about how it helped her to 'get
her act together' and ‘focus on exactly what it takes to build and create a
business.’
She explained: ‘The Women's Org have been amazing! From the
one to one business advisor meetings…to the courses run…all the help and advice
has been invaluable. I have attended the business start-up course and book
keeping…the social media course [and the] HMRC & Tax course. All were
really well presented and delivered in a very user friendly way, no jargon, no
complicated ideas, just clear and easy to understand.’
Although she struggled with her confidence earlier on, Helen is
now in a position where she is proud to say that: ‘I am what makes my business
unique. There are other baby and newborn photographers out there, but not many
with the creative expertise and background as I have… [And] the highest level
of security checks. In the North West, particularly Merseyside, there are not
many who specialise in Maternity & Newborn… Therefore being a master of
this trade rather than a jack of all trades.’
Helen’s business, Topetones, specialises in Maternity &
Newborn photography, but she also does a lot of family photography. Now in a
new studio, located close to beautiful parks and the beach, Topetones is
starting outdoor lifestyle shoots and ‘Family in a Box’ shoots.
Despite having to find the time to run a household, look
after 2 young children and work 20 hours a week, the Wirral woman is looking
forward to growing her business steadily. She hopes to eventually go full time
with her business, to focus entirely on what she is truly passionate about.
With an article featured in ‘Mummy & Me’ magazine and a
newly acquired Jacqueline Gold twitter WOW award, Helen is excited about the
future of Topetones as she makes her dream, reality.
If you are interested in booking a newborn or maternity
shoot, or would just like to find out more, visit www.topetones.com or contact Helen directly
at mail@topetones.com. You can also follow Topetones on Twitter:
@topetones and Facebook www.facebook.com/topetonesphotography
And if like Helen you would like to improve your situation
or turn something you love doing into a business, feel free to contact The
Women’s Organisation today on 0151 706 8111 or info@thewo.org.uk
By Beckie Kinsella
No comments:
Post a Comment