In this episode, we're joined by London-based commercial photographer Jenni Helin, whose work is known for its colorful storytelling and subtle touch of nostalgia. Growing up in Finland with her grandparents, Jenni spent her Sundays immersed in classic black and white 60s films, a cinematic influence that still shapes her visual style today. She shares how she's grown her photography business over the past two years, what’s worked, what she’s learned, and how staying true to her creative roots has been key to building her brand.

Check out Jenni's incredible work on her website! Make sure to follow her on Instagram to keep up with her story!

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If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Cronin and Devin Gmitter of Greener Concepts Inc., a powerhouse agency transforming brand strategies into compelling visual content. You may recognize Melissa's name, and that's because she joined us on the podcast in 2021 and 2023!

Today, she and Devin are talking all about their newest endeavor. Finding Stoke is a powerful documentary that explores the transformative impact of surf therapy, following individuals on the autism spectrum, LGBTQ+ youth, and those with Down syndrome as they experience healing and joy through the ocean. Filmed from the shores of New England to the Blue Zones of Costa Rica, the film highlights personal stories of resilience and the profound sense of community fostered by organizations like Gnome Surf Therapy. With stunning visuals, raw storytelling, and expert insights from therapists and researchers, Finding Stoke captures the emotional highs of participants' triumphs while examining the science behind why surf therapy works. 

Greener Concepts @greener.concepts
Gnome Surf @gnomesurf
Finding Stoke Doc @finding_stoke_doc

Fundraising Link with project overview and video teaser:
http://spot.fund/ntpncssc

For more info on…
Our agency www.greener-concepts.com
Gnome Surf www.gnomesurf.com

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If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

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Today we're talking to Karen Williams, a visual creative director, keynote speaker, and the founder of Black Visual Queen. With over a decade of experience in the brand and editorial photography industry, Karen shares how she’s turning her passion for mentorship into a movement for equity and access. From working with powerhouse brands like Netflix and WIRED to coaching the next wave of visual creatives, Karen brings insight, generosity, and bold energy to everything she does.

Check out Karen's Instagram and website to keep up with her journey! Pre-order The Photo Hustle today or find it wherever books are sold after May 13th!

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Since 1996, Agency Access has helped photographers grow their businesses by connecting them with key industry decision-makers. Their platform provides up-to-date listings of Art Producers, Creative Directors, and Photo Editors, complete with verified contact details and direct links to LinkedIn and social media. With powerful tools like cross-lookup for targeting dream clients and a private CRM for organizing connections, Agency Access streamlines outreach to save you time and stress.

With a fully functional 14-day free trial, you can explore their directory and start building your list of dream clients today. As a special offer for Focus on Women listeners, get 30% off any membership—just use code WOMEN at sign-up.

Start your free trial today at agencyaccess.com

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Support the show

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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Today we're talking to Lucia Rollow, a photographer, educator, and founder of the Bushwick Community Darkroom. Lucia shares her journey of building a thriving artist-run space dedicated to keeping analog photography alive in NYC. With over a decade of experience fostering creative community, she talks about the importance of accessibility, DIY culture, and mutual support in the art world. Tune in for a conversation about passion, perseverance, and the power of building something from the ground up.

Check out Bushwick Community Darkroom by visiting their website or by following them on Instagram!

Support the show

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

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This episode is all about being bold in how you show up. Whether you’re just starting to define your personal brand or wondering if it’s time for a rebrand, we’re diving into what it means to truly own your voice as a creative. From marketing with intention to finding clarity in your messaging, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to take brave steps forward.

This episode is an edited recording from a Focus on Women Community Call, a space to connect, share, and learn from our incredible community. Held on Zoom every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month, these calls feature guest speakers, panels, or board-member-led discussions. Whether you're bringing questions and stories or just listening in, we invite you to join the conversation! Click here to sign up! --> https://www.focusonwomen.org/membership-plans/p/community-calls

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If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

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Jenny Wilson is a seasoned and forward-thinking stylist with over 20 years of experience in wardrobe and prop styling. With a sharp eye for market trends and a background spanning fashion to floral design, Jenny is known for her adaptability, fast learning, and collaborative spirit. She’s ready to bring her versatile skillset and refined art direction to bold new challenges.

Check out Jenny's amazing work on her website and make sure to follow her on Instagram to keep up with her career!

Support the show

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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As professionals in the commercial photography industry, social media is an essential tool for marketing, client connections, and inspiration—but it can also become a trap of endless scrolling and comparison. In this Community Call, we sit down with creative entrepreneur Colette to explore how we can be more present in everyday life, create more than we consume, and still harness the positive power of social media for our businesses. Join us for an open conversation on finding balance, unlocking creativity, and taking risks in pursuit of what you love!

This episode is an edited recording from a Focus on Women Community Call, a space to connect, share, and learn from our incredible community. Held on Zoom every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month, these calls feature guest speakers, panels, or board-member-led discussions. Whether you're bringing questions and stories or just listening in, we invite you to join the conversation! Click here to sign up! --> https://www.focusonwomen.org/membership-plans/p/community-calls

Support the show

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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In this special episode, we’re diving into the food styling industry with insights from past guests who have mastered the craft. Janine Kalesis shares how her background as a chef and years in the restaurant industry shaped her journey into food and prop styling. Victoria Granof, a James Beard Award finalist and former pastry chef, takes us behind the scenes of her evolution from food stylist to director. And Bee Berrie brings her expertise as a UK-trained chef, award-winning bakery founder, and seasoned food stylist working in Los Angeles. Whether you're curious about the techniques, the challenges, or the creative process behind making food look irresistible on camera, this episode is packed with wisdom from the best in the business.

Support the show

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

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Today we're checking in with Melissa Dunne! In her last appearance on the show in 2023, we talked about how she got her start, the lessons she learned, and the creative path that led her forward. Today, she returns to share how her career has evolved into art direction, what it means to shape a brand’s visual identity, and the creative decisions that go into every photoshoot.

As the Art Director and Creative Content Manager at Nic+Zoe, Melissa leads brand strategy and provides on-set direction for photoshoots in New York and Boston. Join us as we dive into her journey, her approach to storytelling through visuals, and what she’s learned along the way.

Keep up with Melissa by following her on Instagram. Make sure to check out Nic+Zoe to see Melissa's beautiful new work from Joshua Tree!

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If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

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Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer.

Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Photography Department at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

In 1993, O'Brien began a collaboration with artist Matthew Barney, creating a photographic counterpart to Drawing Restraint 7 and the Cremaster cycle, exhibited at the Musée Moderne in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, L’Uomo Vogue, and Elle Décor, as well as in campaigns for Bergdorf Goodman, Ralph Lauren, and Thierry Mugler.

You can see Michael's years of incredible work on his website. Make sure to follow him on Instagram to keep up with his life and journey!

Support the show

If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.

Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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