Chicago Boudoir Photography featured on Simply Unstoppable
I loved being interviewed this week by Julia Szumny, the founder of Simply Unstoppable.
On her website Julia describes the mission of her company like this:
Simply Unstoppable is on a mission to share the stories of simply unstoppable women to inspire and empower others.
I was honored that Julia wanted to interview me about my goals to empower women at the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio.
Here is the text from the interview, which you can read HERE:
Tell us a little bit about who you are and your background.
I am the owner and photographer of the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio, which offers a Victoria’s Secret style photoshoot experience for the everyday woman. Women in every stage of life and in every size and shape walk out of the boudoir studio feeling empowered and celebrated. I opened Chicago Boudoir because I believe that every woman is beautiful and that every woman deserves to feel confident through gorgeous portraits.
What is your story? What inspired you to open your own boudoir photography studio? What was that journey like?
I had been professionally photographing families and kids for 6+ years when I saw an opportunity to work at a luxury boudoir photo studio in the area. I had never done a boudoir photo shoot before, but as soon as I got started, I was hooked. I loved watching women gain confidence at the boudoir studio! After working there for a few years (and photographing hundreds of women), I opened my own company and commercial studio – Chicago Boudoir Photography. Every woman that steps into my studio gets to feel like a supermodel for the day and leaves with an extra spring of confidence in her step!
If you want to read more about how I got started in boudoir, click here to read my story:
https://chicago-boudoir.com/blog/2019/3/19/why-im-a-boudoir-photographer-liz-chicago-boudoir-photography
Did you ever have moments of doubt when opening up your own studio? How did you push yourself past the doubt?
It’s impossible to embark on a project as ambitious as starting a new business without experiencing moments of doubt. I am extremely grateful to my business mentors and my supportive family members who encouraged me to keep going, even when it was tough.
Are there any obstacles you were faced with throughout your journey? How did you overcome them?
Just a few weeks after I opened my space, the commercial building that my studio is in experienced a flood. Everything had to be moved out and the floors had to be replaced. I couldn’t use the studio space for several months. Initially it felt like this set-back might prevent me from ever opening the business, but eventually the repairs were made and the business was opened in August 2018.
What advice do you have for women who may want to start their own company or pursue a new career?
Do it! If you don’t have a female business owner role model in your life yet, seek one out.
You are not only a photographer, but you’ve built an experience and community where women can feel beautiful and empowered, what inspired you to do this?
I believe that women everywhere thrive in positive communities. I am passionate about supporting women and in particular in supporting other female business owners, which we do every single day in our VIP group. We’d love for you to join us! We’re here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VIPChicago
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
Continuing to bring confidence and empowerment to women in the Chicago area and beyond.
What advice would you like to share with others that has helped you throughout your journey?
Building a profitable business isn’t easy and it won’t happen overnight. But if you are committed, you can definitely make it happen!
What does being Simply Unstoppable mean to you?
Relentlessly pursuing my dreams.
How can readers get in contact with you to continue the conversation?
Get in touch via my website at www.chicago-boudoir.com or give me a call/text at 312.448.8889. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Thanks so much for the interview, Julia! You can visit Simply Unstoppable and read more interviews HERE.
xo Liz