Chicago Boudoir Photography's owner Liz Hansen interviewed in National Public Radio
I was interviewed on National Public Radio today. It’s a fun 2-minute spot about my photo studio and how I was able to grow my business during the pandemic. Listen HERE.
The spot is part of the NPR show Marketplace and their series called “My Economy,” which is described on marketplace.org like this:
“My Economy” tells the story of the new economic normal through the eyes of people trying to make it, because we know the only numbers that really matter are the ones in your economy.
The interview started with an overview of how the pandemic has affected women in the workplace:
Women have quit their jobs at record levels during the pandemic as they took on more responsibilities at home, including child care. Over a million women were missing from the labor force in January compared to February 2020, according to the National WOmen’s Law Center, while men have regained their losses. But on the other hand, the number of companies founded by women during periods before and during the pandemic grew 27%, according to a study by LinkedIn.
Then the interview continues by describing what boudoir is and what I do at the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio:
Liz Hansen is the owner of Chicago Boudoir Photography in Evanston, Illinois, where she specializes in a “Victoria’s Secret-style photo shoot experience for the everyday woman.” Women come into her studio to celebrate themselves or feel empowered, Hansen said.
Her clients range in age from 20s to 60s.
“I’ve had a woman who was 69 years old who came into the studio. She was celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary and wanted to create an album for the love of her life.”
Next, I talk about how the pandemic has affected my business:
Hansen opened her business in 2018 but had to shut down in March 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions, and that “was a really scary time for me.”
“As a photographer, I don’t make any money if I don’t take pictures, and I can’t take pictures if the person doesn’t come into the studio,” she said. Fortunately, that didn’t last long. Hansen secured a Paycheck Protection Program loan and was able to reopen in June. “There was this pent-up demand, and suddenly I had all kinds of clients.”
Her situation at home was changing, too. When the pandemic hit, Hansen’s husband, who works for a big university, started working from home for the first time, and that led to changes with child care.
“We basically had a flip-flop in roles; he became the lead parent and the lead child care provider, while I started spending more time in the studio shooting clients and running my business.”
That’s helping Hansen expand her business — she’s added hair and makeup artists to her team, training a new photographer and is looking for a bigger space as well.
“We’re excited to see what’s ahead.”
I talked to two producers leading up to this recording and both were super awesome to work with and interested to hear about boudoir and what I do at the photo studio. I listen to NPR all the time, so it was such a privilege to be on the air!