The next in the series of interviews with inspiring businesswomen is with Lauren McWilliams. Lauren is a brand photographer and visibility strategist who helps entrepreneurs and coaches stand out and get noticed.

Read on to find out all about her and her business.

What was your first job? Did you enjoy it?

My first job was working in an antiques centre. It was a huge warehouse filled with everything from glassware to pieces of beautiful furniture. I loved the idea of being more independent and making my own money at just 16, but looking back now, it was the first time I remember feeling imposter syndrome even though it wasn’t a term people understood back then

My job was to open up, speak to suppliers, serve customers, dust and sweep and then cash up and lock up at the end of the day. All of which felt like a huge responsibility.

Sometimes we had antique dealers flying in from all over the world to buy huge lots and arrange for them to be shipped back to their countries. Dealing with thousands of pounds in one single transaction, my heart would race. What if I messed up?!

It was interesting but I’m not sure I ever fell in love with the job. 

What do you do now? Is this what you originally trained to do?

I’m proud to say I’m now a brand photographer and visibility strategist working with entrepreneurs and coaches to help them step out of their comfort zone and stand out as the go-to in their industry.

It couldn’t be further from my degree and Masters in Criminology and The Criminal Justice System.

I started my business around five-and-a-half years ago after leaving behind my dream of becoming a probation officer due to burnout. It’s taken time but it was 100% the best move I ever made. I love the business I’ve created and the work I get to do every day now. 

Come and say hello on Instagram and LinkedIn.

How do your services help small business owners and entrepreneurs?

As a small business owner myself, I have been through the same challenges, fears, and celebrations as my clients. Everything I’ve learned has helped me to grow in confidence which is something I am passionate about helping my clients with.

I provide a mix of services from brand photography capturing their personality in images, to group membership The Visibility Rebellion. I also run events such as The Big Hype which is more about strategy and coaching business owners to develop their confidence, face their fears when it comes to being visible and finding their way of showing up rather than copying and repeating what everyone else is doing on the internet. 

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given? How did it help you?

“If not us, who? And if not now, when?” is something my coach often says and it’s so true. How do we ever expect our lives to change if we sit and wait?

I’m a big believer that if you want something, and believe in something, then you have the power to make it happen. Take the action and see the results. 

If you could give your 20-year-old self, one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Believe in yourself, girl. You are stronger, more driven and more capable than you know. You don’t need to rely on others to be your true self. 

Which do you prefer, tea or coffee? Beach or pool? Seaside or countryside?

I’m a bit of a cheat with this question! Coffee in the morning and then tea fuels me for the rest of the day. I love the beach and just being in nature. A walk along the beach or more recently a sea dip, a walk through the woods fills my soul. 

What’s your dream job or client?

I would love to do a photoshoot anywhere in Europe but more specifically Paris. Wandering through the cobblestone streets, cafes, along the river. This would be my happy place. 

If you’d like to read about more inspiring businesswomen, head over to the blog section.