Empowering Women through photography is one of the best parts of my job.
No seriously!!!
Photography has the power to uplift, empower, and tell a story in a single frame.
That’s exactly what I set out to do with my Women’s History Month Headshot Project — capturing the confidence, beauty, and strength of 31 remarkable women.
This project wasn’t just about taking photos; it was about creating a space where women could show up as their authentic selves and shine.
Get to know this wonderful group of gals!
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Empowering Women Through Photography
Barefoot Escapades & Barefoot Fitness ~ Sarah S.
Hi y’all, I am a full-time Entrepreneurship teacher who has transformed my passions into two exciting ventures.
After discovering fitness at 35 while balancing motherhood, I fell in love with CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting—eventually competing, winning state and national titles, and even setting records.
My athletic journey sparked a love for travel, inspiring me to launch Barefoot Escapades.
I have created a travel agency that uncovers the magic of new cities and cultures while finding great value in every trip.
With Barefoot Fitness, I share strength and fitness insights to empower women over 40, encouraging them to pursue their goals—whether it’s a hobby, business venture, or their own mental and physical strength.
What inspires you most about being a woman in your industry?
Empowerment – both for myself and for my clients!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women pursuing their dreams?
Don’t let others opinions determine your choices.
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Connect – Instagram
Vivid Expressions ~ Janel B.
I’m Janel, a creative consultant, artist, designer, and coach passionate about helping individuals and businesses infuse creativity into their lives and work. Through art-integrated coaching, workshops, artwork, and event & floral design, I empower creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to design with confidence, attract the right opportunities, and build thriving, purpose-driven businesses. My mission is to help others break through creative blocks, embrace their unique artistic voice, and turn big ideas into reality—without burnout or self-doubt.
What inspires you most about being a woman in your industry?
What inspires me most about being a woman in my industry is the ability to bring a unique blend of intuition, artistry, and leadership into spaces where creativity and vision are essential. As a female creative consultant, artist, and coach, I love helping other women embrace their full potential, break past limitations, and confidently lead with both purpose and innovation. I’m inspired by the power of storytelling through design, the connections I build with clients, and the ability to transform ideas into meaningful, unforgettable experiences. Being a woman in this industry means I get to redefine success on my own terms—balancing creativity, strategy, and personal fulfillment while empowering others to do the same.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women pursuing their dreams?
No two people see the world the same, and you’ve been given your unique talents, experiences, and perspective for a reason—that makes it valuable. The world needs what ONLY you can bring. Don’t wait for permission or for everything to be ‘perfect’ before taking action. Growth happens in the doing and cultivating of the community that’s right for you. Stay true to your passion, embrace the journey (challenges and all), and remember that success isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold—it’s about creating a path that aligns with your purpose, joy, and unique brilliance.
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HRNG Hampton Roads Networking Group ~ Markella M.
Hi! I’m Markella and I have an addiction to Networking – so much so that I made it my life’s work. My two favorite things are meeting & connecting people and having events. Through HRNG, I’ve been able to bring these things together and make it fun for people to connect (so it doesn’t FEEL like networking). My husband, daughter, 2 dogs, 2 cats and I live in Virginia Beach.
What inspires you most about being a woman in your industry?
What inspires me is seeing the transformation taking place now with Moms in the workplace. When I was a brand-new Mom, it was so difficult for me to network. I couldn’t make the 7:30am or 8am events, or the after-work events. I was transporting my daughter to and from daycare, and my husband worked nights. Besides that, I was so tired, the thought of working beyond my normal day was exhausting. I noticed networking wasn’t really made for working parents, especially Moms. So I made my events a little different. The hours a little bit later, and they are not always the same time or place. Some events are daytime, some are afternoon, some are after work. Some are structured, some aren’t. Not everyone likes the same things, and so our events don’t always have the same exact people every time.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women pursuing their dreams?
Go for it! Don’t listen to the critics or the naysayers. They are probably just jealous. Usually the only thing holding you back is your own fear. You can reinvent yourself at any age. I did it at 48. After 25 years in Sales & Advertising combined. So glad I did. Remember once you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up.
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Release Your Radiance ~ Sharonda M.
I’m a mindset shifter transforms hearts to unleash their radiant potential. I have led leadership development and personal growth company where I love helping high achieving leaders and teams and especially woman, expand their vision of themselves, overcome their emotions and change the way they think so that they can embody their true potential and worth. In doing so, this helps them get out of their heads and into the heart of who they are so that they thrive from inner fulfillment instead of external achievement or praise. Whether you’re looking to find your voice, awaken to who you are, or share your story, I’m here to guide you in becoming the next level of YOU!
What inspires you most about being a woman in your industry?
Being an example who what it looks like when a woman owns her voice, embraces vulnerability and lets her heart shine for maximum impact.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women pursuing their dreams?
The arrival of the person you can become is waiting for your departure of the person you pretend to be.
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The Coaching Center for Mind Training and Success ~ Lisa S.
For 29 years I’ve helped people struggling with unwanted habits and behaviors (such as unhealthy eating or anxiety) to quickly and permanently change them–without having to rely on fleeting and elusive “willpower.” I do this by using–and teaching them–little-known but very effective brain-rewiring methods that automatically replace the old behaviors with the new, more favorable ones.
What inspires you most about being a woman in your industry?
I think what inspires me the most is connecting with other women and the willingness they have–more so than men–to explore and use alternative methods for health improvement–whether it’s mental health or physical health.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women pursuing their dreams?
We ALL have inner blocks and Saboteurs that get in the way of us taking and sustaining actions that will help us achieve our dreams, so you NEED to seek out resources that will help you identify what they are and lessen their influence. Working with a great coach who is trained (and effective) in doing this will be the FASTEST way to do so, so allocate time and money to get that help–then you can reach those dreams sooner and set new ones!
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Love What You See? Want to Have Your Own Session?!
If you loved seeing how we are Empowering Women Through Photography – Wh-hoo!!!
We would LOVE to help you tell the story of your business and show the world what makes you amazing!
Feel free to message us by hitting the { CONTACT ME } button or by give a ring at 757-749-5350.
Can’t wait to create some magic for y’all!
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