We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Shinholser. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.
Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Despite everything in the back of my mind saying “you can’t make a living off of photography – it’s not reliable and it won’t pay the bills” I took a risk in 2017, and I quit my job at the local farm store. I decided to pursue Photography full-time. I was honestly worn OUT with school, a very full but part time job, and doing photo sessions for almost everyone I knew. My evenings & weekends were packed. The photo sessions kept getting more and more booked out…. they kept rollings in. With each booking, I couldn’t believe I was making money doing what I love! I fell deep & hard for my business. I was really able to prove my fears wrong: I WAS making a living by doing what I love. This COULD be reliable income if I committed myself to hard work. My business took off and I went full time in 2018, bought a house in 2019, and my business has grown and changed so much (just like me!) and it’s the best risk I’ve ever taken. I’m so grateful that my heart spoke louder than the fears in my mind.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I settled into being a wedding photographer and naturally drifted into the boudoir industry as my brides requested sessions for their soon to be husbands. I was always looking for a new creative outlet, and of course, ways to grow my business!
In late 2018, I had begun on my own personal self love journey to loving my body and becoming more true to myself. I began sharing my story on social media of what it was like getting out of a toxic relationship, and how I was focusing on loving myself first before loving others. I was taking control of my life, my thoughts, and actions. Claiming my personal power, creating my own reality and making room for my dreams to come true.
A huge part of this journey started with learning to love my body! I was being real & honest with people, and bringing this into my boudoir sessions. I was showing them that it’s okay to have insecurities, and that we DO have a choice when it comes to the way we treat ourselves. I was sharing my story, how I did things (like stepping out of my comfort zone and booking a boudoir session!), and what was working for me.
I was also showcasing women of all sizes. I was showing people that that no matter your size, you deserve to be photographed. You deserve to show love to yourself, despite what we’ve been taught by society. This was not being shown (from what I could see) in my area of Richmond, VA. There were lots of boudoir photographers but they were all focused on making women look a specific way. The standard of “sexy” was more common than letting their true selves shine through. I wanted to give women a space to be themselves. I incorporated realness, representation and my own story. People related to me. People opened up to me and felt safe in my presence. (and still do!)
In summer of 2019, I opened a photo studio (in my bedroom!) and by 2020 business was booming. There was a collective shift happening, especially for women. They were (and still are) ready to reclaim their bodies, thoughts, and power. I knew this was the direction I needed to take my business. Because it wasn’t just about making money. It was about helping women deeply and connecting to them as a whole. I watched a lot of people in the industry continue to photoshop and make women conform to the box of “sexy” – and there was no room for letting our natural bodies and personalities shine through. It was very cookie cutter. It didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to help women really SEE themselves in a new way, not to make them look like everyone else. I want women to gift this to themselves and have their confidence and beauty be in their hands – not someone else’s. To rely on their own inner voice & power, rather than external validation. I knew photos were a powerful way to do showcase this!
Over the years my work & experience has changed for the better. From starting with traditional boudoir to creating my own niche of Self Love Nature sessions. Every step of my business represents my own personal journey, the lessons I’ve learned and the wisdom I’ve gained. By starting this new chapter focusing on capturing women naturally outdoors, it gives us an opportunity to connect with something bigger than ourselves. Something beautiful and ever changing and powerful. We are a part of nature, and in nature we are perfect. There are no standards of beauty or opportunities to compare ourselves. The diversity is beautiful and vital with mother earth. There’s no pressure to be something that we’re not. There’s no expectations, there’s just existence & connection. We have everything we need within ourselves, and this is reflected by the earth.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Marketing for my business is only done through social media & word of mouth. I’ve never paid for any kind of advertising. I built my audience on social media by simply being myself. People crave real stories, vulnerability and something to connect to. I did my best to show up unfiltered and show my personality in my stories, share about my life, and be real AF with people. I let perfectionism go out the window because it was only hurting me. Of course, sometimes it creeps back in, but I remember: the real me is enough and my aligned clients will connect with her. I don’t need to be somebody that I’m not. I have nothing to prove. What’s meant for me will always come!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
There are many, but the #1 that has influenced my current thinking is the book called: “Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact” by Samantha Garcia
This book has helped me reshape my thinking behind business. I was caught up in hustle culture and being a “boss babe” and overworked myself and my nervous system. I let fear (of not making enough/doing enough) drive me, instead of my heart and soul purpose. It helps me appreciate the natural cycles of nature, my life & therefore my business. I work with the seasons and acknowledge the inevitable ebb & flow of my business. I hustle during some seasons, and rest during others. This framework ensures that I don’t experience burnout, that I allow time to pour into myself, and therefore I create a better experience for my clients and can always put my best self forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enlightenbyhannah.com
- Instagram: @enlightenbyhannah
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/enlightenbyhannah
Image Credits
Enlighten by Hannah