Meet Film Maker Saskia, who after a 3 year career break wanted to go it alone…with a little help from Successful Mums, she made it happen!

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER BEFORE YOU HAD CHILDREN?

“I studied cultural anthropology and an MA documentary film. Before I had my son, I worked as a freelance filmmaker, filming mainly for charities. I also worked at the University looking after camera equipment and helping film students.”

HOW LONG WAS YOUR CAREER BREAK BEFORE STARTING THE COURSE?

“I had been on a career break for 3 and a half years.  I knew I wanted to photograph and film families and brands. I wanted to be my own boss and have creative freedom, so the Successful Mums course was a great platform to make it happen!”

WHY DID YOU JOIN THE SUCCESSFUL MUMS COURSE?

“I didn’t know anything about starting or running a business and had no idea where to start with the marketing!  So the Digital and Social Media for Business Course seemed like the ideal place to start. It has already been so valuable and I am super excited to be running my first marketing campaign.”

What were your top 3 challenges before starting the course?

“Firstly, I didn’t really know where to start with setting up a business. The prospect seemed a bit overwhelming.

Secondly, I really needed the confidence boost that would show me, I can make my photography and film business work and that I can turn my passion into a viable business.

Thirdly, I had no idea how to market my business and the thought of marketing didn’t really appeal to me and isn’t something that comes naturally.”

How did the course help with these challenges?

“The course really helped give me the tools and structure I needed to set up my business. It was so useful that it was broken down into manageable steps. Setting up the business, certainly felt far less daunting. It also gave me such a confidence boost to be pursuing my passion and seeing it all take shape. I am also so grateful for meeting the other wonderful women on the course. It’s a great support network and we all wanted to see each other succeed.”

What did you take away from the course?

“I really appreciated getting feedback on my ideas from the group, this helped me shape them and take the ideas further. It made me set, and actually reach my goals. I started the course with an idea in my mind, but left with a logo, social media profiles, a business plan, a clear direction and the confidence to really do it!”

How would you describe the course?

“Extremely helpful in breaking down all the steps to help you start up your business. It also helps you to push through and take action on your ideas. I also can only say good things about our Trainer, the Guest Speakers and the support Successful Mums offers to the people on the course.”

What would your top tip be for anyone looking to start a business?

“Definitely register for a Successful Mums Business Start-up or Digital Marketing course! Believe in yourself, go for it and chase your dreams!”

What does your business do?

“I am a documentary family and branding photographer and filmmaker. I capture true memories, a slice of life. So no awkward posing, colourful coordinated outfits of you all staring into the camera. When you look at your photographs you won’t think of it as the day you had a photography session, but you will see your real family life. I photograph your Sunday pancake baking, how you held your little one after he fell down, the tickles with full belly laughs or how you read your children their bedtime stories.

I personally think it is such a great gift you can give your children; photographs and films of true childhood memories. I don’t only want to photograph and film young families, but I also want to portray the (great)grandparents. A really special type of film I make are ‘Life Story Films’ where I capture a part of someone’s life story, for example of how they fell in love or what their own childhood was like.

For my branding photography, I help businesses tell their personal brand story. Again not the staged type of photography (or films) but I will show your customers the person behind the business, taking them to the places that inspire you or help you recharge. Lift the curtain and show a true behind the scenes story. You can show how you carefully craft your ceramics or how you make those delicious sourdough breads!

With my pictures and films, I want to convey the passion and love you have for your work and I do this in a natural and relaxed way.”

How can we find out more about your business?

“You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and on my website.”

If like Saskia you have a passion that you’d like to turn into a business, join us on one of our courses. Find out more HERE and make it happen!