Céline Ricci - Founder of Ars Minerva & Executive Artistic Director

As a photographer for Céline Ricci and her opera company, Ars Minerva, I've had the privilege of working with one of the most talented and inspiring artistic directors in the industry. Over the past four years, I've captured the beauty and grandeur of Minerva's productions through my photography for their posters, newspaper publications, and brochures.

Opera “ASTIANATTE” 2022

Céline Ricci - Founder / Executive Artistic Director.

When I first started working with Céline, I was struck by her creative vision and her attention to detail. She had a clear idea of the look and feel she wanted for each production, and she was always willing to collaborate with me to ensure that my photos captured the essence of her artistic vision.

Working with Céline has also given me the opportunity to push my own boundaries as a photographer. Her productions are always visually stunning, with elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and captivating lighting. Capturing these elements in my photos has challenged me to find new ways of framing and composing my shots, and has forced me to think creatively about how to convey the richness and depth of Ars Minerva's productions through my photography.

Opera “MESSALINA” 2021

Friends of Ars Minerva can celebrate a significant milestone as the company reaches its tenth anniversary. In March 2013, Céline drafted a business plan that envisioned a company devoted to bringing forgotten operas of the past to contemporary audiences. After two years of development, Minerva presented its first opera production, La Cleopatra, and has been continuously producing ever since. In addition to seven opera productions, Minerva has presented numerous concerts, online programs, and Ars Minerva Editions.

Opera “ERMELINDA” 2019

Happy 10th Anniversary! Looking back over the past few years, I feel grateful for the experiences and opportunities that working with Céline and Ars Minerva has given me. Every production has been a unique and unforgettable experience. I feel fortunate to have been able to contribute to Ars Minerva's artistic vision through my photography, and I look forward to continuing to work with Céline and her team to bring their productions to life in the years to come.

CPB: Dr. Jae Reed DC - NET (Neuro Emotional Technique) practitioner

I met Dr. Jae Reed in BNI a few years ago and we became business referral partners first. At that time I didn’t know what is NET - Neuro Emotional Technique. After explaining how his healing work helps others to let go of pain, fears, triggers, procrastination, and even unwanted behaviors, I decided to try too. I had an unexplained driving phobia and couldn’t make myself sit down behind the wheel. So I became Dr. Reed’s patient and in 10 sessions I was driving with confidence, got my driving license, and a new car.

My curiosity to use this technique in my self-development journey brought me unspeakable results in my health, relationship, and career. Today I would like to share with you my personal project “Creative People in Business” this brilliant man and his talent help people to be the best version of themselves.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Reed for the gift of being his patient, friend, and business partner.

1.  How did you discover NET?

My Mom made me do it. I always had big dreams but too much social anxiety. There was a chiropractor giving free NET demos at an event, and for My mom, I forced myself to do it. That one tiny bit of NET got rid of a stuttering problem I had right away, and I couldn’t wait to do more.

2.  What is NET?

It is a stress relieving technique that gets rid of fears, phobias, unwanted repetitive thoughts and feelings and other kinds of stress quickly and efficiently.

3.  One of your success stories?

I had a patient so afraid of spiders when he saw a tiny one in his car he jumped out of the car on a bridge and tried to wave down other drivers to stop and kill the spiders. He still doesn’t love spiders, but he can stay calm until he reaches a safe spot to pull over and gently remove the spider back to the outside. 

Time you wake up: 6:00 to 6:30 am

Morning routine: Coffee or Tea, Chat with partner, get ready for work, arrive at work, meditate, read and that’s it!

Best habit: Not taking anything personally

Worst habit: Too generous with time and money

Personal philosophy: It all comes out in the wash, so don’t sweat it.

Book you are reading now: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention- And How to Think Deeply Again.  By Johann Hari

Most used apps: Sleep Cycle

Time you go to sleep: 10:00

www.AzureSkyChiro.com
info@azureskychiro.com
(510) 693-3723

Headshot Day in support of UKRAINE 🇺🇦

My son started Kindergarten this year- a big milestone for every child and their parents. It is heartwarming to see him being excited about his school and teachers, bringing back home fun schoolwork and art pieces, and sharing how he enjoyed recess at the playground. Not every child in Ukraine has that opportunity right now. 

The current events in Ukraine remind me of an important blessing that I take for granted; the peaceful sky overhead while I drop my son off at school each day. Many children in Ukraine do not have this anymore, and schools in many cities have been destroyed.

I am proud to be a sponsor of the PWIC Global Impact Music & Art Benefit for Ukraine event. The fundraising event will be held on October 9th at Webster Hall SF to help raise money to rebuild schools in Bucha, Ukraine. To support their efforts, I will be donating headshot sessions. All of the proceeds from these sessions will go to this fundraiser. 

Please, sign up HERE if you would like a new headshot session with me by donating to PWIC Global Impact. 

Thank you for your interest and please feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested in attending the Music & Art Benefit for Ukraine event on October 9th, 2022, or would like to get new headshots on November 5th, 2022.

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Why having a good headshot is essential for your business

With the rise of social media, it's now easier than ever for potential customers and clients to find out more about you and your business. That's why having a good headshot is essential. It's basically your "calling card" in the online world. Potential customers and clients will use your headshot to form their first impression of you, so it's important that it conveys the right message.

1. A good headshot should be well-lit, professionally composed, and should show you at your best.
2. It should convey confidence and approachability, and give viewers a sense of who you are as a person.
3. A headshot that is professional can help convey trustworthiness, competence, and professionalism.
4. Your business portrait should be recent so that it accurately represents how you currently look.
5. Headshots can also be used on your website, business cards, and other marketing materials. Having a consistent headshot across all of your marketing channels helps create a professional look for your business.


In short, a good headshot can make all the difference in how you're perceived by potential customers and clients online. So if you're serious about building your business, invest in a good headshot today.

Why Headshot Photography?

If you read my previous post about How I became a photographer [HERE], then I want to let you know that I didn’t choose to be a headshot photographer, either. Headshot photography took me by surprise, which I humbly integrated into my career, and eventually, it occupied all of my photographic career. 

I moved to San Francisco back in 2009. At that time, my English wasn’t very strong. Despite my lack of confidence in my English language skills, I refused to give up on portrait photography. I decided to start with Craigslist. I made a post offering portrait, wedding, family, and newborn photography services.

One of my first requests was from a guitarist who was preparing for a tour to South America and needed new headshots. 

“What is a headshot?” I went to my dictionary and read the translation “shooting someone in the head”. Thank you Craigslist, but no thank you!

When I told my husband about this creepy email, he burst into uncontrollable laughter. “No, honey, she is not a Craigslist weirdo, a headshot is a type of portrait photography for actors or professionals”. 

I met the guitarist in person for a consultation, and to my surprise, she spoke my language! I got so excited about the opportunity to work with her and asked if she would like a whole creative photoshoot as well as getting a new headshot. 

The result of our photoshoot exceeded all of her expectations. She was so impressed! She asked me why I don’t work with musicians from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. “What conservatory?”,  I asked. She offered, “I will take you there and introduce you to my instructors and friends.”

That’s how I was introduced to musicians and opera singers. I hadn’t known that I lived just 15 minutes from SFCM. I found out that students have recitals almost every evening, open to the public… for free. I took a program for a whole semester and would go to listen to live classical music. I made friends with the musicians there and invited them to be my models for test shoots and assignments while I pursued my MFA at the Academy of Art University. 

To this day, classical musicians and opera singers are my favorite and most loyal clients. I often find that a simple headshot session can result in inspirational portraits. 

That’s not the end of the story. There are more things to be grateful for from that Craigslist post. The guitarist was Arina Burceva. During her tour to South America, she got approached by many publications, and that is how my work became published for the first time, in a Peruvian music magazine.

Thank you Craigslist! Thank You Arina Burceva! Thank you San Francisco Conservatory of Music! Thank you to all my friends and clients for trusting my skills. I hope my photography brings you success in your career and personal life. 

Photography Chose Me

When I am asked why I chose photography as a profession, I always answer that I didn’t choose it. Photography chose me. 

I was born in Lithuania, one of the greenest countries in Europe. My teen dream was to become a fashion designer and study at the Academy of Art of Vilnius. However, I was sure the doors were closed for me due to not having the right connections, money, or even talent. 

After graduating from Pedagogical University I didn’t know what to do with my life. During that time I was in a relationship with a guy who was a graphic designer and owned a marketing company as a family business. One time, looking at my images taken after a vacation together with a pocket digital camera he said, “You know, you take great images.”

 “Yeah, so what?”, without much interest, I answered. He said, “Wait, you don’t understand the seriousness. I’m not just complimenting you here. I see that you have an eye for composition, light, and angle. Why don’t you consider working with me in marketing? Take some photography classes, and maybe potentially, afterward, we will hire you as a photographer for our company.” 

For a young person right out of college who had no idea what career to pursue, this felt like destiny calling me, directly and loudly. I searched for a photography school in my hometown and found a two-year program at City College. The timing was perfect. It was right during new student enrollment, and I got accepted easily. 

After the first semester of photography school, my boyfriend and I broke up, but I am still in a strong relationship with photography, and my headshot business in San Francisco Bay Area is proof of that. 

How Often Should You Update Your Headshots?

A headshot is a professional portrait that is usually used for business purposes. Many people have headshots taken when they first start out in their careers, and then never update them. However, it is important to keep your headshot up-to-date, as it should be an accurate representation of how you look today. There are a few different factors to consider when deciding how often to update your headshots.

First, think about how often your appearance changes. If you have a significant change in hairstyle or make-up, then it may be time for a new headshot.

Second, consider how long it has been since your last headshot. Even if you don't look drastically different, it is still a good idea to update your headshot every few years to ensure that it looks current.

Third, think about how you will be using your headshot. If you plan on using it for professional purposes, such as on a website or on a business card, then you will want to make sure that it looks its best.

Updating your headshot regularly ensures that you always have an accurate and professional representation of yourself.

The benefits of having updated headshots

When it comes to headshots, many people think that any old picture will do. However, in today's business world, having an up-to-date headshot can be a real asset. A headshot is essentially a business portrait, and it conveys a sense of professionalism and competence.

In addition, an up-to-date headshot can help you stand out from the competition. Whether you're looking for a new job or trying to attract new clients, investing in professional headshots is always a good idea.

1. Business headshots are an important part of having a polished and professional image, whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or c-suite executive.

2. A headshot can be used on your website, social media profiles, business cards, and marketing materials - giving potential customers and clients a clear picture of who you are and what you do.

3. In today's digital world, first impressions are everything, and a high-quality headshot is an essential part of making a good one. Hiring a professional photographer to update your headshots on a regular basis (every 1-2 years) is a great investment in your personal brand. Not only will you always have up-to-date headshots that reflect your current look, but you'll also have peace of mind knowing that you're presenting the best possible version of yourself to the world.

Career Change and a New Headshot

So you're thinking of making a career change. Congratulations! That can be a really exciting time, full of new opportunities and possibilities. But before you start applying for jobs in your new field, there's one important task you'll need to take care of: getting new headshots.

Your headshot is often the first impression potential employers will have of you, so it's important to make sure it's a good one. Gone are the days when a candid snapshot from your friend's birthday party would suffice - these days, you'll need a professional headshot that looks like a business portrait.

Fortunately, you are on the right website! Our studio specializes in professional headshots in the San Francisco Bay Area. Click BOOK NOW and get ready to start your new career off on the right foot!

More than a Business Portrait Photoshoot

My first experience with professional photography was back in 2004. Not as a photographer, but as a model. I was sitting in a restaurant with friends when a guy approached me and asked if I was a model because he would like to have my phone number and to invite me for his new hair catalog photoshoot. At first, I thought it was some kind of cheesey hook-up line and I started laughing. 

At that time, like many young people, I had a poor self-image and would not dare to think about myself as a model. But he truly was a professional hairstylist and he was very serious with his proposal. 

I gave him my phone number and next week we met in his hair salon for a photoshoot production. There was a professional photographer, make-up artist, hair stylists and about 12 other models, some of them professionals from an agency. The whole time, I was very nervous, and fearful that I was going to embarrass myself, because I didn’t know how to pose in front of the camera. 

Each model had about 30 minutes of shoot time with the photographer. When it was my turn, I was asked to sit down on a chair and after ten minutes she said: “I think we're done, I already got great shots of you”. It was easy and quick, and the portraits exceeded my expectations. This experience changed my whole belief system about my appearance, and took away my fear of the camera. 

I knew that the success of those portraits was thanks to professional make-up, hair and most importantly - the skillful direction of the photographer. I didn’t have to do anything except listen to her guidance: “Bring your chin up, a bit to the left… now look this way… bring your shoulder closer…”.  In those 10 minutes, the photographer improved my confidence ever since. That is the power of a truly professional portrait photographer. It’s not only about having an expensive camera, knowledge of equipment and composition, it's about a flow of direction, like in filming movies.

Two years passed. I decided to learn and pursue my own career in the direction of portrait photography. I knew that, along with studying technical and composition rules, I needed to master direction skills, so the person in front of me, the subject of a photoshoot, doesn’t have to do anything, except just enjoy the photoshoot experience and be amazed by the results. 

As a headshot photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area, I work with real people who usually don’t have modeling or acting skills. Typically, they are professionals or small business owners. Getting their headshot is for their marketing needs, and not necessarily a fun thing they are looking forward to doing. That is why my job as a professional photographer is to acknowledge their beliefs of being “unphotogenic” and not knowing how to pose. I explain to them that it is a photographer's job to guide you through the whole session process and make you look like you would look on the best day of your life. 

Personal Headshot Style

When I opened up my Headshot Studio in San Francisco back in 2015, I had already established my signature style. Before that, I would work on creating unique and creative portraits for each client, but more often, I would hear requests like “Can I have a headshot like this, I like the dark background”. And they would point to the style I loved the most: Headshots on a dark background.

The headshots on a dark background always look so sophisticated, strong, and confident. My website is built with a clear message about my style. I want my clients to be confident knowing the quality and exceptional results they will get. There is no guessing game. My brand style conveys my skills as trustworthy and reassuring. While incorporating many different backdrop color choices - the results always speak about professionalism, confidence, and desire for success.

Why Hire a Corporate Headshot Photographer?

A corporate headshot is more than just a picture of an employee's face. It's an important part of the company's brand and should be given the same attention as any other marketing material.

A professional headshot photographer will know how to capture the essence of the person in the photo and convey the desired message of the company. They will also have the technical skills to produce a high-quality image that can be used on everything from business cards to website banner ads.

In today's competitive business world, it's essential for companies to have a strong online presence, and professional headshots are a key part of creating that presence. By investing in a professional headshot photographer, companies can ensure that their employees are represented in the best possible light.

Matching professional headshots that look similar to existing team portraits

For the past few months, I have noticed a trend in my headshot inquiries that looks something like this: “I started a new job and my firm would like me to get a professional headshot that looks similar to their existing team photos (please see link below). Would you be able to take such photos of me with a similar background?” My answer is YES! It is not only a matter of matching the background, but also lighting technique and editing style. 

Right now a lot of people still prefer to work remotely from home. This opens up an opportunity to employ new team members nationwide, even globally. It’s understandable that if a company has already established a visual brand on their website and social media, they want to keep it consistent. Looking for a photographer that is skillful in matching lighting and editing style might not be an easy task. 

Contact me if your office or company needs help with matching headshots with existing ones. 

Career change and new headshots

Are you considering a career change? Are you in the market for new headshots?

In today's professional world, it's important to keep your image up-to-date. Having updated headshots can help you make a great first impression with potential employers or clients. So, if you're thinking about making a career change, be sure to get some new headshots as well! You'll be glad you did.

To schedule your new business portrait in our studio CLICK HERE or call 415-400-9212.

CPB: Kenneth Kellogg - Opera Singer

My Name is Kenneth Kellogg. I am a husband, father, and Opera Singer. The first of those 2 are the most important but when I’m not actively doing either of those I sing opera. This essentially means, I spend a lot of time working on my craft. I collaborate with a team that helps me train to be at my best when I perform. I have regular voice lessons and spend a lot of time at the piano working on learning opera roles that I get to perform on stages across the world. I travel from city to city, country to country meeting and making music for other artists with the hope of moving audiences that come to hear us.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music? Where have you found the support you've needed to start and grow? 

Early on, it was amazing music teachers that inspired me to pursue music. Now it’s Music that inspires me to continue to pursue music. I’ve found support in friends and family who love me beyond  and despite my musical endeavors, and in those people who love music and appreciate what I have to offer to it through my love and dedication to the craft.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

The greatest challenge for me in this career is the time I have to spend away from my family. When I go on the road for work, my family travels with me sometimes but they also have lives at home that can’t and shouldn’t be disrupted. It gets harder and harder to leave home and my family to go on the road. But luckily I REALLY love what I do. 

Which performance are you most proud of? Why?

I’m most proud of the opera Blue by Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson. I was an opera that was written for me and it spoke to a lot of things that were happening in my community. It a really beautiful tragic story about a Black family and community and its the first time I’ve really been able to see people that “look” like me on stage in opera. It won the North American Critics Association Best New Opera of 2020. It has been a great vehicle to tell a poignant story.

What is your definition of success as an opera singer?

Success as a singer for me is to be able to work often, feel fulfilled, have fun, and surrender to the craft. 

Valentina Sadiul Photography 2021

Time you wake up: Most days at 6:30 am but it mostly depends on when one of the kids wakes up.

Morning routine: I spend sometime with the kids watching cartoons and having coffee before I make breakfast for the family and help get them ready for their day.

Best habit: I have to finish what I start.

Worst habit: (hahah) I have to finish what I start, I can get obsessive about it sometimes.

Personal philosophy: Everything has its purpose and I have to respect the things that are not mine.

Book you are reading now: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson

Most used apps: E-Trade, Robinhood, IG, Facebook

Time you go to sleep: Whenever I’m tired or finished what I’ve started during the day.

Kenneth_Kellogg@hotmail.com

www.Kennethkellogg.com

IG: Kenneth.kellogg and for Artwork: kenneth.kellogg.pen_to_paper

Twitter: kkellog79

Creative People in Business 2022

The pandemic allowed me to take a long break from my San Francisco Headshot Studio and look at my future from a different perspective. I’m so happy to come back to my business with new ideas and to pursue regular interviews with Creative People in Business about their values and fulfillment, not only in work, but also in their personal lives. 

 My life has changed since the first sharing of my habits and values in 2016, in Creative People in Business [READ HERE]. Right now, I am not only a professional photographer and networker, but also a wife, mother, and someone committed to serving my community. 

Time I wake up: 6 am
Morning routine: My morning starts with a 30-minute meditation, followed by journaling for 10-15 minutes. At 7 am I wake up my 5 year old son.  We cuddle, giggle and I tell him stories. Then we start preparing for the day: bath, breakfast, dressing, packing lunches, driving to preschool and then I go to work. 
Best habit: Regular Yoga practice
Worst habit: Not spending enough time getting sunshine and fresh air.
Philosophy: Easy does it
Book I am reading now: I used to be a true addict of self-help books. For the past couple of years, I pick one or two books for a whole year! I also read a daily affirmation book each day.
Most used apps: Google Calendar, Productive, Spending
What I do before going to bed: Spend time with my son until he falls asleep by reading or telling nighttime stories.
What time I go to sleep: If I don’t touch my phone, I am in bed by 9pm. If I just glance at it, that sucker will glue me to screen until 11pm, if not later. 

How Post Pandemic Changes Are Going

What a different world we are living in now. We meet with people mostly online or via Zoom and when we see them in person, we don’t see their faces. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought huge changes in our work and personal life. 

How has it been for me?

I have to admit that covid nearly ruined my photography business, but I haven’t felt so much gratitude before, in my life. The pandemic helped me to discover my toxic attitudes towards work, swinging between two extremes: from workaholism to total work anorexia. I will always remember the date of March 16, 2020, when San Francisco issued a shelter-in-place order. For me, this date is the birthday of my new journey to a more prosperous relationship with my career, time, and money. Around this time, I began to discover the meaning of workaholism. I could no longer be a proud workaholic. I began to see the dark side of my working life, where there was no balance between rest and work, where “living in the moment” was some kind of fantasy, and obsessive worries were my daily normal. Our culture glamorizes workaholism, but I could begin to see it for what it is in reality, a powerful addiction that eats you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

CPB: Joie Gharrity Founder - Brand Director, Content Producer, Author, and International Speaker

Joie Gharrity Founder of 113 Branding Digital Media Studio is a Brand Director, Content Producer, Author, and International Speaker. She worked in the Hollywood entertainment industry for 15+ years at top companies, in film, television, original web content, and branded entertainment. She was hand-picked by the ABC Studio President to launch the first multi-media startup business for The Walt Disney Company.

Joie was inspired to launch 113 Branding because she realized that most creative types were not focused on standing in their own Spotlight and selling themselves, which impacts their long-term success. She integrates her strategic branding and content development vision with both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry. She works with entrepreneurs and Hollywood directors both behind and in front of the camera. 

Time you wake up? 6:00 AM PST
Morning Routine: I do the Miracle Morning which includes meditation, reading, affirmations, journaling, business goal setting and exercise. 
My best habit: I consider mediation to be my strongest tool in my daily routine. It helps me to focus and set daily intentions that set my day up for success. 
Worst habit: I am not a good sleeper so I tend to go to bed late at night. 
Your personal philosophy: I truly believe that it is your birthright to stand in your Visibility and Influence Spotlight and shine bright. It has nothing to do with your last name or your vocation. It has everything to do with you living your true purpose, turning up your Visibility and Influence Spotlight and allowing it to shine.
Books you are reading: Choices to Changes by Sheila Keendy. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. 
What time do you go to sleep? 11:00 PM every night. 

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? 

I was inspired to launch 113 Branding because I realized that most creative types and entrepreneurs were not focused on standing in their own Spotlight and selling themselves, which impacts their long-term success. I was taught by high-level mentors in the Hollywood entertainment industry to embrace my Spotlight and grow my Visibility both online and offline. I am passionate about being of service and sharing my expertise with clients to help them gain Superstar Visibility and Influence in the marketplace. 

What do you enjoy about your work? 

I enjoy working alongside my clients and customizing the experience to fit them and their nature. I do not believe in one size fits all. I look forward to working with each new client because I know it will always be a fresh and unique experience. 

What is your one of the most rememberable success story?

I worked on the movie Independence Day which is one of the top-grossing films in movie history. 

Where have you found the support you've needed to start and grow?

I learned a valuable lesson from my mentors that there is no room for Lone Wolf behavior. So, tribe online and offline is a priority for me. The tribe is a constant source of support. 

What is the one of advice you would like to share with other entrepreneurs? 

Kick the Lone Wolf behavior to the curb. No one builds an empire on their own it really does take a village. 

E:  113branding@gmail.com
M: 415.735.5613
W: www.113branding.com

Social Media Links:

Amazon / Facebook / Facebook Group – Branding for Professional Business Women / Twitter / LinkedIn / Instagram

CPB: Sophie Personne - Relationship Expert, Best-selling Author of 'Your Other Half' & Speaker

I help people with relationship issues, either with other people (marriage, family members, etc.) or with themselves (anxiety, grief, trauma, …). I am also an Author and International Speaker, which I never thought I would enjoy when I first started out but I absolutely thrive from it. I don’t see my business as ‘work’ as it is so rewarding to be able to allow people to put their problems behind them and literally fly.

Time you wake up? Very early! Sometimes 4 or 5am as I am slightly better/ more creative in the morning.
Morning Routine: Dictated by the cat … He is from a rescue centre and very traumatised so he needs to be supervised when outside. So first thing in the morning, I will be found sat in my chair with a cup of tea, watching him and the world go by.
My best habit: I am very self-motivated so can find the strength to do things even when I don’t want to…
Worst habit: As per above! It means I can also be too hard on myself.
Your personal philosophy: Things happen for a reason and cannot be controlled. However, you can control the way you respond to them. Taking personal responsibility for your own life is essential.
Books you are reading: I go through phases where I read all the time/ cannot stop, and phases where I don’t at all. I am in non-reading phase at the moment.
What time do you go to sleep? Between 10:00 and 11:00.

What motivated you to become a relationship coach?

I am originally French and moved to the UK when I was 21. I studied at Portsmouth University and graduated in International Relations & Politics. I then worked in the security industry and my background=d is managerial. I took redundancy in 2012 and decided to set up events for single people on the South Coast of England (quirky events like wine tastings, ‘a night at the museum’, …). At the same time, I retrained in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and decided to start coaching single people as I had discovered whilst hosting the events that the mindset/ attitude of a number of people was key in them being single and not meeting ‘anyone’. I was then approached by couples, people having issues with teenagers, etc… I had a nervous breakdown in 2015 and started attracting people with anxiety and depression, which is what has led me to now help with relationship issues of all kinds, with others and the self. I think what inspired me to become an entrepreneur is that I no longer wanted to be employed and felt the corporate was no longer a good fit for me. I didn’t envisage at the beginning that I would have ended up doing what I’m doing now but I feel it was a natural evolution over time and right where I should be.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I think it’s the transformation that people go through. When you have been struggling for a while, sometimes without knowing that you were but wondering if there wasn’t any more to life, it is liberating to have dealt with the problem and quite literally life-changing. I find this very rewarding.

What is your one of the most rememberable recovery success story?

A young 17 year old guy had been struggling with anxiety issues from a very early age. His parents had tried just about everything and didn’t know where to turn anymore, it was particularly affecting the mother. Her son had a fear of dying, fear of people/ going outside of the house/ germs/ heights, etc… He would also be physically sick when he was anxious. Within 6 months, his life changed and he as able to travel on the train by himself, order lunch, go to the cinema (things he would not have been able to do on his own before). He now has his own business and has done public speaking in front of audiences of 50+ people, has gone abroad by himself etc…

Where have you found the support you've needed to start and grow?

I have found support in the people around me but ultimately, I have had to find it within myself. There were times where things were tough and I wanted to give up, or I was scared of the next big move and whilst the support was great, it was my own fears I had to face up to.

Tell us a bit about your new book.

‘Your Other Half’ is aimed at anyone who feels they would benefit to learn why they react the way they do as well as understanding why other people do what they do or say what they say. It is aimed at romantic relationships but would benefit all relationships. I believe everyone can make some easy tweaks in their own lives that would improve it overall and this is an easy way to learn how to do that.

What is the one of advice you would like to share with individuals who struggle in their love life? 

Go with your gut instinct and don’t listen to the so-called advice of friends and family… They mean well but they are just giving you their own opinions. If you aren’t happy with your circumstances (in a relationship or single), take responsibility and seek professional advice as to how you can get what you want.

Sophie Personne
Tel + 44 (0) 800 772 3742
www.sophiepersonne.com

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