“I want to show people that Muslim women do not need to be dark, drab and hidden in the background. They can be vibrant and full of life.”

— Naijla F

Meet Naijla, whose radiance captivates everyone she encounters. We were fortunate to meet through her participation in the Women's Emerging Leaders program held by HandsOnWSNC. With an undeniable aura of professionalism and warmth, Naijla effortlessly embodies the qualities of someone you can't help but be interested in engaging with. Her confidence is evident in the way she carries herself, a testament to her unwavering belief in her abilities and the value she brings to any conversation or setting.

As a Muslim woman, Naijla fearlessly challenges stereotypes, breaking free from the misconceptions that often surround her identity. With her choice of vibrant clothing and hijabs, she stands testament to the fact that Muslim women need not be confined to dark, drab colors or hidden in the background. Instead, she boldly embraces her faith and cultural heritage, showcasing the beauty and diversity that exists within her community.

Naijla's infectious smile and laughter are windows into her genuine joy and zest for life. Her laughter resonates with an undeniable authenticity, revealing her inner light and uplifting those around her. Approaching Naijla feels natural and effortless, as her kind nature instantly puts others at ease. Whether engaging in discussions about leadership, diversity, or the challenges faced by women, Naijla's unique perspective and unwavering positivity make her an inspiring voice worth listening to.

Naijla serves as a beacon of inspiration. Through her unapologetic presence, she breaks down barriers and opens doors for others to follow. Her professional demeanor, combined with her vibrant spirit, exemplify the power of embracing one's true self and refusing to be defined by societal norms giving true empowerment to our differences and embracing the full spectrum of our identities.

With a laugh and mischievous grin, Martha looked across the table at me “Do you know someone called me disarming?” Her smile grew. “I didn’t know what to think when they said that but they finally explained that they see me as someone who easily takes down [people’s] walls.” After knowing Martha for almost a year, I had to agree. She’s someone who you instantly relax around and want to share a sweet tea with, sitting in rocking chairs on a front porch staring at the humming birds that are frequenting the bushes along the railing. At the same time, however, Martha is as professional as professional gets. She cares deeply for the clients she serves through SpotOn, only wanting them to have the helpful tools at their disposal.

Not too long ago, Martha and I got together to plan out her headshot session. “I want two photographs - one that shows my serious side and another that reflects a not-so-serious Martha. I need to look professional but I like how I look when I laugh and smile.”

“I need to look professional but I like how I look when I laugh and smile.”

— Martha C.

To best serve her needs, I decided to take a few contemporary headshots without her SpotOn equipment that could focus on her friendly demeanor. Then, I wanted to incorporate her SpotOn equipment so she could have personalized photographs that matched the content she shares online, to use in her marketing materials and for a unique way to stand out in her Zoom conference calls.

Since delivering her final headshots, Martha has been using them any place she can. She even shared that she’s never gotten so many compliments on a photograph of herself. I was with her one day when she was sharing about her new headshots to some peers in our networking circles and she began to tear up as she expressed her gratitude for putting her insecurities to rest. “The photographs are wonderful and I'm happy to have them, especially since I've been using the same single photo across the board for way too long.” 

It’s always a special opportunity to help boost someone’s confidence and give them an extra mental edge when they market their work using one of their new headshots. It’s even sweeter when we get to work with people we know and get to see the continuing results!

Anika Rowe, a newly licensed real estate agent affiliated with Caldwell Banker, recently booked her headshot session with us to enhance her online presence and elevate her professional image. With the intention of utilizing her headshots for the company website and her business cards, Anika wanted to make sure her headshot would convey her approachablility, friendliness and her relaxed, yet professional, demeanor.

During our initial consultation, it was easy to see Anika’s determination and her desire to delve deep into the real estate network so she could truly serve her clients well. We loved how direct she was as she voiced her desire to maximize her networking opportunities, explained her plan to market herself extensively, and her strategy to establishing connections with a wide range of industry peers. Her intention was clear: to be a driving force in her industry, readily accessible, and open to conversations with anyone seeking real estate guidance.

To capture the essence of Anika's aspirations, we crafted her headshot session with a visual narrative that reflected her vibrant energy and professional drive. Her desire to be actively involved in serving her clients being present out in the field, rather than confined to a desk, led us to avoiding plain backgrounds for her headshots. Anika agreed this was a fitting approach for her! We carefully considered the locations, ensuring they encapsulated Anika's commitment to being active and engaged. From urban landscapes to refined, minimalistic settings, each location was handpicked to resonate with her prospective clients, evoking a sense of trust, familiarity, and confidence.

With a meticulously curated wardrobe that exuded professionalism while retaining a touch of her approachable nature, Anika's outfits perfectly complemented her strengths, further reinforcing her brand identity. Her palpable drive, radiant smile, relaxed postures, and friendly expressions conveyed warmth - which will make it easy for potential clients to envision themselves having an enjoyable experience selling or buying their house with her!

Throughout the session, we worked collaboratively to create headshots that not only represented her current goals but also embodied her potential for growth and expansion. We aimed to capture the genuine connection she would establish with her clients, showcasing her dedication to understanding their needs and providing unparalleled service. Looking back at her session, the whole experience was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her real estate career. Anika is now well-positioned to realize her professional goals, connecting with a diverse network of individuals and solidifying her reputation as an accessible and trusted partner in the real estate industry!

“I want to be as me as I can be.”

— - Donna M.

“I don’t think I’ve ever reschedule for a jacket before…” I thought to myself. I was intrigued.

The impression I’d gotten from Donna over the phone was of a spunky, confident woman who was ambitiously taking on her new headshots as a form of celebrating who she is.

My intrigue grew the more I thought about it, “it must be quite the jacket!”

Greeting her from the front the door as she pulled into the parking lot, I waited to help her carry in her items. She parked, swiftly stepping out her car door in black leather pants, her feathered walnut hair fluttering with the quick movement. A friendly ruby red smile smile grew on her face as she waved back at me quickly snagging a black hangup bag. Her words rang true, “I like to be out of the box - a non traditional person. I don’t want to blend in.” Blend in she didn’t, she had the presence of a rock guitarist.

As we settled her into the studio, I kept the corner of my eye on the black garment bag. Now hanging on the rack, it was taunting me - ready to be opened as we focused on recapping her goals for her headshots.

“I have two jackets,” Donna said. “I don’t like this first one as much. The one I was waiting on is the one I want most of my photos in. It’s me.”

She drug the zipper swiftly, a periwinkle leather blazer sleeve unfurling out of the opening.

I could tell she truly meant that this periwinkle piece was a backup - her lips pursing for a quick moment. But then… her eyes lit up as she reached into the back of the bag, bringing forth a patterned piece that boldly made a statement. The zebra leather patches perfectly complimented the black and white Chanel styled tweed and black leather segments marvelously.

It was, indeed, a perfect fit for Donna.

As she slipped the jacket on it seemed as though, simultaneously, she was donning another layer of confidence. Her shoulders sat more squarely. She held herself taller. The sparkle in her eyes stayed constant. My smile grew larger, knowing she would show up as every bit of the spunky, confident woman ready to celebrate herself that she wanted to.

Professional headshot for Donna, a technical publications manager. | Winston-Salem Headshot Photographer | Jasper & Fern

Professional headshot for Donna, a technical publications manager. | Winston-Salem Headshot Photographer | Jasper & Fern

Professional headshot for Donna, a technical publications manager. | Winston-Salem Headshot Photographer | Jasper & Fern

Professional headshot for Donna, a technical publications manager. | Winston-Salem Headshot Photographer | Jasper & Fern