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| Photo Credit: Tracy Allison, Edits by Jennifer Moher |
I've decided to do a feature for Josephine’s Creative Career Moms series
once a month. I’m planning to highlight amazing mothers who have followed their
dreams and developed creative careers.
This month I am so excited to introduce
Heather Coughlin of Calluna
Studios. I featured Heather back in April on Parent
Life Network, and can't wait for you to read more about her inspirational
journey as a mother turned photographer.
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
Heather and I go way back, she has
literally been our “family photographer” for the past four years, capturing
some of the biggest moments in our life. Heather shot our engagement, wedding,
maternity and, most recently, newborn photos, all of which are incredible
examples of her beautiful work. Her soft, bright and whimsical style makes you
want to re-live the moments she captures in her romantic photos. It is this
simplistic beauty comes through in her story as well.
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
Even
though we kind of know each other already, can you tell me a bit about you and
your company?
I sure can! My story is
very archetypal, mom with a camera type. I got a Canon Rebel before the birth
of my youngest son. When I first photographed him I was blown away at how well
I could express myself through a viewfinder. That's when my addiction began. A
short time later, I began offering portrait sessions aimed towards families
with babies and young children, and my business was born!
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
When
did you start the company? Can you describe its beginnings for me?
My business began
shortly after the birth of my youngest child, back in 2007/2008. It was a slow
progression at the beginning, having two young children and starting a business
was tricky. Finding balance between work and family life was difficult. Once I
found a happy median, it all felt so right.
What made you decide to take the chance and start your own
business?
My husband used to run
a large store that I helped manage. We were both working 50-60 hours a week and
I found it quite stressful putting in hours like that. I couldn't imagine us
both working those hours while raising a family. I wanted to watch my kids grow,
I wanted to be home more and make my own hours. It was risky to start my
business when I did, but it all worked out wonderfully!
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
How would you describe a typical workday?
Ha! Nothing about my work
schedule is typical! I
wake up, have breakfast with my family, get the kids off to school, exercise
and begin my day. Sometimes it begins with checking my email and social media
for new inquiries and questions from clients, and sometimes it begins with
heading out for an early morning portrait session. Occasionally my workday
doesn't begin until four in the afternoon, when I finally get a few minutes to
myself to edit or answer messages.
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
What is it like being a mom and an entrepreneur? What are
some of the challenges?
I love it! I have so much
freedom; I'm home with them all the time. On nice summer days when they want to
go to the beach, I can take a break and we go! It becomes challenging during
these busy summer months when my workload is heavy. I have to focus more and be
careful that I don't neglect the business, or my family. Quite often I spend my
evenings and nights working because I've made the decision to spend the day
doing what the boys want and I wouldn't have it any other way!
What
inspires your work?
Beautiful light.
Emotional interactions. Subtle touches. Honest and unassuming moments... I
could literally go on forever here.
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
Has
photography always been a part of your life?
Funny you ask! As a
child I loved looking through photo albums lying around my parents home and
still do! I loved the idea of photography, but didn't pursue it even as a hobby
until later in life. Now I can't imagine life without photography!
Did
you always consider Photography a business venture?
No not at all! I actually
wanted to become a veterinarian, or a supermodel... But didn't every 12-year-old
girl?
How would you describe your style?
I am a very simple
photographer. For me, it's all about connections. Not complicated posing and
intense compositions. I focus on what's in front of me and translating that in
honest and unexpected ways.
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
What are your hopes for the future of this company?
That I continue to grow
artistically and as an entrepreneur. I hope the business allows me to travel more.
I love destination shoots!
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| Photo Credit: Heather Coughlin |
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