Meet the most inspirational, entrepreneurial women across the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries.

It is a confident entrepreneur or leader that identifies as a lady.  They have chosen to take control of their career through hard work and dedication and never looks back.

Sara of Bona Fide Photo is a talented photographer with an artistic eye, years of experience, and no fear of putting herself out there. She got her first camera when she was a young child, at 4 or 5, and was obsessed with documenting her life, as well as friends and family. Those closest to her always encouraged her to go into photography (though she never initially thought of it as a career), and her husband was the one that talked her into starting her business.

Her passion became more serious after she started investing in camera equipment. “Just do it, what do you have to lose?” her husband would tell her. So she did it, and booked a whole season of weddings and events. From then, Bonafide Photo was born!

I have, indeed, realized that being a photographer is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do, when I grow up.

Photography is something she’s constantly learning, and always adding complexity and layers to what she already knows. She likes that it’s an art that you can take parts and leave parts of for the perfect balance and expression.

Sara is a self-taught lifestyle photographer, so she really captures special moments.The intimate moments allow for the connection to unfold. Her skills allow the moment to transcend across time.

I love photographing couples at sunset.  Whether it is a newly engaged couple, the parents taking a moment to themselves during a family shoot or grandparents at a multi generation session, there is something about that golden hour glow and romantic love for which I cannot get enough. 

I can’t agree more! This passion comes through in other areas of her work, like empowering women. She gives people the direction to empower them and build them up. Her galleries make people feel beautiful and confident, all while making shoots fun. Taking all the scariness out of photos and turning them into fun moments is what Bonafide Photo is all about!

Work-life balance is a challenge as a photographer, and admittedly, it doesn’t always happen since she does very seasonal work. Her spouse is so supportive, and picks up the slack on these long days. That being said, work-life balance is something she wants to work on. Being an entrepreneur in general has its ups and downs.

It is empowering, nerve wracking, overwhelming and amazing – all at once.  I love having my own schedule and knowing that the hard work and love that I pour into my work is directly impacting my future success.  However, it is so easy to get burned out and that is something that I am working hard to avoid. 

She suggests for those wanting to start their own business, she says to go for it and not to wait. Even with bumps in the road, positivity will lead to success. They also should hire a pro when marketing to create a really strong brand, tapping into your full potential. A branding consultant will help you really pull together your vision! The professional and strong brand will really allow you to command higher pricing and have this business be your job.

If you want to support her business, you can boost it through word of mouth, and make sure to like and comment on her social media posts! You can follow her here. These small actions make the biggest of difference to a small business owner!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.