This whole magazine started from a very simple place: I am endlessly inspired by women in business, and honestly, I just wanted an excuse to pick their brains. Every time I did a headshot or brand photography for one of these amazing women, we’d chat and connect throughout the session, they tell me about their business and what’s happening in their life. I found myself wanting to know more about their journeys and the real story behind the smiles. I wanted to know how they started, what challenges nearly broke them, and the moments that made all the late-night panics and endless to-do lists worth it. Because running a business isn’t all plain-sailing and, quite frankly it can be hard and lonely at times.
More than just a collection of nice headshots. I wanted to bring all of that incredible, unfiltered energy together in one place. I envisioned something real and uplifting that might inspire other women and young girls who are dreaming about building a business of their own. So, this became my little passion project—something creative, deeply meaningful, and completely full of heart.
Featuring 21 inspiring Northeast business women I had the absolute pleasure of working with in 2025, the magazine goes way beyond the camera lens. Along with their photos, I asked each woman a few interview questions so they could share their stories in their own words. Their answers are honest, massively encouraging, and a solid reminder that no one’s journey is a straight line, but it’s always worth the ride.
Stories of Grit, Grace, and Courage
Reading through their answers as I put the pages together was a deeply moving experience. The sheer resilience in these stories is astounding.
Carole Young proved that “too late” is a total myth, taking a massive leap of faith and self-funding Pod Xperience at 62. Sarah Seed opened up about hitting a breaking point on her kitchen floor before realising everything she needed was already within her, eventually building an academy to help sensitive women turn their empathy into a superpower.
Amanda Gill of Willow & Birch gave a healthy dose of reality about the immense personal effort required to run a small-batch business, reminding us that every single stage, from creation to labelling, is done entirely by her own hands. Grace Harrop, founder of Bloom Wellbeing, dropped this brilliant truth bomb: your softness is your superpower, and being caring makes you stronger, not weaker. And Lisa Thompson of IONA HR delivered the gentle kick up the backside we all need, reminding us that clarity comes from action, and that we need to stop waiting for the imaginary “right time” to start.
A massive celebration of women supporting women. This project is so much more than a photography portfolio—it is a true celebration of hard work, courage, and the immense power of women championing each other.
Creating the “Northeast Female Founders 2025” magazine has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I genuinely hope you enjoy getting to know these incredible business owners as much as I did.
If their stories spark an idea, a goal, or even just a bit of stubborn self-belief, I’d love to hear about it. What dream are you currently building behind the scenes?
You can read the full magazine here: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70888321/northeast-female-founders-magazine-rjm-photography
