Better Late Than Never

Jill won a session from a charity silent auction – I love being able to donate to local non-profits while making amazing portraits for my clients! She heard about my ‘Life Begins at 40’ project and was drawn to it because at 46 she started up her own business! When we were chatting before the session, we decided to create some branding images too that she would be able to use to promote her new business.

Here’s a little of her story and what brought her to where she is now.

Jill has a Bachelor’s Degree in nutrition and a Master’s of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. In her 20s, she had worked as a dietitian in bone marrow transplant and made the decision to go back to school to further her career as a physician assistant, where she then worked in the OB/GYN field. Jill and her husband both agreed that it was important for her to raise their children so she became a stay-at-home mom and was in that role for 9 years.

She said “Having the time home to raise young children is priceless and something that I would never change, but one day as I was approaching 40, I realized that I was sharing stories of my husband’s work and dive trips and talking only about my kid’s successes.  I felt lost in who I was anymore.”

When it came time for Jill to recertify as a physician assistant, she made the decision to go back to work and also change fields. She had needed to keep her skills current while she was at home with the children and after living in Florida for 10 years she was interested in skin and anti-aging so she would study dermatology and aesthetics and attend training courses and seminars.

She was fortunate enough to be offered her dream career in a dermatologist office doing aesthetic procedures. Unfortunately, her physician recently made the decision to sell her practice to corporate. This left Jill with a choice: move forward with the corporate dermatology field or start her own aesthetic company. Jill made the brave decision to start her own company, – she wanted to show her kids that mom can do big things too, never back down from your dream and don’t be afraid to start later. Her new business is called ‘Sure Radiance’ and she offers many services including: chemical peels, micro-needling. and fillers. Visit her website to find out more or call her on 941-769-7826.

When I asked Jill how her session made her feel, here is what she said, “I am not a person who enjoys being photographed so just taking the first step to sign up was out of my comfort zone. Gemma made every step of the process comfortable and calming.  She is a natural behind the camera and seeing her enthusiasm gave me the confidence to let go of any insecurities holding me back.  I absolutely loved my photos.  She is the perfect mix of professional and fun. I encourage all ladies to join this project.  It is empowering and fun!”

To book your session call me on 941-564-5354 or contact me here.