Jersey photographer: a small business photoshoot at home

In March of this year, my last photoshoot before lockdown, I had the pleasure of photographing the gorgeous Michelle and her recently launched wholefood cooking business. We took light, airy, and colourful photographs at her home that reflected her brand and involved her family. 

I thought we’d go interview style on this blog, as so much heart goes into little businesses, and so it is best told by Michelle herself. She was a complete inspiration to meet, and this healthy eating is so addictive - I went straight home afterwards to make a smoothie!

What motivated you to set up your own business? 

I worked in executive recruitment, management and coaching for years in Sydney, Australia.  When we moved to Jersey 3 years ago I decided to take some time out to look after our young boys and settle our family into a brand new life here.  

I have always been interested in wholefood home cooking using fresh local ingredients and decided that I would become an independent consultant for Thermomix, a cooking appliance that allows you to make a whole host of beautiful food from scratch very easily. I demonstrate and sell to home cooks, cafes and restaurants. This gave me a small income that I could work around school and nursery hours. 

At the beginning of this year I found that I had lost my way a little and needed a bit of a reboot. I designed a 30 day program called Thermi 30 which is a health reset where we cut out sugar, alcohol, dairy and gluten for 30 days and incorporate movement, mindfulness and healthy habits.  I led a group of 25 people and coached and motivated them for the month.  I've done two of these now and am planning the next for the end of June.  

I've also just launched Thermi Tribe which is a membership group for people that want to carry on (monthly meal plans, inspiration and mini-challenges).  

Also, when lockdown happened, I set up a new Facebook page called Michelle's Family Kitchen to allow me to continue doing cooking demonstrations.  I thought it might be fun to do easy healthy family food - obviously I use the Thermomix to do it but all the recipes are easily adapted to regular cooking equipment.  It's been a really wonderful way to connect with lots of new people, family and friends!

What is a typical day like for you?

My boys are 6 and 4 so really most of my day revolves around them!  Particularly at the moment during lockdown as I have been homeschooling and keeping us all out of mischief.  

As part of Thermi 30, I got into running which has been a really wonderful thing for me - both mentally and physically.  Every second day, I get up at about 6 and go for a 5km run.  On the other days I try to take a walk.  I'm lucky enough to live near the railway walk in Jersey so within seconds I'm surrounded by beautiful trees and birdsong...it's a great way to start the morning!  

After that it's breakfast for the kids, PE with Joe Wicks at 9am and then we attempt home schooling for a couple of hours before heading out.  I've been so appreciative that we have been allowed outside this whole time. My boys need a LOT of running around time! 

Every day we go on a little adventure somewhere.  Some days we stay close to home - there's lots of great places along the railway walk.  Other days, it's rock pooling at Greve, sand sliding in the dunes at St Ouen or exploring in the woods at Francis le Soueur.  We really are spoiled for choice here! 

I've been doing my cooking videos sometimes between 4pm and 5pm so if we are home, the boys get to watch some television while I make our dinner live on Facebook!  After the kids are in bed is when I have time to interact with my Thermi 30 crew and also the Thermi Tribe.  I plan meals, do zoom calls, look for interesting videos, articles and podcasts to share with my Thermi people.  

We've got an infrared sauna at home so I often end up in there to unwind!

What do you love most about your business?

I love that I can combine my passion for healthy sustainable eating with interacting with people. I'm a complete extrovert so getting to interact with lots of different people every day definitely fills my cup! I also love coaching - in my past life it was around career and team building and now it's health and life goals … it's just so rewarding to be part of someone's journey and helping them to set and achieve their own goals.

What has been tough so far?

By far the hardest thing recently has been trying to give everything the right amount of attention and energy.  I have way more ideas than hours in the day and the truth is that homeschooling and full time mum-ing is pretty intense and you can't really multi-task.  When I totally surrender to that is when we have an easier day.  It does mean though that my work has to happen quite late at night.  I've been so glad that I've been focusing on healthier eating recently as it has given me way more energy!

Who has been an inspiration to you?

Oh gosh, I'm inspired by so many people!  I'm so inspired by my friends - those that are full time parenting, those running their own businesses and those trying to work and parent and juggle everything in these crazy times.  All the local, organic food producers and promoters here in Jersey - there's a really strong movement happening here now.  I also follow various amazing bloggers and podcasters.  I love an Australian lady called Jo Whitton who is a cookbook writer and owner of the Quirky Cooking blog. I've also discovered Joe Wicks in lockdown - what a hardworking and inspiring guy - love his work and he so deserves the recognition and success he's enjoyed over this time.

Why did you decide to have professional photos taken, and how has this helped your business?

I originally saw Rachel's beautiful photos on instagram and knew that I wanted her to capture some photos of our little family.  When I started my business, I immediately thought of her and asked if she could do both.  I loved her use of natural light, how she incorporated the stunning colours of natural surroundings and her way of capturing people in a way that looked easy and unforced.  It was exactly how I wanted to portray my business - natural, easy, beautiful colours.  I have used the photos that Rachel took on my website, on my new facebook page and in the e-book manual that I produced for my program. It was a really worthwhile investment.

What advice do you have for others setting up their own business? 

I would say that if you have a passion for something then you should absolutely go for it.  It's hard work but the satisfaction and freedom you get from working for yourself is fantastic.  Find some like-minded souls to support and cheerlead you, it can be a little solitary doing it on your own.  You may even want to find a business coach, mentor or networking group.  Figure out where your time is best spent and outsource wisely. And of course, get some professional photos taken - having someone help to interpret the image you want to portray to your customers is absolutely invaluable!

You can find Michelle’s business on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/michellesfamilykitchen

Instagram: www.instagram.com/michellesfamilykitchen

If you are interested in a little photoshoot for your business, I would love to hear from you!