Spotlight on ‘Mums in Business’: Meet the Photographers.
In another instalment of our “Mums in business” series of blogs, today we speak to Fay and Andrea. Both mums from they set up Fayandrea photography and when it comes to being in business this pair have definitely succeeded. From the highs and lows, working worldwide and winning a Tatler award, we can be sure of one thing- this won’t be the last we hear from them!
How did you start your business?
FAY: I had been working in the celebrity photography/ PR industry for 10 years and Andrea had established a really great business in children’s photography- we met through a mutual friend and just hit it off; two days later we launched FayAndrea!
ANDREA: I do believe you have to trust your instinct and with Fay, I felt like I had known her for years. She definitely came along at the right time as I wanted to expand my photography business but didn’t have the time to do it alone.
How do you balance being a mum and owning a business?·
FAY: Wing it!!!
ANDREA: I focus on what’s important and surround myself with positive people. I never take notice of what other people are doing. Infact, after working in the night club industry for 20 years being surrounded by drunk people and crawling in to bed at 5am, starting a photography business was an easy transition with a far better work-life balance.
How did you start up financially, did you borrow or save to get started?
FAY: I continued to work on my other business whilst FayAndrea grew so I was financially stable.
ANDREA: Likewise, I had savings from my photography business, and was supporting my Husband with his business so financially I was okay.
Have you any entertaining stories relating to life as a business owning mum?
We could write a book with entertaining stories… but what happens on tour, stays on tour! Just put it this way, very little surprises us anymore.
Do you ever feel that being a mum impacts your ability to work to your full potential?
FAY Absolutely, the 'Mum guilt’ burden in 2023 is real!! It traditionally starts with questioning whether you’re doing enough for your kids and being a good Mum, and ends with the madness of elf on the shelf, and how big your child’s birthday balloon arch should be. Moreover, unless you have an endless pot of cash to fund an entourage, the pressure on us mere mortal Mums wearing all the hats with little time out is A LOT- infact, work can sometimes be the break haha! But to justify the pressure, you need a core reason for why you’re doing what you’re doing, and mine is my family, and to be a role model for my little girls.
ANDREA. I second that- at the end of the day, work hard, play hard. That is always my motto!
What’s been your career high?
FAY I’ve been lucky and worked with some powerful celebrities in some of the most exquisite places in the World, and yet NOTHING compares to working with children; especially those with disabilities. We have created genuine friendships through FayAndrea, many with families whom have been coming to us since we started. That in itself is something to be proud of.
ANDREA Being voted Tatler’s Best Family and Children's Photographers was amazing. Moreover, building our studio and being recognised worldwide- it’s crazy when families visit the UK from Asia, the Middle-East or America and book us for a photoshoot purely from what they have seen on Internet!
What’s been your lowest point with your business?
FAY Covid was rough. Overnight our business went from hero to zero and we genuinely didn’t know whether it would ever come back. But then we discovered virtual photography and the business actually grew! Other than that, it’s always difficult when something sad happens on a personal level and you should be taking time out, but you have no choice but to go to work and put a smile on your face.
ANDREA Absolutely that- a close family member died on the same morning we were shooting a wedding. I had no choice but to go to work and that can weigh quite heavy on you.
Do you have any advice for our mums who might feel like they want to take the plunge and start a business?
Go for it!!!! Just remember, hard work pays off and not to give up when things get tough!! You got this Mamas
You can see some of Fay and Andreas work below:
www.instagram.com/fayandrea www.instagram.com/fayandreaweddings
