Shelly Willingham // Photographer

Shelly from Headshot Collective // creating modern headshots for professionals

Community and Background:

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Picton community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?

I live in Bowral but wanted to grow my business network into Wollondilly and Macarthur. Possibly also Berry and Coledale!

Business and Entrepreneurship:

Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?

I got divorced 10 years ago.This was before work from home was a thing. I couldn’t bring myself to put my 6 year old into before and after school care on the days I had her, so I started my own business for the flexibility.

What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?

I’m not very good at this but have got better. Planning ahead and time blocking into a daily weekly monthly schedule keeps my dreamy Aquarius brain on track making sure I balance family time and exercise time (so I’m more pleasant to be around) with work time.

In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?

I sold my photography business 2 years ago for a few years worth of income so it was an incredible moment for me. I never thought I’d be back. I tried really hard to do other things including building and selling a window cleaning business!! Photography kept pulling me back and here we are.

Personal Life:

Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?

I love all kinds of sports and have given everything a go. Currently its trail running and the odd ski trip when we can. Mostly I love spending time with my fam – partner Olivia and our girls Camilla and Maeve.

Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?

My all time favourite book is “Built To Sell” by John Warillow, others are the eMyth and good but a little dry Profit First. Most recent is the Alex Hormozi series; $100m Leads, $100 Offers.

How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?

This is very hard! Make your workspace separate. Allocate time for each and don’t try and do both at once – easier said than done!

Design and Lifestyle:

What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?

This has evolved since my Melbournian partner Olivia and I moved in together. She is slowly transforming our Bowral home into an inner city apartment. (Don’t read this as fancy – it’s a 3-bed red bricker built in the 90s that needs an update!). I’m more practical and bought it because it was close to town and I could walk to the pub lol! When I lived there on my own I liked second hand furniture and my grandmother’s Spode crockery was (and is) my most prized possession. Today, thanks to Olivia, it’s much more stylish and I like the evolution.

What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?

I love the community and being around like-minded creators and business owners. No one quite gets what it’s like to run a business until they do it themselves. I also like to have people around me.

If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?

To be honest I’m just getting to know Picton and it’s been lovely. I absolutely love the PAC building and would definitely recommend a show there.

Productivity and Time Management:

What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?

Time blocking. Even if you just do similar things each day. Consistency builds and compounds and wins every time.

Benefits of WorkLife Membership:

Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?

The community and also having access to such an amazing space at affordable and flexible rates especially for businesses just getting started.

Shelly has already had the chance to work with some WorkLife members and the results are gorgeous! You can see her work and book your next photo shoot HERE