LOCAL BUSINESS

You all know me as a premier boudoir photographer here in Connecticut. What you may not know is that as a business owner, I belong to many groups that support other local businesses here in CT. These groups allow me to meet amazing people that I’d love you to get to know as well.

The blogs here will give you a chance to learn about why they chose the work they do and what drove them to transform that passion into their work. We’ll also find out how their business has had a positive impact on others and their community.

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business Heidi Duff Details Hair Studio

September 27 2016

Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Heidi Duff

Marilyn RielLOCAL BUSINESS Confidence, Photography, Pinup, Women in Business

Welcome to our Celebrating Local Women in Business blog! We are focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.

Today I’m introducing you to Heidi Duff who owns and operates Details Hair Studio in Norwich, CT. Heidi has been involved with hair and styling for over 25 years and is very passionate about what she does. I have had the pleasure of working with Heidi and her staff for a pinup session at our studio and we had a blast! Her dedication, love for her work and customer focused service, in addition to the special products you find at her business make her salon an experience that you don’t want to miss.

Name: Heidi Duff

Owns/Operates: Details Hair Studio in Norwich, CT

“I believe that a truly passionate person in any trade should leave a mark. Be someone that helps others and is never afraid to share of themselves. You are your only competition.”

I had this question posed to me recently: “How and why did you get into this business and what made you want to be a Hairdresser?” It’s a question I’m asked often.

Well, I could say it’s in my blood as a proud 2nd generation stylist following in my Oma’s footsteps all the way from Germany, or that Barbie made me do it, or that going to the local salon I went to as a kiddo on the west side, one that’s been in business for years locally – Hair Unique and its owner Cathy Delany – were inspirational beyond words. Truth be told, all three are reasons that got me to where I am today. I find myself immersed in a career of fashion and feel good, and blessed to be a part of it. Let me explain… doing hair isn’t something I do, it’s part of who I am! This may sound corny to some but when you find yourself enjoying what you do it never seems like work. I never find myself in the Grind as some say.

Twenty seven years and counting I’ve had the pleasure of impacting the community with making it a prettier place one head at a time, not just behind my chair but through coaching local and non-local stylists and students. I currently am the proud owner of Details Hair Studio LLC in Norwich CT where you can find me behind the chair, makeup station, facial room, nail station and in the office running the business. I am also a Culture Artist for Surface Professional Haircare where you may see me up and down the east coast, and I spend time volunteer coaching the students from my former trade school, Norwich Regional Technical High School.

All that said I believe that a truly passionate person in any trade should leave a mark. Be someone that helps others and is never afraid to share of themselves. You are your only competition.

I’m only as good as my last haircut or the last class I’ve taught. I hope that in doing so I inspire others to chase or follow their dreams, try something new, always keep learning new things, ask for help, help someone else, be brave and always dance like no one’s watching. Share your journey with as many as will listen and you will make a difference!

Heidi’s knowledge of her craft, dedication to her business and customers and keeping up on the latest in fashion are key to her success. Her desire to be an active part of her community and share her knowledge keeps her locally involved and sets a great example for all of us. Stop in soon to see her at Details Hair Studio in Norwich, CT.

If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MarilynRiel.com and tell me more about you and your business!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.

Book your session today!!

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business Gioia Catania

September 20 2016

Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Gioia Catania

Marilyn RielLOCAL BUSINESS Confidence, Photography, Women in Business

Welcome to another article in our series of Celebrating Local Women in Business blogs! We are focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.

Today’s spotlight is on Gioia Catania of AmericaFit in Norwich, CT. Gioia loves spending time outdoors and all kinds of sports and has taken those loves, and created a business where she can share her skills and experience with other families. Her energy and friendly personality are perfect for the job she does!

Name: Gioia Catania

Business name and address: AmericaFit LLC Norwich, CT

“Our business gives everyday people the opportunity to test their own limits. “

My love of sports started at an early age. I was on the gymnastics team in high school and am an avid sports fan. Sports have always been a part of my life. That love of sports has had me working for Ledyard Parks and Recreation in Ledyard CT for the past 30 years in various roles including Summer Coordinator and Gymnastics Instructor.

I have always enjoyed being on the go and like to spend time with our friends and family so thought combining the two would make a great company. There must be people out there that enjoy these things too!

We started this business in May of 2016 with the idea that all people regardless of age or fitness level deserve a place to enjoy fun and affordable fitness activities. We plan events that bring families, friends and coworkers together to compete against each other, or just against themselves, without the heavy competitive environment. The challenge of competition and exercise can benefit all people.

I envisioned an organization that all people can participate in without being a professional. My goal for AmericaFit is to have both amateur and professional events so that all people can enjoy the benefits of athletics.

We visited with Gioia during her event at Colonel Ledyard Park in Ledyard, CT and she has a “Run for Fun 5K” event coming up on Saturday October 1st at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, CT. To learn more about what Gioia does and what events they have coming up, visit her website AmericaFit.org and take a look at their calendar or check out her Facebook page!

If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MenageriePhotography.com and tell me more about you and your business!

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business Diane Womack

September 13 2016

Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Diane Womack

Marilyn RielLOCAL BUSINESS Confidence, Photography, Women in Business

Welcome to our second Celebrating Local Women in Business blog! We are focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.

Today I want to introduce you to Diane Womack who owns and operates Diane’s Bait, Tackle & Charters in New London, CT. Diane has had a life long love of fishing and all things related starting when she was a very little girl fishing with her Grandfather. Diane’s warm personality, love for her work and customer focused service, in addition to the great products you find at her business make her a favorite with everyone she meets.

Name: Diane Womack

Owns/Operates: Diane’s Bait, Tackle & Charters in New London, CT

“My mission is to provide affordable and convenient fishing supplies and services to the fishing public. My desire is to bring families back together to experience the joys of the water and the quality of time spent together.”

“Throughout my life fishing has been my passion. My first fishing experience was at two years old. My grandfather was an avid fisherman and taught me everything he knew about the coastal waters of New England and fishing. Some of my fondest memories as a child were sitting by his side along the coast with our fishing poles in hand.

Although my professional career has taken me down many paths and wonderful journeys throughout my lifetime, seven years ago I had the opportunity to work in the fishing industry. I booked charters for a captain and ran his bait and tackle shop. The more I interacted with the customers, hearing their stories and sharing the excitement of the latest catch, I knew that someday, I wanted to have my own business doing exactly what I loved. In the fall of 2015 I decided to turn that dream into a reality. How fortunate that I was able to bring to fruition what others only dream of.

Being a lifetime-fishing enthusiast and a former business owner, I felt that having the chance to startup a new business was something meant to be. When my former employer decided to close his bait and tackle business, the opportunity to move on and to start my own business seemed to be the right time and the right thing to do. I worked through the winter putting my business plan together and opened my doors on April 1^st, 2016.

My mission is to provide affordable and convenient fishing supplies and services to the fishing public. My desire is to bring families back together to experience the joys of the water and the quality of time spent together.

I offer a relaxed atmosphere where customers and their families can participate in this sport and I welcome their suggestions, stories and fishing experiences. I love it when I get pictures and videos of their successful catches and can share their day with other patrons.”

In support of others in her community, Diane teaches women and children how to fish to help them learn to be self-sustaining. Diane also carries “Fish Fry” T-shirts in support of a free breakfast program that provides for anyone in need in New London!

Diane’s knowledge of her industry, love of the water and all things fishing, and her desire to be an active part of her community set her and her business apart. Stop in to see her at Diane’s Bait, Tackle & Charters in New London!

If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MarilynRiel.com and tell me more about you and your business!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business Jessica Keegan

August 9 2016

Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Jessica Keegan

Marilyn RielLOCAL BUSINESS Confidence, Exercise, Fashion, Love Yourself, Staying Healthy, Women in Business

We’ve started a new group of blogs focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.

I am very happy to share the story below from one of our own Dream Girls, Jessica Keegan, who runs Jessica’s Dance Fitness in Jewett City, CT. I’ve had the chance to spend some time with Jessica and she is fun and full of energy as well as being an amazing person!

Name: Jessica Keegan

Owns/Operates: Jessica’s Dance Fitness

“It’s not always easy but I just remind myself every day to stay focused on my goals because that’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me love the skin I’m in. Motivating others to do the same is my biggest goal❤”

“Starting at a young age I’ve always struggled with my weight and body image. I was bullied to the point where I started starving myself and almost put myself into the hospital. My whole life focused around what I ate. I shut everything out including dance (which was my passion since I was 5), but even at my lowest weight of 78 lbs., it wasn’t good enough. Always seeing myself in the mirrors at dance just disgusted me.

Over the years I started getting into cardio. It was my escape from everything and it made me feel like I had a sense of pride in myself after my workout. Then one day my mom suggested we take a Zumba class. I immediately fell in love.

I took Zumba for about a year until my favorite instructor left. I decided to take it upon myself and get certified. From there I had my own class at a gym. That alone gained me more confidence in myself once I knew my class was a hit!

I decided to see if I could open my own place. Two years later I’m still open and it just keeps getting better! I couldn’t be happier! Not only do I get to do what I love, but I get to push and motivate people that do the same for me!

The connection and camaraderie of people working out together and working towards the same goals is such an amazing feeling!

It’s not always easy but I just remind myself every day to stay focused on my goals because that’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me love the skin I’m in. Motivating others to do the same is my biggest goal❤”

Jessica really loves what she does! She has been featured on Channel 3 with Scott Haney and is always ready to dance and work out. Check out her videos and business information and you will see how dedicated she is to her business.

If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MenageriePhotography.com and tell me more about you and your business!

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