36. Building an Inclusive Lens: Making Your Photography Business Accessible to All with Mel Groenewold
Welcome back to Camera Queens, the podcast where we explore the captivating stories behind the lens. Today's episode is an extraordinary journey with the incredible Mel Groenewold. A true warrior, Mel's life took an unexpected turn at 17 when she faced the unimaginable challenge of losing both her hands and feet. But that didn't dim her spirit; instead, it ignited her creativity and resilience.
In this heartwarming conversation, Mel shares her deep love for art, and the transformative power of photography. From her family life to her empowering photo shoot experience, Mel's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Join us as we delve into the world of creativity, inclusivity, and the sheer joy of embracing one's true self. Let’s go!
In this episode we cover:
- Mel’s journey as a creative, and mother of two and the challenges and joys of family life.
- Mel’s preference for meaningful connections over superficial discussions.
- Mel’s experience with contracting meningococcal disease, leading to the amputation of both hands and feet at the age of 17 *Trigger warning* Struggles with self-worth and body image.
- The importance of embracing joy, and reconnecting with your inner child.
- Mel’s passion for running art classes for people with disabilities and focussing on the creative process rather than the end product.
- Changing perceptions of disability
- How to be more accessible and inclusive in your photography business
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
- Ways to work with Belle: belleverdiglione.com.au
- Belle Verdiglione’s Instagram: @belleverdiglione
- Camera Queens Facebook: @thecameraqueens
- Camera Queens Instagram: @the_cameraqueens
- Discounts for photographers
- Mel Groenewold’s Instagram: @mel_groenewold
- Natalia Fidyka’s Instagram: @nataliafidyka
- Jarna Saunder’s Instagram: @daya_clarity
If you frothed over this episode, SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW & it would mean the world to me if you leave a review on Apple or Spotify.
Belle Verdiglione is your break-the-rules business coach, speaker, author and founder of Australia’s fastest growing female and non-binary photography community, The Camera Queens. Her ethos and soul’s mission is supporting women photographers to create a profitable and sustainable business that allows their own gifts to shine. This is collaboration over competition. The world needs more women with a fire ignited within them and Belle is here to hold space and advocate for women everywhere that their voice matters and they are worthy. You can still find Belle behind the lens exploring, learning, and creating magic in her own unique way and brand of photography, Potent Identity®; a genre of photography Belle coined herself that is wild, raw and captures the divine feminine, allowing her muse to be their own powerful inspiration. I’m here for the creators. Whatever story you’re here to tell, I’m right there alongside you.
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