Jocelyne Hebert
Jocelyne was nominated by her friend Sherri because she feels that Jocelyne has been such an inspiration in her life. Sherri says that she is constantly encouraging her and other female entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, and has believed in her work and businesses from day one.
Jocelyne is a Professional Portrait Photographer and owns Reflections by Jocelyne and is a member of the Professional Photographers Association of Canada (https://www.ppoc.ca). She was awarded Manitoba Photographer of the Year in 2020!!! This is an incredible achievement – congratulations! The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on her business, yet she is still one of the most positive people you will ever meet. Jocelyne actually has been able to reflect on the positive aspects that the pandemic has brought to her life and artistry, as she reconnected with her vision and completed some amazing works of art. Check out her facebook page: @reflectionsbyjocelyne and her website: http://reflectionsbyjocelyne.com/
Words of wisdom and empowerment from Jocelyne:
I asked Jocelyne what she feels has been the most valuable lesson she has learned in 2020, and this is what she had to share.
“The most valuable lesson that I have learned in 2020 is “to follow my own heart!” Anyone creatively will understand that comment. For years, owing a small portrait business I am often basing my decisions to please a client. This is needed to run my business, I know, but when I am competing or wanting to do a creative project I need to continue with my vision and not be influenced by someone else’s opinion.
With COVID, I was forced to shut my business down, twice! This had a huge impact on my creative brain as I needed an outlet. Exercise and Zoom calls with friends were not helping. I was feeling unmotivated and I didn’t even feel like picking up my camera. By being shut down, it allowed me to create projects for myself. Not for a client or to please a judge, it was merely for myself. In 2020, I ended up creating my best work because I followed my heart. I created pieces that truly made my heart sing, that I was proud of and would honestly not change a thing.”
I asked Jocelyne to share her message of strength and empowerment for other women to start 2021 with a positive mindset, and this is her inspiring response.
“As a woman in business, I have always been a proud supporter and team player for the women around me. I work in a competitive industry and literally live 2 minutes from an amazing photographer. Rather than be competitive enemies, we are constantly bouncing ideas off each other. I have learned that by helping others around me, it only inspires me more. I am so proud when I see my fellow artists & business owners succeed and grow. If we continue to lift up each other…we all win! It’s about community, love and strength in numbers. I am proud to be a part of someone else’s success than a reason why someone is failing! I am here to lend a hand, offer support and share my experiences, especially if that means I can help out another!”
WOW! What an incredible honour to be able to share Jocelyne’s story with you. I was so excited to connect with Jocelyne to learn more about her, and let me tell you within the first few minutes I knew that she was MY KIND OF WOMAN! She speaks of her work and artistry with such passion and intention, and it is remarkable how she connects her photography to life through story telling and experiences. Jocelyne has a very direct and powerful message to share when empowering other entrepreneurs, and she is definitely a woman to align with in life because she’s one to always keep cheering you on. Thank you for reading Jocelyne’s story, and let’s keep supporting and empowering each other as we continue our journey to live our best life!