Jess Ratcliffe
story portrait Case study
What challenge or problem were you trying to solve before the Story Portrait? How was it affecting you?
“The critical things that I struggled with were feeling any clarity around my story or feeling confident, I guess, in my own skin, which sounds massive, doesn’t it? But I feel like that represents what was really going on. I wasn’t entirely stepping into who I knew I could be, or had the potential to be.
I didn’t know what was interesting about my story, what parts to pull out and what to focus on, and it left me spinning. I needed someone’s help to shine a light on the personal brand story elements that would really resonate with people.
And on the photography front, I’d look at my website and not feel happy with the photos I would have taken myself; I didn’t feel like they represented me; it’s so much more than the fact that they were shoddy, selfie photos. It’s way more. I didn’t feel like they captured ME. I never felt happy with them. I was never confident sharing them, whether to pitch myself to speak at events or for Podcasts. I just never felt like they were, wow photos.”
Why did you choose the Story Portrait as the solution?
“I actually remember the exact moment I thought to myself, I’m gonna ask Phil if we can do a story portrait. I was sitting in the garden. And feeling really stuck and frustrated that I wasn’t stepping into my story; I was holding back. I remember looking at my website and thinking, this is shit.
I needed to figure out how to represent who I am and who I want to be. I knew the experience would be exactly what I needed, which is way more than a photo shoot – It’s so much deeper than that. And so that’s why I chose to go for it.
I wanted to explore my story with Phil rather than having to figure it out myself because I was so ‘in it’ – I knew he’d get me; I felt that this journey would genuinely capture my energy.”
What did you discover along the way?
“I discovered my confidence – honestly, our work of unfolding my story and peeling back the layers coupled with photographs that truly represent who I am and portray who I want to be. I left thinking, ‘This is me; this is what I stand for. Let’s bloody go for it!”
What benefits have you seen? How has this served your personal brand and your business?
“Visibility! I share the photos everywhere. Instagram, on my website, Linkedin, I use them for anything that I’m promoting – across the board, and I get a positive response from people; they see me in the shots. I feel confident sharing my story now; I know the benefit and feel how it lands with people, which does wonders for my personal brand and business!”
READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN STORY PORTRAIT?
If this has inspired you, it’s likely that your tribe will be inspired by your story and feel compelled to reach out and connect. Let’s start your Story Portrait journey today, and put you on the map as a Creative Entrepreneur. Click this button to schedule a call with me now.