A local photographer, businesswoman and mother of two, Michelle Stephenson is a nominee for the national Mompreneur Award of Excellence.
The award recognizes the hard work and talent of busy moms who are making advances in the Canadian marketplace.
Stephenson is the chief executive officer of Michelle Stephenson Contract Photography and prides herself on her excellent work in wedding, family and event photography throughout the Okanagan Valley and Lower Mainland.
She continues to pursue her long-term goal of consulting in therapeutic photography and applies her passion for what makes people tick into every shoot.
“I became a mompreneur to expose my children to a great variety of social opportunities,” she said.
“I love being able to have them come with me to events and to be actively involved in the community.
“I wanted to be able to work for others and offer services with a great variety of product and price range.
“I am able to support myself and my family from the income I make and this is a great source of pride and strength to me, as a mommy. I want to show my children that their mother’s greatest gifts and abilities can influence the community in very positive ways.”
Inspired by new lifestyle needs and armed with the education and talent acquired through former corporate positions, moms are applauded everywhere for their efforts in starting something new, something that can grow into a successful business.
The Mompreneur Award of Excellence will be offering more than $30,000 in cash and prizes to the national winner, all with the purpose of helping drive the winning mompreneur’s business forward to further success.
“We’re ecstatic to offer this opportunity to hard-working and deserving moms in business across the country,” said Maria Locker, CEO of Mompreneur Showcase Group Inc.
“What better way to applaud the efforts of mompreneurs than to offer one lucky winner such a fantastic building block to grow their business and gain recognition.
“We are eager to see who will be in the running and because part of this award is based on social interaction, it will be interesting to see which companies and their owners come out on top!”
If Stephenson wins the award, she intends to put a portion of the funds towards a “real beauty” event for teenage girls, including both portrait sessions and group therapy.
“I also want to fund an exhibit at the art gallery for mental health awareness, using therapeutic photography.”
The winner will be announced at the inaugural Mompreneurs Conference and Awards Gala on March 2, 2013.
