6- Carmen Siguenza
In this fun and enlightening episode of "Small Business Bestie," Michelle sits down with Carmen Siguenza, a wonderfully talented photographer who's got a knack for capturing life's most poignant moments. Together, they dive deep into the world of end-of-life photography, the emotional power of family snapshots, and the joys (and struggles) of networking.
Michelle kicks things off by sharing some personal stories that tug at the heartstrings—like dealing with her girlfriend's grandmother's passing and her father's battle with cancer. You can feel the raw emotion as she speaks, making it clear just how important those final moments are to capture and remember.
Carmen, inspired by her own experience of being there during her father's last moments, talks about how these powerful experiences sparked her passion for end-of-life photography. For her, it's about more than just snapping pictures; it’s about preserving the love and connections that will stay with families forever.
But it's not all heavy emotions! They also chat about the beauty of capturing those everyday family moments. Carmen shares how she loves taking photos during holidays or simple get-togethers, creating timeless memories that future generations will cherish. Whether it's a tender hug or a group laugh, these photos turn the “ordinary” into something truly extraordinary.
Now, the conversation does take a bit of an interesting turn. Both Michelle and Carmen talk about their aversion to gory images and dead animals, but Carmen recalls a surprising moment from her childhood when she found beauty in photographing a deceased animal. This early experience opened her eyes to the unexpected beauty in life’s darker corners, and it’s stayed with her ever since.
Switching gears, they delve into the often nerve-wracking world of networking. Both women get real about their past struggles with anxiety and the pressure of social events. Carmen talks about the supportive networking groups she's found, like Women Leading Kentucky and Women Empowering Business. Michelle, on the other hand, shares how her hairdresser and a transformative session with a coach named Pamela helped boost her confidence. They both agree: sometimes it's the little things, like a new haircut or a killer outfit, that make all the difference.
And hey, good news for all you listeners in Lexington—Michelle plans to keep a current list of networking opportunities on her Facebook page and website. So no more excuses for not getting out there and making those connections!
One of the most touching parts of their chat revolves around the healing power of photography. Carmen opens up about a particularly tender photo of her with her father and brothers, a moment frozen in time that exudes love and comfort. Michelle completely gets it—she shares her own tear-jerking story about the emotional impact of receiving a childhood photo from her cousin. They both agree that photos are way more than just images; they're little emotional time capsules that hold so much meaning.
So, grab your favorite drink and get comfy because this episode of "Small Business Bestie" is a ride through the emotional and beautiful aspects of photography, the power of capturing genuine moments, and the importance of finding a supportive community through networking. Michelle and Carmen remind us all that through every photo, we’re not just capturing images—we're preserving pieces of our hearts and shared love.
Whether you're an aspiring photographer, a seasoned pro, or someone who simply loves snapping pics of your loved ones, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and maybe even a little teary-eyed. So, here's to celebrating life through the lens and making every moment count!
Connect with Carmen on Facebook: www.facebook.com/carmen.siguenza.16
Check out the Csig website: https://csigphotography.mypixieset.com/
Resources mentioned:
Nayely Prieto (hair stylist) https://www.facebook.com/share/ZtAhdX3Cdh3nLNrc/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Women Leading Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/share/NbBc2gwNvqtobLn3/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Women Empowering Business
https://www.facebook.com/share/Ujqh3eWTxkjr8odL/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Connect with Michelle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/smallbusinessbesties
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