Some people have to wait a lifetime to find their real purpose in life, one that harnesses their innate talents. For talented photographer, Nira Sklair, that time came after the age of 50 when life presented the opportunity for her to finally pursue her real passion and turn it into an encore business.
LoA had the pleasure of chatting to Nira at one of the many Lioness Lean In events in Johannesburg that she has photographed over the past year or so.
What does your company do?
My business is focused on the art of photography, providing specialist services for both companies and individuals alike.
"I started my photography company because of my love for images, people and the outdoors."
What inspired you to start your company?
I started my photography company because of my love for images, people and the outdoors.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
For the reason of good communication and fast delivery.
Tell us a little about your team
I am a free-lance photographer, so I am mainly working on my own. If and when I need any assistance, I use Cliff Shain Photography or others in my field.
"The corporate world was never my world, so that forced me to venture into finding other sources of income."
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
The corporate world was never my world, so that forced me to venture into finding other sources of income. I cannot really say that I come from an entrepreneurial background.
I recognized talents in me in the fields of art and sport. I studied photography and later, (much later) in my life, I studied Human movement studies/sciences. Since that time, I have created an exercise program for pregnant women in water only, for the last 10 years. I also became a swimming teacher and aqua aerobics instructor. Raising children, going through a difficult marriage and divorce suppressed my entire being. It was only after my divorce that I have started to make my comeback into the world of photography. It’s not an easy field to built your career in, after the age of 50… But, I never lost hope and importantly, I never gave up! I am a hiker, and you learn to unpack what makes your bag too heavy and pack only what you really need to continue the JOURNEY! It’s a great lesson to learn and apply in life and business.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would like to convince clients that selfies are not the answer to good photography. I would also like to see the company grow bigger!
"I am inspired by nature, shapes, landscapes and people wherever I travel."
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The freedom to move through different environments, meet all kinds of people, and deciding to be myself.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Do not stop - envision yourself where you want to be. Pack only of the best ingredients, and never fear the mountain.
Contact or follow Nira Sklair
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL nirasklair2@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
The world of photography requires the ability to capture the essence of people, places, events and it takes not only a creative eye to make that happen, but an empathy for the subjects being photographed. This is a personal quality that photographer Nira Sklair has in huge quantities. She has a natural eye for a great composition, combined with the ability to make those she is photographing feel completely at ease. As a result, her work captures unique moments in time, and provides powerful visual insights into people’s lives. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa