Photography, Self-Doubt and Saying Yes: Building Folio Creative

In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I’m joined by Beth, founder of Folio Creative — a personal brand photographer and content creator working with female founders across Dorset to elevate their online presence with confident, warm, story-led brand visuals.

Beth started her business in 2020, right in the middle of COVID, after finishing a photography degree and finding the traditional career path had basically vanished overnight. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she created them. Doorstep shoots, small local makers, side hustles turning into real businesses, and a steady climb built on showing up, building trust and learning as she went.

We talk about:

• Starting a business with passion, but no clue how business works

• How networking helped Beth learn faster than any course could

• Why Instagram is still her best lead generation tool

• The reality of being a solo founder and pushing through self-doubt

• Building a reputation that creates referrals over time

• Creating and hosting sold-out events for female founders

• What it really takes to grow when your work is personal and relationship driven

• The long game: freedom, flexibility, travel, and building a business that supports a life

This is a thoughtful, encouraging conversation for anyone starting out, feeling behind, or wondering if they’ve got what it takes. Beth’s message is simple and powerful: say yes, learn fast, and back yourself.

Having been an employee, then in a partnership, and now a Ltd company you could say Louise had done it all. She shares some great insight, from self doubt to motherhood and of course the best bit, would I do it all over again and some advice to newbies just getting going.

At the Inspiration Agency we value communication, taking the time to listen to and really understand our clients. Every client has a dedicated Account Manager supported by a team of industry experts in Design, Digital and PR.
The agency tailors their approach to client’s unique needs, whether a one-off PR project or retained support in case of crisis. Clients report that they see a significant increase in engagement and enquiries after working with the agency and that they make the whole process easy and stress-free.
With a team of 15, her day is now less designing logos and leaflets and more leading the team to deliver excellent service and results for arange of varied clients across the UK.

 Kaz is a chartered financial planner. She deals with everything all the way from mortgages up to complex tax cases, business owners selling their businesses and large inheritance tax cases.

10 years in the business and some key lessons along the way, learning from mistakes, ambitious to grow and in the enviable position of loving what she does!

Again, some great insights and advice, particularly from her early days.

Listen and enjoy!