- Photographer 121
- Stylist 66
- Set Builder 41
- Film 36
- Video 36
- Art Director 23
- Agent Rep 19
- Producer 19
- Other 13
- Director 11
- Creative Agency 9
- Filmmaker 8
- Creative Director 7
- Art Producer 6
- Photo Director 6
- Hair and Makeup 4
- Creative Manager 3
- Modeling Agent 3
- Casting Director 1
- Food Stylist 1
- Photo Consultant 1
S22 E217 Alishia Abodunde - Documentary Photographer
This week’s guest is Alishia Abodunde, a London-based, self-taught photographer whose work captures the authenticity and intimacy of honest storytelling through still imagery. Alishia first discovered her passion during the lockdown, creating her debut series, Locked Down, which documented the daily lives of two young children navigating a global pandemic. Her talent quickly garnered attention, leading to collaborations with Getty Images and Thomson Reuters, where her stories on South London’s Black-owned ballet school, Pointe Black, and the UK’s only Black Santa experience, Noir Kringle, gained widespread acclaim.
Named one of The Guardian’s Outstanding Agency Photographers of 2023, Alishia’s impactful work has been featured in BBC News, The Financial Times, The Times, and more. As a Black woman in the creative industry, Alishia is driven by a commitment to amplifying diverse voices and sparking meaningful conversations. Join us as we discuss her journey, the inspiration behind her projects, and how she’s using photography to champion underrepresented communities.
See Alishia's incredible work on her website and keep up with her projects by following her on Instagram!
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
LISTEN HERE!
S22 E216 Ayser Salman - Writer & Filmmaker
This week, we’re joined by Ayser Salman, a multi-talented producer, editor, comedy writer, and author dedicated to bringing stories of underrepresented voices to the forefront. From her Emmy-nominated and Clio-winning docuseries to her role as a writing instructor at LMU, Ayser has built a career around creating impactful, inclusive content. Her work spans major studios like Miramax Films, Disney, and Universal Pictures, where she’s crafted compelling documentaries and original productions.
Born in Iraq and raised between the Southern U.S. and Saudi Arabia, Ayser grew up navigating the complexities of being "the other," an experience that deeply influenced her storytelling. Her comedic memoir, The Wrong End of the Table, chronicles her journey of growing up Iraqi Muslim in Kentucky and is now being adapted into a TV series. Join us as Ayser reflects on her unique path, her passion for telling untold stories, and how she uses humor and heart to connect with audiences.
You can keep up with Ayser by following her on Instagram or visiting her website!
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
LISTEN HERE!
S22 E215 - Stephanie Swane - Modernist Cuisine Publisher & Women in Pizza Ambassador
In this episode, Shelly is joined by Stephanie Swane, the publisher of Modernist Cuisine. With over 25 years in publishing, Stephanie has helmed numerous projects that dive into the science and art of cooking, leading global research trips focused on bread, pastries, and pizza. Her expertise is rooted in deep collaborations with baking experts and industry leaders to bring a comprehensive understanding of culinary topics to Modernist Cuisine’s audience.
Before joining Modernist Cuisine, Stephanie worked with major publishers like Simon & Schuster and Reader’s Digest, collaborating with some of the world’s largest brands, including Disney, Amazon Publishing, and Warner Bros. She also actively highlights trailblazing women in the pizza industry, hosting the Women in Pizza IG Live series and moderating panels across the US, Canada, and the UK. Join us as Stephanie shares her journey and her dedication to celebrating culinary excellence and innovation.
You can keep up with Stephanie's Women in Pizza IG Lives by following their Instagram! You can also follow Stephanie's personal Instagram and check out the Modernist Cuisine website for more information about her books!
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
LISTEN HERE!
S22 E214 Jen Schmitz
In this episode, we're talking with Jen Schmitz, an artist agent with REDEYE, an agency known for supporting voice-driven, art-focused work, blending commercial projects with the freedom for artists to pursue personal creative visions.
Jen shares how her diverse career path—from political science to administration—has shaped her approach as an agent and how every experience can lead to realizing your passion. Based in California, Jen is dedicated to connecting artists with opportunities that align with their dreams and unique creative voices.
You can keep up with Jen (and her adorable dog photos) on Instagram! See all her incredible artists on the Redeye Reps website!
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
LISTEN HERE!
S22 E213 Tori Spadaro Weintraub
Say hello to Tori Spadaro Weintraub, a photographer, creative director, and producer for photoshoots and music video shoots! Tori's passion lies in crafting content that sparks wonder and captures authentic emotion. Her dynamic approach allows her to create visually compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
After initially pursuing a career in nursing, Tori found her true calling in creative direction and visual storytelling. Tune in to learn about her journey, her creative process, and how she brings each project to life.
You can see Topri's incredible work on her website or by following her on Instagram!
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
LISTEN HERE!
S21 E212 Hollie Fraser
Today Shelly is chatting with Hollie Fraser, an award-winning multidisciplinary Creative Director with over 15 years of experience developing compelling concepts, repositioning brands, and garnering media attention for clients. Known for her ability to craft modern, talkable ideas that earn attention in today's media landscape, Hollie's work has been recognized by prestigious awards including Cannes Lions, Clio Image Awards, The Webbys, and BIMAs.
As the founder of We Are Shelance, a global network of female freelance creatives, Hollie champions the power of diverse, creative perspectives. Her career spans work with ad agencies, PR agencies, production companies, and startups, focusing on art direction, campaign development, and brand voice for industries ranging from beauty to tech.
You can keep up with Hollie and her incredible work by visiting her website or following her on Instagram! Be sure to also check out the We Are Shelance site!
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
LISTEN HERE!