Meet Nicola Levine

We recently connected with Nicola Levine and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicola, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I always believed my path was set—I was a speech-language pathologist, working with people recovering from acquired brain injuries, helping them regain their cognitive-communication skills. I loved the connection, the problem-solving, and the joy of helping people express themselves. But after stepping away to raise my kids, I began to question if returning to that career was truly what I wanted. Then, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything became even clearer—I had the opportunity to redefine my path.
Photography had always been part of my life. As a kid and teen, I was the one with the camera, documenting family gatherings, photographing my friends, and creating albums to preserve memories. When my daughters were born, my passion deepened—I wanted to capture every milestone, every fleeting moment. But beyond personal memories, I felt a pull to do more with it. I saw how many women, especially business owners, shied away from the camera. They were building incredible things but hesitated to show up for themselves. That’s when it all clicked
When branding photography emerged, it instantly resonated with me. It became my way of blending everything I loved—helping people express themselves, creating connection, and telling meaningful stories. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about helping women step confidently into their brand and be seen. The career change wasn’t easy—I had invested so much into my previous path that it felt daunting to start over. But looking back, I know it was exactly the right decision.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Today, I specialize in branding photography for women entrepreneurs who are building businesses, pivoting careers, and stepping into new chapters of their lives. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to put yourself out there, which is why my sessions are designed to be a collaborative, empowering experience. I take the time to understand your story, your brand, and how you want to be seen so that your images feel authentic and aligned with your vision.
My goal is to make the process effortless—one less thing on your already full plate. From planning your session to guiding you every step of the way, I create a relaxed, supportive environment where you feel comfortable and confident. The result? Photos that not only look beautiful and professional but also help you connect with your community, build brand recognition, and establish trust.
What excites me most is the connection—hearing other women’s stories, understanding their journeys, and being a small part of helping them achieve their goals. I love seeing the transformation that happens during a session—not just in front of the camera, but in the confidence they carry forward in their business. Watching women step into their brand with clarity and purpose, knowing they are putting themselves out there in an authentic way, is incredibly fulfilling. More than anything, I cherish the sense of community that comes from working with like-minded women—lifting each other up, celebrating our successes, and growing together. That’s what truly gives me joy and purpose.

What’s New?
To further support my branding clients, I’m expanding my services to include video content. Video has become an essential tool for business owners, whether for their website, social media, or marketing. I’m currently working with a coach to develop my skills in capturing dynamic, engaging video footage—from b-roll to short storytelling clips—so my clients have even more ways to connect with their community. I plan to roll this out in the coming months as an extension of my branding packages.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been clarity, consistency, and building a strong community.
First, clarity is key. Understand who you want to work with and define your community. Knowing your ideal clients helps shape your message and offerings.
Second, consistency is crucial. Stay true to your brand’s vibe and energy in everything you do—from photos to messaging—so you build recognition and trust.
Lastly, building a support system is essential. Surround yourself with mentors, trusted peers, and complementary businesses. A strong community will help you grow and stay motivated.
For those starting out, focus on these three: get clear on your brand, stay consistent, and surround yourself with people who can support and guide you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always open to collaborating with women entrepreneurs in complementary fields—brand designers, social media coaches, business coaches, stylists, wellness experts, copywriters, and event planners. Ideally, I work with those based in and around Chicago, but I’m open to connecting with like-minded women anywhere. Collaboration and community are key to helping each other grow and succeed. Feel free to reach out and email me: [email protected]

Contact Info:

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