Meet Heather Mahoney

We recently connected with Heather Mahoney and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’m not sure I’ve ever completely overcome imposter syndrome — and honestly, I’m not sure anyone truly does. What shifted for me was realizing that imposter syndrome is incredibly common and relatable. Once I saw that so many other women I admired struggled with the same feelings, it helped me stop seeing it as a personal flaw and start viewing it as something we can talk about openly.
I’ve learned to recognize when it shows up in my own life and to remind myself that it doesn’t define my worth or my ability. There are definitely tools and ways to move through it — leaning on community, celebrating wins, and giving myself permission to grow as I go. Do I still struggle sometimes? Absolutely. But instead of letting it stop me, I use it as a reminder that I’m pushing myself into new and meaningful places.

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

My journey started in nursing, where I spent 15 years caring for others. When I stepped away from that career in April 2025, I carried with me a deep passion for helping women feel seen, valued, and supported. That passion led me to focus on photography full time, and now my mission is to empower women, entrepreneurs, and professionals to step confidently into the spotlight — both in life and in front of the camera.
What excites me most about my work is that it goes beyond taking pretty pictures. Every session is an experience of empowerment — guiding clients to feel comfortable, celebrated, and confident. I’ve found that when someone sees themselves in a new light through a photo, it often sparks confidence in every other area of their life. That transformation is incredibly special.
Over the past year, I’ve also launched community-focused campaigns like Rising Together and The Compassionate Collective, which spotlight influential women and extraordinary caregivers through storytelling and portraiture. These projects not only create beautiful images but also build connection, collaboration, and community impact.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my photography brand and speaking work. I’m excited about offering confidence workshops, new courses for photographers, and ongoing community campaigns that give people the tools and encouragement they need to show up as their authentic selves. My goal is to continue blending creativity, empowerment, and community — proving that photography can be so much more than an image.

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

1. Resilience. Life and business don’t always go the way we expect. My background as a nurse taught me to stay calm under pressure and keep moving forward even in challenging circumstances. That resilience has carried over into entrepreneurship, where things can shift daily. My advice: practice flexibility. When something doesn’t go as planned, ask, “What can I learn from this?” instead of seeing it as a failure.
2. Connection. Building authentic relationships has been everything — whether with patients, photography clients, or other women in business. I’ve learned that confidence grows in community, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up makes all the difference. My advice: seek out mentors, peers, and communities that encourage you and be that encouragement for others, too.
3. Confidence (even when you don’t feel it). So much of my work centers on helping others feel confident because it’s something I’ve had to learn myself. Confidence isn’t about never doubting — it’s about showing up anyway. My advice: take small, consistent steps outside your comfort zone. Each time you do, you prove to yourself that you’re capable, and that’s where real confidence is built.

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

Absolutely — collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. I believe that when women and community-minded professionals come together, we create impact far greater than what we could do alone.
I’m especially looking to connect with:
Local businesses and organizations that want to highlight their teams, events, or stories in a way that feels fresh, authentic, and empowering.
Fellow creatives and entrepreneurs who share a passion for building confidence and visibility — whether through workshops, events, or community campaigns.
Nonprofits and advocacy groups that want to shine a light on caregivers, leaders, and changemakers who often go unnoticed.
Some of my most meaningful projects, like Rising Together and The Compassionate Collective, grew because of collaboration — and I’m always open to new ideas, partnerships, and ways to amplify voices in our community.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Heather Mahoney Co

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