On the occasion of women's rights day, on March 8, we met three entrepreneurs from Marais, in the field of chocolate, photography and metals.
Meeting with three remarkable women.
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After a career in advertising, Laure Bouvet founded her company Well Done John in 2018 and, in doing so, created a profession that did not yet exist in France, that of coach for photographers.
• What is “Coach for Photographers”?
It’s a new job! After ten years in advertising where I was an art buyer (the person who seeks the best talents to produce advertising campaigns, from the photographer to the decoration manager or the stylist), I decided in 2018 to stand out on my own two feet. by creating Well Done John, a company dedicated to coaching for photographers but also to art purchasing, a profession that I continue to practice in parallel for different agencies.
The profession of photographer has changed enormously due to the 2008 crisis and digital technological developments. In a decade, income has fallen by 80%.
Clients understand less the added value of a professional. With social networks, everyone calls themselves a photographer.
Added to this are platforms and image banks that are slashing prices. Even luxury brands and some large advertising agencies are reluctant to pay fair value for an artist's work.
Photographers now need support in their dialogue with clients. This service existed abroad but not in France.
• Why did you start your own business?
It is first of all the fruit of my experience over more than ten years in contact with photographers. Starting a business is an exciting challenge, especially for women.
Today, employment remains very unequal. When looking for a job, it is not uncommon for us to be asked about our maternity plans.
The gap between men and women with equal backgrounds begins to widen at the time of the first pregnancy and is rarely made up...
Creating a business allows you to realize your professional projects without having to ask yourself this type of question.
There are many people around me who have followed this path. It is an act of freedom. It gives strength and it’s exciting. Once you've tasted it, you don't want to go back.
• Did you feel supported?
The creation of a new profession always raises questions. To start a business, you have to be convinced and convincing!
I am lucky to have always been supported by those close to me and to have found a job that I really like. Helping artists to want to make images and to make a better living from their activity is a real satisfaction.
When a woman creates her own job, there is sometimes a suspicion among some, as if she is doing it as a hobby. I think the best response to this is to prove them wrong! And that gives me even more energy.
Text: Katia Barillot
Photos: ©Anaïs Costet
08.03.20
