When I read Shai Littlejohn's email, I knew we would create some serious magic together.
"I'm a singer-songwriter and lawyer. My friends call me a dreamweaver because I've found a way to follow my dreams, maintain my career, and bring forth the many facets that give my life dimension and meaning. I'm a blend of the intellectual and the creative, and I've been keeping my eyes open for a photographer who can capture that."
It was love at first email for me.
When I checked her website, I was so drawn to her song The Next Five Years. It makes me so emotional every time I listen to it.
Fast forward, and on the day of the photoshoot for my 35 Over 35 Portrait Campaign for Women in Business, we had such a great portrait experience! We started pampering Shai with hair and makeup by Collage HairStudio Miami, and then, we headed to the beach for some photos for the cover of Shai's new single Souvenirs, and for social media.
Tell us about yourself. What's the story behind you and your business?
I'm a performing songwriter, corporate attorney, speaker, and dreamweaver. Equal parts legal eagle and songbird, I forged an untraditional path while working as a lawyer, to live my dream of writing and recording music. I release country, pop, rock, and Americana songs that I pen under my publishing company, Rose Colored Glasses. I'm also a speaker and strategic legal advisor for Fortune 500 corporations, working professionals, and dreamers.
What makes your offer unique?
I reject the idea of forcing myself or others to exist in conventional boxes, and I don't shy away from presenting my full self to form an honest and transparent human connection with clients and audiences. You can rest assured I'll give you top-notch legal advice, but I'll show up in my leather jacket and jeans to play your gig too.
What future projects does your business have?
I will increase my speaking engagements in the second half of 2022. I'm also working on a how-to guide for working professionals on creating a life, and work, that aligns with who they want to be and what they value.
Do you have any advice for women who want to start a business?
Identify a need and respond to it in a way that is both effective and authentic to you and the lifestyle you want to lead.
What's your favorite quote?
"You can fail at what you don't love so you might as well do what you love." Jim Carrey
Why did you want to participate in this portrait campaign?
I love Odette's photography and spirit. I arrived at her website in search of a photographer, and her artistic approach jumped off of the screen. I also know the significance of the age 35. By 35, we've learned a lot and should share it to make the path of fulfillment a little bit easier for others.
What are you personally hoping to gain from this experience?
I wanted to meet Odette and get to know the person behind the lens. I knew it would result in beautiful photos that emote. She's amazing!
Testimonial
And these were Shai's words about our time together.
"I've had professional photos taken before, but this time I was on a mission to find a photographer who could capture my spirit and personality and not only take pretty pictures. When I saw Odette's website, I knew instantly that I wanted to work with her.
Odette's photographs are strong, passionate, mysterious (wonderful lighting and point of view), artsy and beautiful. She captures not only beautiful images but also the mood and spirit of the people she was photographing.
Posing for photos with Odette is so much fun because she's so down to earth. It felt like we were instant friends." - Shai Littlejohn
I can only say that it was out absolute pleasure to meet you and photograph you.
Your light lights up the world.
