It’s almost like meditation, looking at the Tide & Tree website. As soon as you log on the calming colours, simple design and gorgeous stock photography on offer draw your eyes in and make you feel that creative boost that comes with laying eyes on beautiful branding. If you love stunning photography then beware of this shop because you will want to purchase pretty much every collection, but if you’re on the lookout for stock photos that will captivate your audience, and a blog that will leave you feeling all inspired, then you’ll love founder Charlie’s Startup Story interview:

Hey Charlie! Tell us about your business.

I help exhausted, stressed and introverted solopreneurs or full time workers find balance between work, rest and play through the blog, whilst providing nature-inspired stock photography and mock-ups for their marketing and social media.

Tell us about your background before you began the business. What motivated you to change direction?

I worked normal 9-5 jobs since leaving university, itching to create my own freedom and live my own life, however I struggled to overcome the obstacles that get in an introvert’s way when building a business and often struggled to find a good work-life balance. I qualified with a First Class BA (Hons) in Marine & Natural History Photography in Falmouth, and as an experienced nature photographer, I knew I could provide stock and mock-ups that would ease the burden of content creation for small business owners. And my experiences in improving my own confidence, productivity and wellbeing could be shared in a blog to help others.

What has been your proudest moment in business so far?

Completing and launching my website, which I am so super proud of. And having the courage to launch a blog.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned since starting your business?

It always takes longer than you think, and you need to learn to be patient and not give up. You need to trust the process.

How do you stay organised? Any tips or tools?

I have lots! Over on the blog right now I have 5 daily routines to stay organised, how to hold yourself accountable to your tasks, different places to work besides home and coffee shops, and energising tricks to keep you motivated. Plus there’s loads more on the way. Organised is pretty much my middle name.

Would you say you have a healthy work life balance, and what do you do to maintain this?

Yes, but it takes work, motivation and constant reminders. No-one gets it right every day, but the blog is my way of sharing how I’ve achieved a work-life balance that I love. My main tips are to have a morning routine, get fresh air every day and to switch your phone off or put it in another room at the end of the day and at weekends.

What do you have planned for your business and what are the next steps toward your goal?

Grow the stock photography income both in my shop and on Creative Market. Grow traffic to the blog which hopefully attracts readers who would like my style of stock photography, and would sign up to my mailing list.

You can check out Charlie’s website at this link, and follow her Pinterest here, and her Instagram here.