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Top 10 Most Inspiring Women 2018

Jennie Campbell

Photographer and Teacher | Visit Website

Jane Clark, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Brandswan, a Delaware web design agency

Jane Clark, Co-Founder of BrandSwan

Why We Chose Jennie

“Honestly, I could kick myself for not befriending her sooner. I met Jennie at Cecil (Community) College. We were both photo majors. Although we were acquaintances, we never really talked or had any classes together. It wasn’t until we reconnected on Facebook over a decade later that I really saw Jennie’s light.

Stalking her on social media and talking with mutual friends revealed that she is more than just a phenomenal photographer — she gets involved in the community. She actually lives her truth and does stuff. She is out and about, building her #bossbabe business and rockin’ it as both a beloved teacher and entrepreneur. We can learn a lot from Jennie’s incredible work ethic and passion for life. She doesn’t exist… she lives. Thank you, Jennie for showing us how it’s done!”

Jane Clark Signature

Jennie Campbell

Photographer and Teacher | Visit Website

Jennie Campbell |Day 5 Top 10 Inspiring Women 2018 | Teakettica LLC

Tell us a little bit about being a photographer and a teacher

I fell in love with photography during my first high school photography class. When I went to Cecil College, I realized I wanted to do something I loved every day, so when I was signing up for classes I decided to take a basic photography class. During that first class, photography quickly became my passion and later my career. Starting your own business takes commitment and drive, it hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it. After starting my photography business, I was asked to teach photography at Cecil College. I was not sure if I would like it or even if I would be good at it, but nonetheless, I accepted the position. After the first semester of teaching, I was hooked, sharing my passion of photography with students eager to learn the art is very fulfilling. Even though teaching was not really part of my career plan, it has changed my life. I consider myself lucky to be a photographer, a photography teacher at Cecil College and love what I do every day.

Give a shout out to a woman or women who you consider to be your mentor(s)

The two women I credit for whom I am and where I am today would be Michelle Porter and Kristi Eisenberg. Mrs. Porter was my high school photography teacher and the person who introduced me to photography. Mrs. Eisenberg was my college professor and the head of the Visual Communications Program at Cecil. She encouraged me to go after my passion of owning my own business and introduced me to teaching. Both of these women have been such an inspiration to me and I can never thank them enough for all the encouragement and advice they have given me throughout the years.

What advice would you give to young women who want to go into the photography or teaching field?

I would say starting any business is not easy, nor is selecting a career path. I believe if you want something bad enough and you are willing to work for it, the benefit is worth it! I have never really followed the crowd, if you want to start your own business, listen to your heart and don’t compromise. Be true to yourself.

What is the greatest challenge you ever overcame?

The biggest challenge I had to overcome is doing everything myself. If you are going to start a business, you have to rely on you, no one else. You do the scheduling, you write the contracts, you take the photographs, you do the editing…you get the “picture.” It took years for me to get to where I am today. I love what I do and am glad I never set out to be a millionaire, because loving what you do and being dedicated to it is priceless.

If you had to start over from scratch knowing what you know now, would you do anything different? If so, what would you do?

I would not change a thing. Although the path I chose wasn’t easy, the end justifies the means and I am truly happy with my results. I have met so many amazing people along the way, every day is new and exciting and it’s empowering to be your own boss.

Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.

My greatest accomplishment is teaching and inspiring students of all ages to follow their passion whether in a professional environment or for pleasure.

What change do you want to see in the world, and how are you aiding that cause?

I would love to see young women being inspired to go after their dreams, knowing there will be roadblocks, yield signs, and detours, but focusing on the destination rather than the journey. I believe I instill the desire to follow your dreams, no matter how crazy people think your dreams are.

Tomorrow we’ll post another #bossbabe. Don’t turn that dial…

More 2018 Most Inspiring Women

Day 10: Traci Madison — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 10: Traci Madison — Inspiring Women 2018

I had the pleasure to brand Traci’s company, Madison Real Estate. What’s really impressed me about her is that in 2 years she’s tripled the number of agents. Every day it seems she’s having an open house or congratulating a client on the selling or purchasing of their home. She’s always posting amazing photos to inspire those searching for their dream home. AND, she still has time to go out and network. She knows how to work it — she knows how to work her brand, work the room, build truly meaningful relationships, and she can throw one hell of a party. Everyone who knows her, loves her… myself included.

Day 9: Antoinette Blake — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 9: Antoinette Blake — Inspiring Women 2018

Every woman-centric event I’ve attended, Antoinette’s name was mentioned as a woman of influence. She is most known as an award-winning blogger (@DelawareBlogger to be precise) and social media guru. She has a weekly podcast and also teaches as an adjunct professor. Other accomplishments include Entrepreneur of the Year Award, featured in several publications like Delaware Today, Woman’s Day, Parade, The Delaware Business Times, and Technical.ly. The most impressive… she’s even on radio! Is there anything this gal can’t do?

Day 8: Sarah Kenney — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 8: Sarah Kenney — Inspiring Women 2018

Recognized as a DBT40 Honoree from the Delaware Business Times and a Leadership Delaware Scholar is just the tip of the iceberg that is Sarah’s accomplishments. President of the board of Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation (who I have the pleasure of working with on the event committee) and Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Nemours are just a couple more things that this girl juggles. Yet, the thing that impresses me the most is that she rocked the business world and bought a house before even getting married. She stands on her own two feet. This is an amazing individual that is fiercely independent, intelligent, and spends every day connecting people. I am so thrilled that she is receiving recognition so well deserved and I’m proud to call her a friend as she brings positivity wherever she goes.

Day 7: Jacqueline Means — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 7: Jacqueline Means — Inspiring Women 2018

At only 15 years old, Jacqueline is known in the community for her efforts in bringing STEM to the underprivileged girls of Wilmington, inspiring girls to get actively involved in science, technology, engineering, and math. So well spoken and passionate, I am totally blown away by her. Speaker, event planner, chess player, volunteer, mentor and more. She makes me so proud to be a fellow Delawarean and a woman. She will continue to defy the stereotypes that limit our potentials.

Day 6: Sital Soni — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 6: Sital Soni — Inspiring Women 2018

Sital impressed me with her eloquent yet authentic way of speaking to the room. You could tell that she knew her stuff. She not only could answer all of the audience’s questions, but she provided a level of insight that really just connected all the dots. When I saw her again at the Delaware Small Business Chamber, I recalled her striking presence and how she could command a room. Yet, she still retains a softness that makes her incredibly approachable. As breast cancer survivor and someone who heavily volunteers for the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce, Sital offers herself up as a resource to those who can benefit from her experiences. I am so looking forward to getting to know her better and seeing where she continues to go.”

Day 4: Aniko Czobor — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 4: Aniko Czobor — Inspiring Women 2018

I adore Aniko. If memory serves, I met her at a Wonder Women Tea event at the Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast, but in truth I see her at all sorts of events. I’ve had the pleasure to get to know her over the years and what impresses me most about Aniko is her joyful presence. No matter what is happening, she finds reasons to smile. It’s not a smile that’s forced; it’s a smile that genuinely warms a room. I love that she is proud of her heritage in a world of notenoughness. I love that she loves life and still has enough in her cup to pass that love onto others in their time of need. Aniko is so much more than an inspiring woman — she’s an inspiring human being.

Day 3: Lois Hoffman — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 3: Lois Hoffman — Inspiring Women 2018

Lois is everywhere and everyone knows Lois; but, that’s not why I chose her. We became fast friends after we kept bumping into each other at various networking events. She is one of the most delightful people to be around — and most importantly, she laughs at all my jokes. She is an amazing and persistent entrepreneur. I see her social media posts everywhere from Linked in to Facebook. Her brand is always on point and consistent in everything she does. So dedicated and hardworking, Lois just doesn’t quit. And that’s why she deserves to be on my list. I find her compassionate and inspiring. Oh, and did I mention she is also a juggler? Yeah.

Day 2: Sheri Stafford Swift — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 2: Sheri Stafford Swift — Inspiring Women 2018

Sheri is a freelance makeup artist. She always looks like a total rock star thanks to her amazing talents. What I love most about Sheri is that she is constantly pushing herself. She was afraid to start her own biz, but she did it anyway. Something she doesn’t mention in her interview but has given me permission to add — through a ton of hard work, Sheri was able to kick diabetes medication to the curb. As a diabetic, this gives me hope. Without further adieu… meet Sheri, who was nationally recognized in The Knot.

Day 1: Brooke Chase — Inspiring Women 2018

Day 1: Brooke Chase — Inspiring Women 2018

“I met Brooke at a Mascara & Mimosa event. She approached me easily and effortlessly, introducing herself. I was impressed by her side hustle, B.Social. As I stalked her on social media and got to know her a little more personally, she became the social media gal for TAPP Network. Now she has accepted a new gig at the City of Wilmington. I find myself proud to know her and also awestruck; Brooke is a go getter, brave & beyond talented. I can’t wait to see what this passionate millennial does next.”