‘I feel like I’m coming out of lockdown stronger’

Rachel Mullett, 62, from Pembrokeshire, saw lockdown as an opportunity to reevaluate.

‘Before the pandemic, I was selling souvenirs, such as canvases and mugs, to various shops and galleries in Pembrokeshire, where I live. It was a successful business and growing every year. Then in March last year, when the pandemic hit, shops shut, the tourist industry crashed and orders stopped coming in. Although I panicked at first, I decided that this was an opportunity for me to reevaluate. I invested in some business coaching sessions with a woman called Moira Doherty and decided that running photography workshops was the direction I should follow. I became interested in photography a few years ago after my husband bought himself a nice camera; he never took it off automatic mode but I taught myself to use it properly and I was hooked.

I launched online photography workshops in late spring last year. At first, they were run via Zoom then, last summer, I offered in-person socially distanced courses. Happy clients gave me the confidence that it was the right direction for me. I’m already getting bookings for this summer’s courses and, this year, I’ll be taking groups to Skomer island in Wales to photograph puffins and other wildlife. I also realised people were struggling emotionally, so I started a Facebook group called Pembrokeshire Photography Workshops where I set weekly challenges and give members tips. People have said it’s really helped them during lockdown. I took a financial hit last year, but the new business is doing well and I’m hoping I’ll recoup some of the money I lost. I feel like I’m coming out of lockdown stronger, with more confidence, better business skills and a long-term plan.’