Wonder Woman Wednesday
- louisehewison
- Apr 29, 2015
- 6 min read
When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a ballerina ☺. Sadly, though, I wasn’t a good enough dancer. But art has always been a huge love of mine, and I’ve always been unconventional, and had a strong instinct to help people, so what I’m doing now is perfect, and was meant to be. It’s definitely my calling!
What do you do now? For work? For fun?
I run a body cast business called Perfectly Cast. My objective is to help ladies to feel beautiful, and proud of their bodies. I’m passionate about positive body image, and women embracing their quirks. Casting is a way of capturing a physical milestone, such as pregnancy, or a particular stage of life. It’s a way for ladies to express themselves, and have a part of their body immortalized into a beautiful sculpture. I’m currently developing a more therapeutic slant to my casting too, as I’d love to help ladies who have suffered trauma that has changed how they view their body. It’s in the early stages, but I’m very excited about it. I also make quirky little keepsakes that promote the theme of positive body image, plus I’m writing a book along the same themes. Safe to say I’m busy, but loving it! For fun I do the usual things, drinking wine with friends, eating out, spending time with family, and I also sing in a local singing society. My feet never touch the ground, but that’s how I like it!
How did you get into your area of expertise?
I did a degree in make-up and special effects, and one of the skills we learnt was body casting. I previously ran a make-up and props business in London, we offered body casting as one of our services, and cast a few well known ‘faces’ such as Sam Fox. I loved casting, so when the time was right to set up another business, it was the natural choice.
What obstacles have you faced in following your dreams and how have you overcome them?
Running a business is one obstacle after the other, it’s part of the huge challenge, but also part of the fun. I’ve had to do everything on a shoestring, which has been really tough, but very satisfying. The biggest obstacle I would say I face when it comes to my business though, is getting the message out about body casting. It’s such an unusual service, and a lot of people either don’t know what it is, or don’t know it exists. This isn’t an obstacle I would say I’ve overcome, as such, as it’s an ongoing project, but I do all I can to promote the idea of casting, such as having a strong social media presence, and planning my marketing with this challenge I mind. I really appreciate you asking me to be part of Wonder Women Wednesday, as it helps tremendously with getting the message out ☺
What’s the best part of what you do?
When a client cries/hugs me/beams on seeing their piece for the first time, it’s the most amazing feeling!
What advice do you have for other women who might want to follow suit?
Just go for it, pure and simple! It’s unimaginably tough, I won’t lie to you, but the rewards of following your dream/running a business are infinite. Have a good plan, keep it as simple as possible, stay focused, and make the most of the free advice on the internet. There are loads of online gurus offering both paid, and free courses, and the advice and resources are amazing. I would also advise getting a business/life coach. Being in business can be lonely, and having someone you can talk to, to encourage and push you, help you develop your strengths, and push past your weaknesses, is invaluable.
What’s your morning routine?
I check my e-mails, at 8.30am, to ease me into the day! Then I shower and dress, have some breakfast and review my schedule for the day. I always have a written schedule for the week, it’s the best way to keep on track when you have to motivate yourself! I like to take a walk, when my schedule allows, too, it helps to set me up for the day!
3 things that are on your ‘to do’ list today?
1) answer these questions, hehe, 2) do some work on and online business course I’m currently doing, 3) download an arts council grants form, as I’m applying for a grant, along with another artist, for a big fine art exhibition we planning, that will tackle tough issues that women face such as depression, domestic violence and body image problems.
What are you working on at the moment? Next project?
As mentioned in my answer to question 8, I’m working on a fine art exhibition with a Scottish artist. We are both very passionate about this project, as we want to raise awareness about 6 tough issues women face, in a bid to start a dialogue, let others know that they are not alone. The issues in question are all things that the other artist, and I, have personal experience of, so it’s hugely emotional, but we feel it’s important to tackle these issues.
One woman you admire and why?
Marie Forleo. She’s built a hugely successful business, and does everything with so much heart and compassion. She’s honest, BS free, generous, and really cares about helping other women succeed. I love her, and would recommend her free online resources to anyone, even those not running a business. Marie is proof that you can follow your dreams, and become very successful, without being ruthless or selfish.
Three wishes?
1) To reach 100’s of women through my casting business, and help them feel beautiful and strong, 2) to become a published author and, 3) to buy my dream house, in cash ☺
Who do you turn to for advice?
My mentor, Mark Sephton, has been a huge source of support and advice throughout my businesses, even at points when I haven’t been able to afford him, he has a massive heart! I also turn Marie Forleo’s free Q+A Tuesday vids, which are all on her site, and sent to her subscribers weekly, for inspiration and advice. In my personal life though, it’s my Mom, every time, she’s my rock!
Who do you turn to for a shoulder to cry on?
I have amazing friends and family, any of whom I can turn to, but it tends to be my Mom. My mentor Mark has also been a shoulder for me on more than one occasion!
Favourite book?
Oooh, this is a really hard one, as there are so many books I love, for all sorts of reasons. I actually don’t think I can choose! I love to read, and have read so many amazing books. Authors I love include Cecelia Ahern, Marian Keyes, Clive Barker and Harlen Coben, but I’ve also read many brilliant personal development books, and business books such as ‘Shy People Can Be Successful Too’, ‘Refuse to Choose’ and ‘The Happiness Project’.
Favourite movie?
Again, this is a tough one, but my top 5 are ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’, ‘The Never Ending Story’, ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’.
Favourite childhood game?
Hungry Hippos! Very noisy, but brilliant! I also played a lot of make believe games as, unsurprisingly, I’ve always had a vast imagination!
Fantasy career? Why?
I’m in the fortunate position that I am living my fantasy career! As previously mentioned, I love helping people, plus I love being creative, and not being tied by conventional job rules! I love being my own boss!
Words for Monday motivation?
Anything is possible!
#FeelGoodFriday song?
Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’
Favourite quote?
‘Everything is figure-outable’ – Marie Forleo
Contact Charlotte
Comments