Nicola Levine

Nicola Levine

Nicola Levine Photography

Branding and portrait photographer

Website: www.nicolalevine.com

Social Media Link:

Instagram: @nicolalevinephotography

Who is Nicola Levine?

Nicola Levine is a branding and portrait photographer who specializes in working with women entrepreneurs—particularly those in the health and wellness fields—who are launching new businesses, shifting careers, or ready to elevate their brand to the next level. She helps her clients create a personalized collection of professional images that highlight their unique personality, expertise, and story. Her work empowers women to connect authentically with their audience and grow their businesses with confidence.

What fuels Nicola’s passion is witnessing the transformation her clients undergo. Many of the women she photographs are stepping outside their comfort zones. They often arrive feeling unsure of how to present themselves visually—concerned about looking “professional enough,” feeling confident on camera, or even figuring out what to wear. Nicola guides them through the process with care, making it feel effortless—and even fun. Her goal is to create a warm, welcoming experience that feels more like spending time with a trusted friend while producing intentional, strategic, and aligned images with their brand.

Nicola believes that impactful branding photography goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about feeling empowered and establishing a presence that builds trust, credibility, and deeper engagement. She collaborates closely with each client to deliver a diverse image portfolio that serves them across social media, websites, and marketing platforms.

Please briefly summarize your life's journey, highlighting the significant chapters and pivotal moments.

I always believed my path was set—I spent years as a speech-language pathologist, helping people regain their ability to communicate. But after taking time off to raise my daughters and then facing a breast cancer diagnosis, everything shifted. I realized I wanted more control over my days, to connect with other like-minded women, and to build something of my own. Photography has always been a part of my life. As I leaned into it professionally, I discovered a passion for helping women confidently step in front of the camera, share their stories, and grow their businesses.

What were some of your challenges, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was shifting my mindset—realizing that I didn’t have to stay on the path I set for myself in my early 20s. I had invested years into my education and career as a speech-language pathologist, so changing directions felt uncertain and impractical. Photography had always been a passion, but I doubted whether I could turn it into a profession without a formal degree. It took my breast cancer diagnosis to put things into perspective—I didn’t want to live with regrets for not pursuing something that gave me delight and enjoyment. Stepping into entrepreneurship came with its own challenges, especially learning the business side—marketing, workflows, and building a sustainable brand. I had to overcome imposter syndrome, seek mentors, invest in learning, and surround myself with people who could guide me. My background in SLP, however, gave me a strong foundation—skills in communication, connection, and understanding people, all of which deeply influence how I work with my clients. Ultimately, I learned that while we can’t control every circumstance, we are 100% responsible for how we move forward.

What's something you do just for YOU?

Self-care is always a work in progress, and it shifts depending on what’s on my plate. At its core, it starts with the basics—sleep, nutrition, and movement. Swimming has been a lifelong passion—I competed at the national level in high school and college, and I still start my mornings in the pool several times a week. Movement helps me reset and stay grounded. Beyond that, self-care means giving myself grace, letting go of the “shoulds,” and remembering why I chose to run my own business—having ownership of my schedule and making time for my family. But I’ll be honest, it doesn’t always happen that way. Some days, the stress wins, and the to-do list feels never-ending. When that happens, I try to take a step back and ask, Does this really need to get done right now? What’s my priority? The biggest piece of self-care, though, is mindset—and that’s something I have to work at constantly. We can’t always control the thoughts and feelings that creep in, but we can set the intention to challenge them. I try to recognize limiting beliefs, reframe challenges, and remind myself, I’ve got this. Life will always bring ups and downs, and while I don’t always navigate them perfectly, I believe in steering myself back in the right direction, one step at a time.

Was there a time when you felt disconnected from your purpose or struggled to find balance in your life? How did you navigate that season?

One of the main reasons I started my own business was to have control over my schedule—to be present for my family while doing work that truly fulfilled me. I wanted ownership over what I offered and who I worked with. But the reality of running a business is that deadlines, client commitments, and responsibilities don’t just disappear. As my business grew—especially when I transitioned from family to branding photography—I found myself working more, and my time with my girls and my husband started slipping. When I’d hear, “You’re always in your office,” I knew I needed to reevaluate. The very thing I built to create freedom was pulling me away from what mattered most. It’s easy to get caught up in “I should” and “I need to” when running a business, but I’ve had to remind myself why I chose this path in the first place. I also want my daughters to see that life isn’t about staying on one set track—you can make changes, realign, and choose a new direction at any point. And that lesson is just as important as the work I do.

Do you want to share your HERstory with The Next ChaptHER community?  Click here to submit your information.

Follow us on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching (link: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching to continue the conversation.

Make sure to tune in to The Next ChaptHER podcast (link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-chapther/id1670206410) for additional support and inspiration.