What better way to celebrate International Women's Day 2023 than by speaking to the founder of a Welwyn Garden City-based empowerment photography business? 

Tigz Rice, a photographer who specialises in empowerment and glamour photography started her own business when the 2009 recession pushed her to create her own opportunities with jobs. 

She said: "When I was at uni, I studied illustration but during my third year, I fell out of love with drawing and illustration and wanting to complete my degree, I just picked up a camera. 

"I took pictures of my friends in a tiny windowless cupboard, with a bedside lamp and a white bedsheet. 

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"I guess I just had a natural affinity towards it and even after I graduated, people kept asking for me to take their pictures, so I took that opportunity and made it a job for myself." 

Inspired by burlesque shows, Tigz wanted other people to know what it felt like to be so confident in their own bodies.  

Tigz said: "I attended a burlesque event and immediately I thought to myself that I have found my people.  

"Everyone was so confident in their own skin, even if they wore nothing and I wanted other people to know what that kind of confidence felt like." 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Tigz has also been named one of the UK's most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs.Tigz has also been named one of the UK's most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs. (Image: Connor Wells)

Tigz was recently named one of the UK's most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs in the f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign alongside 100 female entrepreneurs. 

She said: "The feeling is just incredible and to been recognised alongside other inspiring women is unbelievable.  

"Just from this one campaign, so many doors have opened for me, and this year is just filled with opportunity." 

                                                                                                         

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Even though Tigz recently released her newest photography album, the business owner will not be taking a break and plans on growing even more this year. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Tigz hopes to inspire women to be more confident in their own bodies.Tigz hopes to inspire women to be more confident in their own bodies. (Image: Tigz Rice Ltd.)

Tigz added: "This year is all about growth and the path to success. I really want to get into education and give back to my community by teaching people to hone in on these skills." 

Hoping to inspire other women to get started with their own businesses, Tigz said: "Just do it. There is never a bright and perfect time to start something. Just explore your side hustle and try it and you'll never know where it might lead."