Reminiscing back to the moment she received her first camera on her eleventh birthday, Anam re-lives the excitement of pulling back the flap to snap a picture with the small Digital HP. Obsessed with selfies at that point in her life, her journey with photography evolved beautifully.

Eager to establish where the passion to become a photographer came from, we talk and explore Anam’s life and key moments that contributed to inspiring this as a career choice. Fortunate enough to travel extensively during her youth, she vividly remembers using her first camera to capture images of scenery, the details of leaves and the essence of nature and the rawness of safari in Kenya. 

Career choice

The fascination continued to develop from this point onwards and after sadly losing her dad a couple of years ago, the reality of how precious captured memories were became increasingly evident. Dealing with grief, led to the reassessment of career choice and pursuit of something meaningful which she enjoyed and felt gratified by. Sifting through old photos, irreplaceable moments in time, she knew she just had to take the plunge and give it a shot. What’s the worst that could happen?

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“it’s not the camera – it’s more about your skills and ability to use it to create magic”.

Anam Anwer

Canon 1300D

The digital HP wouldn’t quite cut it, so Anam began to research extensively; in search of a camera worth investing in – the valuable tool that would assist in kickstarting her career in this new and quite daunting arena. She opted for a Canon 1300D, recommended as suitable for amateurs and admits to still utilising it to this day. Although the Canon 1300D remains close to her heart and such a special camera that has captured many incredible pieces of work and allowed her to launch herself into the industry, she has upgraded to a Sony A73. With little knowledge of cameras, I try to establish the differences and am advised that the Sony A73 is perfect for switching between photography and videography, so it is fabulous as a multi-purpose option, and she still gets excited every time she uses it! Regardless of choice, Anam is quite clear in the belief that “it’s not the camera – it’s more about your skills and ability to use it to create magic”.

Fenty Beauty brand

So, how does one “teach themselves” to become a photographer/videographer with no formal training? Dedication to researching and hours and hours of learning new techniques through YouTube videos, Skillshare and Udemy. Keen to know how Anam went from this – to working on a campaign for Rhianna’s trailblazing Fenty Beauty brand, I pick her brains a bit more!

“If you ever feel like doing something and have a desire or a passion you are considering pursuing, just do it, go for it. Dreams are only a mindset away from reality”.

Anam Anwer

What was your first professional photography job?

I remember seeing an old acquaintance from college, who is now a professional dancer, posting on social media that she required a photographer to take some portraits. I reached out saying I was available; she asked my rate (to which I questioned – what is my rate?!), and we took it from there. As I already knew her, I don’t think I felt as nervous as I would have, and I embraced the moment. It felt natural to me, and I was strangely calm, perhaps because this was something I cared about profoundly. The only nerves I experienced were those of excitement.

What major campaigns have you contributed to?

My first big job, which I am still so proud of to this day, is the Fenty Beauty campaign that I shot in 2019. I mean, Rhianna, wow – she’s a global phenomenon and me, I got to shoot for her brand. Words cannot describe how much confidence this instilled in me. I felt like I was finally on the cusp of success, and this was such an imperative milestone in my career.

Gym Shark

Another more recent campaign was with Gym Shark, one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness companies. It was weird, as, at the back of my mind, there was always a personal desire and goal to work with them, and when it came to fruition, it verified to me that nothing was out of reach. We all have those moments in our lives and careers where we doubt ourselves and our abilities, and this is the campaign that reinforced that self-confidence in me and reminded me that I’ve got this – I can do anything! To have such a massive brand trust me based on my past work was such an amazing feeling.

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Client’s brief

When I am on a shoot, I always have that tiny tingle of nervousness, no matter how large or small the scale is, as I genuinely care about my work and strive to achieve my client’s brief. However, on this shoot, I remember I felt so calm. I was just embodied in the moment, did not overthink for a second and felt like I was meant to be there.

How did covid impact your ability to freelance, and how did you overcome this?

Prior to lockdown, I had a couple of jobs that paid quite well; however, I knew they would only carry me through a couple of months. This was really concerning, but I began to pull on resources. I contacted people in my network to remind them I was available. The first month was difficult, but then I had to make a decision to offer discounted rates. This worked well with local artists, as it was apparent that a lot more people were becoming more creative during lockdown, and the emergence of bespoke, creative start-up businesses was rife.

All in all, despite the tragedies of the pandemic, lockdown proved fruitful for business as it made me work harder and focus on future direction, so I am grateful for that.

What are your specialities?

They’re varied! I have shot a lot of versatile genres, but I enjoy shooting brands, unique services – anything that allows me to have creative direction and full control over this. As I have a personal passion for health, sports and fitness, I also really enjoy this. The shoots are fun, real, allow me to capture movement, moments and play around – not as structured and planned or rigid.

What’s next for you?

The aim is to step away from operating the camera and move more into direction, piecing things together. I would love to work on bigger budgets, higher quality productions and do fewer jobs. Having a team to delegate to would be ideal!

Is there any advice you would give to someone considering launching a freelance business as a photographer?

Yes. Regardless of the industry, the goal and what you want to do, I’d say if you ever feel like doing something and have a desire or a passion you are considering pursuing, just do it, go for it. Dreams are only a mindset away from reality.

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Vijay Lochun (FCCA), the Managing Director of Accountancy Enterprise (www.accountancyenterprise.com). With a comprehensive background, being an Accountant for over twenty years, Hayes based Vijay has a plethora of knowledge and experience when it comes to providing an array of services with a personalised touch.

“The woman behind the brand is tenacious, focussed and results orientated”. 

Working with large organisations both in the accountancy industry as well as in Public Practice, Vijay branched out singularly to set up an efficient one stop shop for all client needs.

An interview with Vijay Lochun

Starting out in a franchise set up, Vijay has worked vigorously to set up on her own and is currently still building a client base. Having rebranded and started a fresh business model, we are thrilled to be able to share her extensive services with you.

The woman behind the brand is tenacious, focussed and results orientated. With an informative and fair approach to accountancy, tailored to suit businesses/clients of all sizes and expertise, I am engrossed in Vijay’s multitude of skills and areas covered in a professional capacity.

Having exhibited in the Chamber of Commerce for Hillingdon, as well as showcasing at The Excel, Vijay is keen to continue to network and expand her current business.

Bespoke Services

So, what makes Accountancy Enterprise unique in comparison to its multitude of competitors?

*In a nutshell, they offer advisory services that small firms don’t really have the capacity and expertise to do. These tend to be focussed on by larger groups, where in return costs become relative

Doing so much more than independent accountancy firms, Vijay’s services include:

*General tax services

*Credit Control

*Year End Accounts & Tax Returns

*Bookkeeping & VAT

*Payroll/CIS

*Management Accounts & Reporting

*Auditing

*Small business planning; investment advice

*Seed enterprises; for free capital gains

*Investment schemes; for tax relief 

*Pension advice

Unique businesses need a unique approach.

Biggest Challenges during Covid & lockdown

2019 – A positive year for the business, Vijay acquired a large assignment for a school audit. This was invaluable experience as it was a new area that she had not covered before and was a progressive opportunity

2020 – As with a lot of small businesses or businesses in general, 2020 was an exceptionally tough year. Being unable to work with other accountants created difficult barriers but Vijay persisted and knew this period would subside

2021 – Much better! New clients and recommendations have increased. Having invested a lot of finances in marketing with no substantial traction, Vijay has decided to take a different approach.

Future plans include working on increasing Accountancy Enterprise’s client base through research and development industries in specific.

If you have any accountancy needs, please feel free to mention The Networking Magazine when you contact Vijay. We look forward to following her growth journey and pleased to be able to promote the company’s array of personalised services!

Area Coverage

Hayes, Harlington, Hillingdon, Sipson, Harmondsworth, Southall, Northolt, Greenford, Ealing, Uxbridge, West Drayton, Twickenham, Heathrow, Harrow, Hounslow, Longford with Accountancy Enterprise.

Contact AEL Accountancy Enterprise

0203 011 0312 / 07877 462 858

The post Eleven is more than just a number – Accountancy practice that screams choice. appeared first on The Networking Magazine.

Regardless of your figure, I wholeheartedly believe that sports bras are an absolute necessity when working out – especially for those high impact movements. If you’re built anything like me though, that support is essential to a comfortable workout but there’s absolutely no way that you’re prancing around bare bellied! That’s why tank tops were invented. 

On a serious note, layering when working out is always a good idea. And, a tank top worn on top of a sports bra can easily be whipped off when you get to that over-heating point mid-workout, if you fancy it of course. 

But how do you wear yours, feel comfortable and still look good? After all, workout gear has now become a trend in itself and I strongly feel that if I’m looking good whilst in my gym kit I’m always that little bit more motivated and confident when exercising. 

Now, the question is – do you actually want your sports bra to be visible (that hey, look at me I’m cute whilst working out type of vibe!) or is it merely functional?

If it’s the latter, then you’re going to be more conscious of its visibility under your tank top.

Here are some easily wearable tips for your ultimate layering look:

The Actual Bra

Padded/Structured Sports Bra

With thin fabric or figure-hugging tank tops, padded or structured bras are not only great for coverage of your intimate areas but work well to support those HIT workouts where every body part wants to defy gravity, leaving you sweat ridden. With most padded sports bras coming with removable pads, these are also versatile depending on the weather or for laundry purposes.

That sassy fashionable sports bra

Now – it’s all fashion, fashion, fashion. With sportswear now becoming a recognisable part of the fashion industry, you will not be short of options for that “show off” sports bra. There are so many variations of dynamic styles, fabrics and prints with all kinds of interesting strap structures!

One of my favourites is the Bee Wild Camo Sports Bra – it makes you look like you really mean business when attacking that training session.

Racer/Criss Cross Back Sports Bra

If you don’t want your sports bra to be visible under your tank top then racer back styling is the way forward. With most tank tops being made in a racer back design, this is ideal for that discreet wearability factor. Personally, I love The Bee-Youtiful Sports Bra – Mint as it is a combination of the both.

Spaghetti Straps Sports Bra

If your tank top isn’t racerback, fret not. Although most sports bras have wide shoulder straps for additional support, you can actually find spaghetti strapped options, which can be concealed and not show on your shoulders.

The Tank Top

With gym wear being a fashion statement, you will be able to find all kinds of tank tops! If you don’t want your sports bra to be visible, the options above are great but you can also opt for a tank top with small armholes and wide shoulder area fabrication. My go-to at the moment, which denotes my current mood, is the “Bees don’t kill my vibe” number. It is a total vibe in itself.

I’d love to see how you wear yours if you’re uploading selfies (as we do, when we want the social media world to know that yes, yes, yes we are working out today (!))

Our bees have been beesy! 

– www.banditbee.co.uk

We are so excited to launch our first new eco leggings.  Made from 100% recycled polyester & spandex – we are absolutely buzzing!  Available in UK sizes 6-18, 7/8th length in black only.  Available to pre-order now – just drop us a DM @banditbeeofficial

The post Welcome to the hive. appeared first on The Networking Magazine.

Gloves Off

Everybody has a story but this is one story that I feel honoured to tell. Who would have thought that a chubby little kid from Alphabet City in New York would have enough courage and determination in his soul to persist until he achieved his goal of becoming a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and esteemed personal trainer (PT) to a celebrity and high profile client base in London?

I hereby present to you – Richard. J. Edwards (Richie) aka N.Y. Shogun. With a professional name that derives from the legendary de facto rulers of ancient Japan, Richie has demonstrated undeniable fervour in his journey, literally personifying his associated tagline #hustle.

Grinning from ear to ear, I am instantaneously focused on Richie and his incredibly infectious laugh and warm persona. We talk for what feels like an eternity and I am so drawn in to Richie’s tales of his struggle, determination and gratitude and genuinely excited to share my account of these with you.

Early Inspiration

Growing up in the 80’s, sharing a neighbourhood with Madonna and Keith Haring, at a time when hip hop, basketball and boxing were all the rage, was no mean feat for little nerdy Richie – who had no natural skills in any of these arenas (his words, not mine!).

It was dangerous; nestled between China Town, Spanish Harlem and Seaport, during a period where drugs and general crime were rife, you can understand why Richie was sheltered by his parents and prevented from walking the streets unchaperoned. He never played sports, wasn’t particularly cool and tended to be quite solo in his endeavours.

So, how was he inspired?

Funnily enough, breaking his wrist a day before commencing school, resulted in an overnight stay at the hospital where he met his first best friend, who sported a black belt in karate – JC. Renowned for being the toughest kid in town, Richie was mesmerised by the fluidity of his kicks and swift movements and pleasantly surprised at how patient, caring and loving he was. Sadly, JC had an asthma attack and passed away a few months on; however, meeting him was instrumental to the start of Richie’s journey.

The Dojo Brothers and the whole Metro All Stars karate team (run by Hector Santiago, whose daughter attended the same school as Richie) were present at the funeral, so an acquaintance was formed. For those of you, like me, who are not familiar with this scene; remember the Ninja Turtle movies – well, these are the guys beneath the suits in the first movie way back when!

So, JC’s legacy lives on…Richie went on to join White Tiger Dojo, which he describes with a glint in his eye was like ‘training with superheroes’, as he never felt he was the fastest or strongest contender.

A young kid, with a lot of heart and passion, he went on to take hits in the hope that one day his dreams would come in to fruition.

The karate school eventually shut down, Richie’s dad was sadly diagnosed with cancer, and that was when he stumbled across the boxing room. There was nothing glorious about this journey, about getting your ‘ass whooped’ in sparring sessions by some of the best boxers in the NYC amateur scene. But, persist he did.

It was a long path to reach the point where he progressed from boxing to fighting professional MMA.

Richie was at Printing House for a couple of years, training how to box.This was when he met Sebastian Taylor – body builder and a brown belt in Brazilian jujitsu, who presented him with the fighting scene in Japan. Having someone believe in him was a powerful motivation and watching endless videos of these fights was imperative, with training opportunities sparse, as no gyms would promote the MMA industry (it was still perceived as taboo and considered to be ‘like human cock fighting’).

Only 24 years old, with no experience, Richie plucked up the courage to trek to Boston for a UFC try out show, competing with 500 fighters. Another knockdown – a torn MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury from round one didn’t deter him. Funnelling through the pain, knee supported by duct tape, Richie hid his mishap and continued to compete. He didn’t get through but the devastation just fuelled more determination.

I am inspired. I have never met someone with so much fight and passion – the resilience to keep going and never give up.

Fighting took over and became his obsession and it was at this point he decided to go professional, packed his bags and moved to Boston where he trained for a couple of years with the elite.

A lot of introductions later and the connection with J Silver was formed. Richie chuckles memorably as he tells me how he was made to complete a 5 mile run then went to the gym for a sparring session. Bearing in mind he was a feather weight and J Silver was a heavy weight, he was lured in to a 10 round cage fight and, with burning lungs and laboured breath, he refused to be defeated. Finally, a breakthrough; poached by the Gold Team fighters, he stayed there for 3 years.

From NYC to London

So, how did Richie end up here – in sunny London? Like all great stories, it started with a woman. With what was meant to be a two week trip 11 years ago, funded by the air miles of doting colleagues, Richie landed in The Big Smoke and never looked back.

He trained with Team Titan, now known as GB Top team, and still does to this day. From falling in love and uprooting his life to moving half way across the world, Richie ran classes at The Fight Factory in Purley and competed and won Essex cage fighting championships.

The past year has been difficult for everyone and MMA fighting has also ground to a halt. With the last tough fight against an opponent that was 20kg heavier than him, despite his age, Richie is keen to get back in the cage.

Having always been a PT parallel to training and fighting, Richie has run classes at gyms and also privately. Holding pads for some of the best fighters in the country most definitely paid off, as it affords him the tenacity to be able to offer 30 minute non-stop sparring sessions!

Inspired by the highest ranking warriors in the Japanese army, Richie lives by the Shogun code of conduct, morals and willingness to die for what you believe in. His overpowering mentality, where giving up has never been an option, is gripping. The years of struggle and hard work led up to now, and he beams with such positive energy and appreciation, which is so admirable.

The Next Stage

Like myself, you are probably wondering what Richie’s next goal is. With the intent of reuniting the community by showing strength, he has plans for Pop up Events (exercise classes) later this year. In tow with a fitness podcast with James Arthur, which is currently under discussion, there is a lot of excitement ahead!

If you enjoyed reading about Richie’s journey, be sure to stay connected by following him @n.y.shogun on Instagram and visit https://newyorkshogun.com/ for any PT enquiries.

If podcasts are more your thing, watch this space for my follow up interview and training tips session with Richie, which is coming very soon!

N.Y. Shogun’s Top Health & Fitness Tips

1. Ask yourself – what do I want? Forget social media and family/friend influences and focus on what YOU are trying to achieve.

2. Once you’ve figured this out, make a plan! Consult a PT, get some direction; you may just need a programme or plan to follow and not a PT.

3. What makes you happy? Find workouts that are actually a bit tough and challenging but also excite you. Going through the motions and then feeling demotivated afterwards is just a waste of time and energy.

4. Sleep well.

5. Eat well – portion control, meal prep and be aware of your consumption

6. Be mindful. Meditate, find ways to relax and switch off

7. Refrain from the usage of steroids, diet supplements or engaging in crash diets. Be conscious to make a lifestyle change that is healthy but also makes you feel good

Professional Services

Full spectrum

Boxing

Kick boxing

Strength training

Corrective exercises – posture, general well-being etc.

Athletic training – adapted for professionals

Nutrition – macro analysis, calorie deficit guidance

Follow through approach; recommendations for connected services ie. meal prep, mental health support

28 Day Boxing Challenge

For Richie, this lockdown felt the hardest. With no end in sight and the post-Christmas slump looming, he made the decision to create content and share a 28 Day Boxing Challenge on Instagram for the month of February.

With feedback from clients, friends and followers insinuating that they were fed up of regular body workouts comprising of burpees and the likes, he felt that boxing would be teaching a different skill set whilst also being a great release for those that engaged.

Breaking down the fundamentals of boxing that he teaches in private training sessions, the collection of free short reels posted during the month were a massive hit. Filmed by talented friend Mehrad Keroyan (Instagram @mehrad_k01), they were ecstatic at the response. Even though Richie only has 1,400 followers on Instagram, one of the videos received a whopping 49,000 views.

In conjunction with this, long term client, X Factor winning singer and songwriter James Arthur, engaged with Richie where they went head to head remotely competing with calorie burning workouts. It is evident that Richie’s ethos ‘I never see what people do, I see them for who they are’ is paramount in his approach to socially connecting to provide motivation during this testing time.

Let’s get personal…random things I really wanted to know!

1. If you could have a cheat day where you eat absolutely anything you want all day, what would you have?

Sweeties & chocolates!! We are laughing raucously as Richie and I discuss how ‘your grandmother was your first drug dealer’. For the nostalgia and endorphins, particularly as he expresses that he is still a fat kid at heart, marshmallows and banana foam would rule the day.

2. If you could get in a time machine and give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

He wishes that he had more knowledge about the structure of fitness. Finding it years later, and now almost 40, losing a lot of family members due to illnesses fuelled by being unhealthy saddens him. ‘No one taught them about diet and the importance it. If I could go back and do this, a lot of the people close to my heart would still be here today’.

3. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

No way! There is me expecting something flamboyant like a beachfront or yacht but Richie would stay right here – in Fulham, Chelsea – for the people, and simply because ‘London is home’. The only other place would be NYC; back to the lower East Side. With the strong belief that you are a product of your environment, he hasn’t forgotten where he came from and would love to give back to the community that inspired him to be who he is today.

The post Gloves Off – A conversation with a professional MMA fighter. appeared first on The Networking Magazine.