Business owner and talented photographer Carmen Hickey was thrilled to be named a winner in the awards dubbed the ‘Oscars of Small Business’.

“Winning this award has exceeded my greatest expectations, to be announced an Australian champion is the greatest honour a photographer and businessperson can be bestowed,” Ms Hickey said. 

Ms Hickey began photographing 10 years ago with her first studio in the back room of a house. 

Today she operates a successful business and encourages people starting out in small business to start small and grow a little each year. 

“Build and develop your reputation, and surround yourself with supportive people including mentors and other artists,” Ms Hickey encouraged. 

“Women in business need to support each other and build each other up,” she added. 

Ms Hickey is dedicated to professional development, most recently attending the Wedding Portrait Photographers International Conference in Las Vegas, and said this is important to success in small business.

“The accolade speaks for itself, I can only be the best small photography business in Australia by dedicating my time to attending such events and developing my art,” Ms Hickey said. 

“I’m privileged to have photographed alongside and attended mentoring sessions with the world’s best including Bambi Cantrell, Ryan Schembri, and Jerry Ghionis,” she continued. 

Her passion for photography remains strong.

“It is pure joy to receive feedback from my clients, and to know I bring such joy through photographs,” Ms Hickey said. 

”My mind is always engaged in creating and developing new concepts and this winter I am excited to be collaborating with top businesswomen (in their own fields) on a photography shoot,” she added.