Gentle. Graceful. Passionate. Three words Mary Ann Nichols embodies.
When I arrived at Mary Ann’s home for her portrait session, her friendly, warm smile welcomed me in.
As stylist, Alicia Kovaleski of Bombshell Studio applied Mary Ann’s makeup, I put my vision for her portraits into action. My goal is to portray images that speak of Mary Ann’s personality, passion and interests, so creating them in her home was a perfect plan. She would be relaxed in a place she is most comfortable, and I could include her favorite books and art in different settings.
Humble of the idea of being photographed herself, we had an enjoyable time sharing conversation as we flowed from one area of her living room to another creating a variety of images.clark Later, after we selected her favorite poses, I asked Mary Ann her thoughts about herself.
Why, as women are we not necessarily comfortable being more open about who we are, allowing ourselves photographed or interviewed and why don’t we embrace what we are really capable of? Her answer is intriguing – “We fight against society’s rules but that may also be what motivates us”. I love this quote. The more I think about it, the more it means to me and the things I’ve done (and why) in my own life. Being motivated to move beyond society’s status quo is a true sign of moxie!
Pearl of Moxie
“We fight against society’s rules
but that may also be what motivates us.”
What are your passions?
Family. When asked about her passions, “family” is the first thing Mary Ann talks about. Thankfully she loves to travel and enjoys visiting her children and grandchildren in different areas of the country, further emphasizing her passion in “Keeping family together is most important”.
Encouragement. Mary Ann finds it important to be willing to ask for help – “Whatever type of help you may need. Coaching, counseling or support of any kind, is the best gift you can give yourself and your family. Turning to the right person for help and support can make all the difference in your life. The process may be challenging at the time but the outcome is rewarding.”
Community. Mary Ann is a native of the Abingtons, in northeast Pennsylvania, where she resides in Clarks Green and is active in the community she is passionate about. “Being owner of two local businesses over 40 years, I’ve had the privilege to get to know so many of the residents of our community”, she told me. Mary Ann has volunteered her time in a variety of ways. Her focus right now is The Gathering Place, a new community center that celebrates inclusive partnerships, creativity, education and the arts in Clarks Summit and the Abingtons. The Gathering Place is in the process of transforming the former Clarks Summit firehouse into a central community gathering place. This transformation has had huge support and is still working to meet and maintain their goals to finish the project.
Supporting this gem of the greater Abingtons can be in a variety of ways –
https://gatheringplacecs.org/donate/
What advice do you have for women in business? “Having a family atmosphere was always important. I never felt like anyone worked FOR me. I felt like we worked together. It’s important to value and nurture those who work with you.”
Pearl of Moxie
“It’s important to value and
nurture those who work with you.”
What advice would you give your younger self? “I’d tell myself to always have an open mind to find ways to reinvent yourself, to try new things and see the possibilities. Great things don’t just happen, you have to be open to the and refuse to let other talk you out of it.
Pearl of Moxie
“an open mind to find ways to reinvent yourself,
to try new things and see the
possibilities.”
As a local businesswomen, Mary Ann and I have been acquainted for many years, but it wasn’t until she asked me photograph her family during their vacation a few years ago, that I had a chance to get to know her better. Since then, she has become a treasured friend and mentor. Spending coffee time with Mary Ann is always a treat for me, she is a true Pearl of Moxie.
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