I am so excited to be sharing the wonderful Pauline Micmacher, founder & CEO of Settl’In on the blog today. This woman is such an inspiring successful young entrepreneur and I loved our shoot together in London.
Pauline created Settl’In in 2021, it’s a digital relocation platform for expats, who relocate from/to UK, United States, and France. They don’t just help with the usual moving admin but with your whole lifestyle, network, and other things. I love the extra services that make Settl’In stands out in the market; small details such as filling the fridge with basic grocery when you arrive at your new home!
I was thrilled when Pauline asked me to help her with her personal branding and brand photos that would feel like her. We are both local to the East End of London so we first met in one of the cozy coffee first to discuss the brand photoshoot strategy. A few days later we started the shoot in Pauline’s beautiful home and followed by more portraits in the Mayfair AllBright club that we are both members of.
What career did you have before you set up your own business, and what made you start?
I was a consultant manager in D&I for many years. Helping SME’s and large companies to improve their working environment. Doing audits, facilitate communication within teams, providing tips and tools to make the best inclusive place to work for every employee. I was fluent in French Sign Language so I spent a lot of time working with people with hearing impairments and also visual impairments.
At some point I have given too much and been burnt out. I felt a bit lost and needed time for myself. I have decided to start a career coaching and then become an entrepreneur.
What was your main source of motivation when you started your own business?
I always felt like an outsider, very independent woman, driven, full of passion and too ambitious for my age, they said. I knew that I would be an entrepreneur in my life. The pandemic changed everything and I had this incredible opportunity to start my journey.
I am a French expat and moving abroad is exciting but quite challenging! I have created Settl’in, a new way to relocate and welcome employees in their new country.
Personal Branding Photo of Pauline Micmacher
How long did it take you to go from just having an idea to actually starting your business?
To be honest, it was very quick, maybe a month or so. When I had the idea and the courage to go for it, I decided to join a business incubator, Inspiration Space. I found guidance, support and a community with incredible entrepreneurs and mentors from early stage startups to millions dollars businesses.
What did you find hardest?
I am a people person so building a business without seeing my fellows entrepreneurs, friends and family during lockdown was quite challenging.
What did I find the hardest? Everything 🙂
Everything is difficult when you start a business from scratch in a strange period of time and a very competitive market but I love every step because you have to get out of your comfort zone and learn something new everyday.
If you could go back and do it all again, would you do anything differently?
Probably asking for more support regarding the marketing and financial strategy at the early stage of my business. I would have saved more money I think.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I went to an event recently at Allbright. The CEO of Facegym Inge Theron was a speaker. My key takeaway was: Entrepreneurship is a life statement and you have to be ready to commit. We never learn how to become an entrepreneur. Making mistakes or failing is ok. You can always change it or start something new.
How was your experience with the personal brand photoshoot?
It was incredible and I really enjoyed it. I was looking for a photographer for a long time but I always found a lack of natural and spontaneity in the corporate photos. I am not comfortable taking photos of myself but Petra took the time to get to know me before the photoshoot. I loved our conversation in this cozy coffee shop. Sharing thoughts about my values, mission and vision for both personal and professional aspects of my life.
How have your clients/ potential clients responded to your new branding photos?
You can’t imagine how many compliments that I have received since the photoshoot. It gave me the confidence to show up more online and desire to work on my personal branding as well.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom for other women who have just set up their own business or are thinking about it?
There is no perfect moment, don’t wait and just do it.
Who would be your 5 ideal dinner party guests?
I can’t choose just 5 guests. Even when I organise a simple dinner at home we are already 12/15 people! 🙂
Below are some favourite photos and if you would like to find out more about Pauline’s great work see the links below…
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/settlin_relocation/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-micmacher-7a6502171/
READY TO STEP INTO YOUR WHOLE POWER AND LEVEL UP YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT?
Then I can help! I can help reveal your essence that captures the heart of your audience. Wherever your path has brought you today, I want to celebrate you and support you on your journey to build your brand, and be more visible and successful! Get in touch for a chat with no obligations to book, you can pick a day and time here that suits you. I cannot wait to hear from you!
