A young mum has overcome adversity to launch her own photography studio in Warrington, specialising in taking photographs of families and young children, making a dream come true.
Maddy May, aged 23 and a mum of two children under five, has launched Bluebelle & Bloom Photography on the Palatine Industrial Estate off Wilderspool Causeway, WA4 6QQ.
Maddy, who originally comes from down South, reached out to Warrington Worldwide, saying: “I would love to share my story to show you just how important supporting small businesses are and why you should never give up on your goals – even when it feels the world is against you!
“I started the studio after struggling to find work that realistically fits around having young children. Like many parents, I found it almost impossible to balance traditional jobs with childcare, so I decided to build something myself that allowed me to do something I love while still being present for my kids.
“I’ve always been a creative person and knew it was a career path I was going to take one way or another. I began working in childcare at 16 (as I love working with children) and shortly after was living independently until I was able to get my first home at 18, I was trying to find my way in the world from a very young age. Those experiences shaped a lot of who I am today.
“My background working with children, including experience as a 1:1 in schools, means I’m very patient and understanding with young children and those with additional needs who come into the studio.
As a mum myself, I also understand the worries parents have about how their children will behave during a photoshoot, and I pride myself on creating a relaxed environment where families feel comfortable.
“My studio offers a wide range of sessions, including family portraits, children, maternity and newborn photography, but I also love offering sessions people don’t always think of when it comes to a studio – things like pet portraits, birthdays, engagement shoots and professional headshots. The possibilities are endless! I like to bring all visions to life. My acting background also helps when working with people who need headshots for creative industries.
“Starting the business wasn’t easy and I built it completely on my own, despite a lot of people telling me it wasn’t possible. I received a lot of negativity when I first started trying to build the business, had no backing or support, but that only pushed me to work harder and prove to myself that I could do it.
“Within just a few months I completed a King’s Trust business course, which normally takes years, and received a small amount of funding that helped me secure the deposit for my studio – this was the only way I could get any form of
money to get started and I was adamant I was going to achieve this despite being freshly postpartum and recovering from being horrendous poorly during pregnancy and spending over a month in hospital recovering from what should’ve been
a healthy birth. Instead of relaxing, focusing on recovery and being a new mum again, I felt I had no choice but to figure out every way possible I could earn a living to keep a roof over my children’s heads, even if it meant putting my all into work instead of caring for my health. But as many others are feeling, no amount of work is enough anymore to support a family!
“After many sleepless nights getting everything ready, I collected the keys in June and officially opened in September 2025 and is something I am very proud of myself for.
“Now my goal is simply to grow the studio and show other people that building something for yourself is possible, even when things feel stacked against you. Supporting small local businesses really does make a difference, and every booking helps keep my family going while allowing me to create special memories for other families in the community.
“I’d love to share my story with the local community and introduce people to the new studio. In hopes to help keep my little family afloat and hopefully create some special moments people can treasure for the rest of their lives!
For more details, visit bluebelleandbloom.co.uk
