Fostering Creativity, Curiosity and Connection through a photography community that has become a creative movement!

Women to Watch

1 Feb

Beyond the camera, Coni found a community built itself around her, forming friendships and challenging each other to succeed. As LensLife grew, Coni discovered that consistency and commitment to her business was required on top of passion and building something that aligns with the life she wants to live.

Coni loves supporting photographers in her community to excel and connect.

What’s your biz?

LensLife is more than just a photography community - it’s a creative movement for people who find joy and meaning behind the lens.

Founded by Coni Flores, professional photographer and educator, LensLife was created to give photographers of all levels a space to learn, grow, and connect - without judgment, pressure, or competition.

At its heart, LensLife is about fostering creativity, curiosity, and connection. Through monthly photography challenges, live classes, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, members get to experiment, receive feedback, and find their unique voice as photographers.

The community includes everyone from absolute beginners discovering manual mode to experienced photographers reigniting their passion. Members - affectionately called Lensies - support each other, share ideas, and celebrate progress together. LensLife also features a structured Success Path, guiding photographers from learning the basics all the way to mentoring others or starting their own creative business.

Whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or abstract concepts, LensLife helps you sharpen your skills and fall in love with photography all over again.

Above all, it’s a space where creativity thrives, friendships form, and photography becomes a lifelong adventure. 🌿📸

Who do you work with?

My ideal customer is someone who loves photography — who lights up at the idea of capturing a moment — but sometimes struggles to take that passion beyond the couch. They want to learn, grow, and explore, but life, self-doubt, or lack of motivation often get in the way. They might be complete beginners who’ve never taken their camera off auto, or hobbyists who’ve lost their spark and need a reason to pick it up again. They’re creative, curious, and longing for something that reconnects them to nature, to people, and to themselves.

Common challenges they face include:
Feeling overwhelmed by the technical side of photography
Not knowing where to start or how to practice intentionally
Lacking motivation or accountability to go out and shoot
Comparing themselves to others and feeling like they’re not “good enough”

✨ How I Help Them
Through LensLife, my workshops, and online classes, I help them reignite their passion by creating structure, community, and inspiration. We turn learning into adventure: members join photography challenges, meet other creatives, and explore new skills together — all in a supportive, no-pressure environment.

My approach focuses on simplifying the technical side, building confidence, and helping people find joy in the process rather than perfection. For many, LensLife becomes the reason they finally get outside again — to breathe, shoot, and rediscover why they fell in love with photography in the first place.

What truly sets LensLife apart is the vibe. It’s easygoing, supportive, and genuinely fun — the kind of atmosphere that’s surprisingly hard to find in most photography communities. Here, there’s no ego, no competition, and no pressure to be perfect. Instead, it’s a space where people cheer each other on, share laughs, and feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow.

We believe that photography should be joyful, not intimidating — and that progress comes faster when you’re surrounded by encouragement and inspiration. Whether it’s through live classes, monthly challenges, or community conversations, LensLife is all about helping people feel motivated, connected, and excited to pick up their camera again.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just creating better photographers — we’re creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore the world through their lens.

What sparked the idea behind your business?

The idea for LensLife came naturally — it wasn’t a business plan, it was born from connection. After teaching photography workshops for a few years, I started to notice something special: my students weren’t just showing up to learn; they were forming friendships, staying in touch, and cheering each other on.

We had unintentionally built this little community that kept asking, “What’s next? How can we keep learning and sharing together?” So, I did what any curious (and slightly over-caffeinated) creative would do — I invited each of them out for coffee ☕ and asked, “If we created something together, what would you want it to be?” Their answers shaped what LensLife is today — a safe, supportive space where photographers of all levels can learn, grow, and stay inspired.

It’s a place where beginners feel welcome, experienced photographers find new challenges, and everyone feels part of something bigger than themselves.

What does a typical day look like for you as a business owner?

My week is a mix of creativity, admin work, and photography gigs — and I honestly love the balance it brings.

During the week, I usually focus on admin tasks, editing photos, and planning content for LensLife and upcoming workshops.

I also do photoshoots for clients, including commercial work like Uber Eats and other brand gigs, which keeps things fun and varied. Those days are a bit quieter but productive — the behind-the-scenes part of running a creative business.

Then the weekends come… and that’s when everything comes alive! Most weekends, I’m either teaching photography workshops, hosting LensLife outings, or exploring somewhere beautiful with my camera (and a group of equally passionate photographers).

Finding balance between work and life isn’t always easy, but I try to keep things grounded — spending time with my daughter, catching up with friends, and enjoying nature whenever I can. Those slow moments are what recharge me so I can keep showing up with fresh energy and creativity. 🌿✨

What are some of the key milestones in your business journey so far?

We launched in Feb 2025 and now we have 70 members :)

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far?

Keeping the emotions out of the business. But it's been a great life lesson too

What are your future goals in your business?

Biggest photography platform in NZ and AUSTRALIA!!!

What’s worked best for you to build brand awareness and get customers?

Social media and facebook ads, create funnels and email marketing

What is one of the important lessons you've learnt as a business owner? What advice would you share to someone starting out?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your business should align with the kind of life you actually want to live. If your business doesn’t fit your lifestyle goals, you’ll eventually burn out — even if you’re passionate about what you do.

I’ve also learned that consistency is everything. Success doesn’t come from bursts of motivation or waiting to feel inspired — it comes from showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. That’s where growth and progress truly happen.

Another key lesson? Only take advice from people who have what you want — whether that’s financial freedom, creative balance, or a lifestyle you admire. Well-intentioned advice from the wrong people can easily steer you off course.

And finally, plan without emotions and follow through without emotions. Don’t make business decisions purely based on passion — passion can fade when things get hard. What will carry you through is discipline, structure, and consistency.

That’s the real secret — not motivation, not luck, but consistent action toward a life and business that feel right for you. 🌿

How does being a part of She Owns It help you in your business journey?

To feel connected to other likeminded people

⚡️ FAST 5:

1. One thing you’d tell your younger self starting out?
Start learning online biz sooner!

2. Your favourite biz or personal development books or podcasts?
Think and grow rich

3. How many tabs do you have open right now?
AT LEAST 40 (my members laugh at me bc of this)

4. What's your go-to power song?
I am into frequencies