Business Echo: Nicole Richard

Business Echo is an interview series celebrating the incredible individuals shaping the Okanagan business landscape. Through candid conversations, we’ll dive into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering inspiration and insights along the way.

At the heart of Wax Pencil Imagery is Nicole Richard, a headshot and branding photographer known for her vibrant energy, people-first approach, and ability to help clients show up confidently. What began as a personal project to overcome social anxiety has evolved into a purpose-driven business focused on joy, connection, and community impact.

Through her work, Nicole creates welcoming experiences where people feel seen, celebrated, and empowered — whether she’s producing confidence-driven headshots, branded visual content, or bringing creatives together to support meaningful causes like Creatives for Care.

In this Business Echo feature, Nicole shares her journey, her passion for people, and the values guiding her work and contribution to the Okanagan.

OE: Hello! Thank you for granting this interview, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

NR: I’m Nicole Richard, a headshot and branding photographer known for being vibrant, joyful, and a bit goofy. I have a strong work ethic and spend most of my time creating jaw-dropping images and videos that help people attract clients quickly. Above all, I’m passionate about people, building a community where everyone feels valued and supported. I also love giving back to local charities and cheering on fellow business owners in the Okanagan.

OE: What is your business all about, and what inspired you to start your business?

NR: My business is all about showing people just how beautiful they are. I create a safe, welcoming space and use my photography skills to reflect each person’s energy, personality, and inner beauty. I started my business driven by the desire to overcome my own social anxiety. I developed a project where I photographed people I always wanted to meet, and that journey became the heart of my business.

OE: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

NR: There are so many moments I’m proud of, but what stands out the most is how much I’ve been able to give back to the community. I’ve supported many charities and contributed to countless causes, and that impact is what truly makes me proud

OE: How do you balance running a business with other aspects of your life? NR: That’s a very good question, and honestly, I don’t think I do it perfectly! It’s definitely a massive struggle to turn off that hyper-focus on my business and also concentrate on family, friends, and quality of life. It’s a constant balancing act.

OE: You were the visionary behind Creatives for Care, which raised just over $15,500 for Beyond the Blues. What sparked the idea for this campaign, and why was supporting postpartum mental health so important to you? NR: Creatives for Care was born out of a simple need from The Bridge Youth and Family Services to raise funds for their Beyond the Blues program, which was underfunded. It’s especially important to me because I’ve personally experienced postpartum depression and didn’t have a supportive community to lean on. That’s why it’s so vital to ensure these services are available for new moms in our community.

OE: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the power of a great headshot or branding photos?

NR: What people often don’t understand is the incredible power that imagery holds in creating action and change. During my university studies, we analyzed how specific aspects of photos evoke certain feelings and drive actions. Unfortunately, many people overlook the profound impact that photography can have on their business. In reality, great imagery can truly inspire people to take action.

OE: What’s a piece of advice you’d give to women looking to start their own business?

NR: I would suggest choosing something you’re incredibly passionate about, because that passion is what will keep you going, even through the challenges of running a business. I’d also emphasize the importance and value of the community of other women in the business world. They are your greatest asset, and leaning on them, and supporting other businesses wholeheartedly, can make all the difference.

OE: If you had unlimited funds for one day, what’s the first thing you’d do for your business?

NR: Fund the income I need for the next twenty years so I could use my time to photograph the people I have always wanted to meet and pursue non profit charitable work.

OE: What’s your favorite Okanagan spot to relax or find inspiration?

NR: The lake. The streams and rivers. Any body of water, really, which we’re so lucky to have here in the Okanagan. My mind works incredibly well when I’m surrounded by water. I’ve always known that, and it’s the very best thing for my creative soul.

OE: What’s one thing about you that people might not know?

NR: I’m an incredibly unique and diverse personality. My interests are wildly different from one another, and my friends are just as diverse, different ages, industries, backgrounds. I love all of it. I used to think it meant I didn’t belong anywhere, but someone once told me, ‘It sounds like you belong anywhere,’ and I hold that close to my heart now.

OE: How can we reach you? NR: You can reach me at www.waxpencil.com. My email is nicole@waxpencil.com. On Instagram, I’m @waxpencilheadshots. On Facebook, you can find me at Wax Pencil Imagery. And you can call or text me at 250-768-5645.