The heart behind ILgemstones - Irene Leahys Personal Brand Photoshoot.
Why a personal brand and the portraits to go with it really matter.
When Jewellery Becomes Personal: The Story Behind IL Gemstones
When it comes to choosing jewellery, there are countless options. But when you meet the person behind a handmade piece—someone who pours her heart into every design—it changes everything.
Meet Irena, the founder of IL Gemstones. She’s a jewellery designer with a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the quiet magic of creating something by hand. Her pieces are inspired by colours found in the natural world—rich turquoise blues, soft whites of mother of pearl, the calming lilac glow of amethyst—and every design reflects her desire to bring a sense of calm, elegance, and meaning to the everyday.
These stones aren’t just chosen for their beauty—they hold a deeper significance. Irena is drawn to the protective and balancing qualities of turquoise, the soothing, nurturing energy of mother of pearl, and the clarity and calm associated with amethyst. Her designs are guided by these subtle energies, creating pieces that not only look beautiful but feel meaningful to wear.
The Decision to Step Into the Frame
For a long time, Irena let her work speak for itself. But she reached a point where she knew her brand needed a more polished, professional presence—one that could tell the full story of her jewellery, from the raw materials to the hands that bring them to life.
“I wanted to create an engaging story for my customers—one that showcased every aspect of my brand, from the materials and making process to myself as the maker,” she shared. “Eva captured it all beautifully, and her photography style aligns perfectly with my brand’s aesthetic.”
Meet Irena
“I wanted to create an engaging story for my customers—one that showcased every aspect of my brand, from the materials and making process to myself as the maker,” she shared. “Eva captured it all beautifully, and her photography style aligns perfectly with my brand’s aesthetic.”
Tools, Gems & Light
During our shoot, we captured Irena’s quiet, focused process: the arrangement of her tools, the natural textures of the stones, and the gentle rhythm of her hands at work. In the soft light of the studio, each gemstone took on a life of its own.
From Nervous to Natural
Like many creatives, Irena felt nervous about being in front of the camera.
“Heading into the photo session felt completely different from how it turned out!” she said. “I was nervous at first. The makeup session helped calm my nerves, and then came the photoshoot — a busy and intense two-hour experience. Eva guided me with gentle, precise instructions throughout. Her expertise and intuitive sense for both the camera and the person she's photographing are unmistakable.”
By the end, she felt confident—ready to share her story with clarity and pride.
Irena’s experience
“Heading into the photo session felt completely different from how it turned out!” she said. “I was nervous at first. The makeup session helped calm my nerves, and then came the photoshoot — a busy and intense two-hour experience. Eva guided me with gentle, precise instructions throughout. Her expertise and intuitive sense for both the camera and the person she's photographing are unmistakable.”
Why It Matters
In a world of mass production, Irena offers something honest, personal, and deeply intentional. Her jewellery is created with meaning—from the thoughtful selection of each stone to the love and precision in every detail. And now, with a visual story that reflects that depth, her customers can connect not just with the jewellery, but with the person and purpose behind it.
“I’m excited to share my new photos and would highly recommend Eva to anyone seeking a professional brand photoshoot.”
Because in Irena’s world, jewellery isn’t just something you wear—it’s something that speaks to who you are.
You can explore her work and get to know the woman behind it at ilgemstones.com.
Curious about what’s possible for you? Book a chat with Eva below or go ahead and book a session here PERSONAL BRAND PORTRAITS
As a personal brand photographer and strategist, Eva works with founders, creatives, and coaches to capture the spirit of their personal brand through imagery and story. Whether you're just getting started or ready to step into a bigger spotlight, she has a range of options to suit your journey.
📸 Eva’s Personal Brand Photography Packages:
Portraits Only
A beautiful, simple one-hour session to create a suite of professional, personality-led portraits. (25 images, 2 looks, basic props)Portraits & Storytelling with Products/Props
Ideal for service providers or product-based businesses—capture your story in action with carefully chosen props or tools of your trade.(60 images, 2 hours, up to 5 looks/set ups)Full Day Brand Story
A rich, immersive shoot across multiple locations, outfits, and storylines—designed to create a library of content that tells your full personal brand story.
✨ Or Step Into the Spotlight with
VISIBLE – The Kick Starter
Eva’s signature 3-part program for entrepreneurs ready to create a compelling personal brand.
It includes:
🧭 A deep-dive strategy day to uncover your brand story and ideal personal brand strategy (in-person or online)
📸 A personal brand portrait session (studio or location-based)
📲 An Instagram makeover + a feature on Eva’s SEO-optimised blog (Optional)
VISIBLE is perfect if you're serious about building a personal brand that resonates—and getting visible in a way that feels aligned, joyful, and you.
👉 Book a free 1:1 Big Picture Call with Eva to explore what shoot or support is right for you and start planning your visual story
Did you know I host live monthly webinars called REVEAL—a powerful and inspiring space for small business owners who want to grow their personal brand with clarity and confidence.
💡 What is REVEAL?
REVEAL is a free, live online session where Eva shares practical insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert guidance on building a personal brand that feels aligned & authentic to you.
🔍 Why it's called REVEAL:
Because that’s what great personal branding does—it reveals the real you behind the business, and helps you step into your space as a confident guide, creative, or service provider. It's about shifting from hiding in plain sight to showing up with purpose.
✨ How REVEAL Helps Small Business Owners:
Clarifies your personal brand message
Gives you solid ideas for content and where to share it to ensure it not only connects with your audience, but activates them.
Shows real examples of what works—from Eva’s photography shoots to client transformations
Builds confidence to take the next step, whether that’s booking a shoot, going live, or refining your marketing
📆 Who it's for:
Small business owners, coaches, creatives, and anyone building a purpose-driven personal brand—especially if you’re still figuring out how to be more visible in a way that feels good.
You can sign up for the next live REVEAL webinar below.
Eva Blake, Personal Brand Photographer & Strategist.
