Victoria Fenix

Summary

I am an educated, compassionate and motivated individual with a strong background in childcare and creative arts, with a long-standing commitment to supporting others.

I’m currently studying psychology to become an art therapist, combining my creativity with my passion for mental health advocacy. I bring patience, lived experience, and a strong desire to help others feel heard, safe, and understood. I am seeking work with a diverse team in the health and education sectors.

I have experience working with individuals presenting a range of complex needs, and I approach each case with empathy and a person-centred mindset. Skilled in risk awareness, de-escalation, and collaborative working, I strive to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary teams, supporting service users' recovery and positive outcomes.

As a dyslexic thinker, I’m highly resourceful and empathetic, having run a successful photography business that featured exhibited artwork and won numerous awards. I'm committed to helping others and constantly learning with grit and heart.

Top skills:

  • Inclusivity and diversity values

  • Trauma-Informed Practice

  • Organisational Leadership

  • Good Interpersonal Communication

  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Work Experience

  • The Business Parents Organization: 208 Mercury house, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Job role and skills:

    The business parents organization was set up to help start-up businesses and small independent businesses struggling by providing workbooks and planners on various aspects of business, from concept to beyond, including business coaching and advice. Open to all, with products designed for people juggling parenthood, dyslexia and other neurodivergence problems.

    Reasons for cecing: Education and change in career.

  • Andy Lynch Photography studio: Station Rd, Misterton, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Job role and skills:

    Helped Andy with day-to-day running of his studio.

    • Photoshop leaflet design and photo editing.

    • Studio lighting (setting up and testing).

    • Client centered: Answering the phone, welcoming and settling clients.

    • Marketing and advertising on social media.

    • Communication: illazing with Andy, suppliers and clients.

    • Punctuality.

    • Professionalism.

    • General tidying and organizing.

    Reasons for leaving: He moved and I ceased working for him. Reference available on request.

  • Victoria Louise Photography: Portrait & wedding photographer and photography studio owner: Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

    Job role and skills:

    • A passion for personal learning and development, with an extensive training and development experience.

    • Use of programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, Canva, Microsoft 365, and Squarespace.

    • Marketing and managing social media for brand awareness, lead generation, and to increase social media engagement with SEO and advertising.

    • Digital editing skills, product design, sales, and managed customer data, adhering to GDPR.

    • Teamwork with other creatives, time management, and conducting professionalism at all times while ensuring customer experience and satisfaction.

    Reasons for cecing: Education and change in career.

  • Norma & Keith Lackenby: 7 The Avenue Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Role: Domestic cleaning for a disabled woman and her minister husband.

    Reasons for leaving: Woman recovered from her surgery and no longer required additional help. Unfortunately, couple have passed and references unavailable.

  • Native Print Limited, 113 Chillingham rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.

    Job role and skills:

    • Photoshop editing - Leaflet design

    • Commercial Photography of products

    • Print loading and organization of documents

    • Admin tasks; answering the phone, book keeping and meeting clients.

    • Professionalism.

    • Punctuality.

    • Communication with staff members, and clients.

      Reason for leaving: Summer job whist at university. Establishment now ceased. Reference available on request from co-owner Paul R.

  • Little Lambs Nursery, Corringham Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Job role and skills:

    • Childcare Assistant caring for children aged 0-5 years, responsible for supporting the daily care, supervision, and development of young children in a safe and nurturing environment.

    • Duties include assisting with teaching activities, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards, preparing snacks, and supporting the emotional and social development of children.

    • Skilled in promoting inclusive play, observing child behaviour, and reporting concerns to senior staff or parents.

    • Committed to creating a warm, stimulating atmosphere that encourages growth, learning, and well-being.

      Reasons for leaving: Education and personal development. The establishment now ceased. Reference available on request from senior leader Nicola G.

  • Busy Bees after school club, Charles Baines primary school, Baines Rd, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Job role and skills:

    • Supportive and hands-on role providing care and supervision for children aged 4–11 in a fun, safe, and engaging after-school environment.

    • Responsibilities include assisting with structured play, creative activities, homework support, providing a simple snack, maintaining hygiene, administering first aid, and promoting positive behavior.

    • Ensures the safety and well-being of all children by maintaining clear routines, adhering to safeguarding practices, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. I worked closely with team members and parents to support each child’s social, emotional, and developmental needs.

      Reasons for Leaving: Needed Full-time hours. Reference on request from senior leader Lorraine D.

  • Phoenix Day nursery, Middlefield school, Middlefield Rd, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Job role and skills:

    • Dependable Deputy Manager supporting the day-to-day running of the nursery for children aged 2-5, to ensure high standards of care, education, and safeguarding. Working closely with the Nursery Manager to lead and motivate staff, implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and maintain compliance with Ofsted and health & safety regulations.

    • Providing strong leadership in planning activities, managing parent relationships, and stepping into the Manager role when needed. Committed to creating a warm, inclusive environment that fosters each child’s learning, development, and well-being, following hygiene practices, providing healthy snacks, and administering first aid.

      Reasons for leaving: Unfortunately, the establishment lacked funding and closed down.

  • Self employed baby sitter @ Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

    Job role and skills:

    • Provided reliable and caring childcare for children of various ages in family homes.

    • Responsible for ensuring children’s safety, preparing snacks, and engaging them in age-appropriate activities to support their development and well-being. Maintained clear communication with parents regarding daily routines, behaviour, and any concerns.

    • Demonstrated patience, responsibility, and the ability to adapt to different family needs and schedules. Experienced in managing bedtime routines, homework assistance, and promoting a positive, nurturing environment. Committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience that supports both children’s emotional and physical needs.

      Reasons for cecing: Ended babysitting when I became pregnant with my own child.

  • Shop Assistant: 21 Bridge street, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales.

    Job role and skills:

    • Summer job during: July 2000 - Sep 2000, and during: July 2001 - Sep 2001, aged 15-16.

    • Provided friendly and efficient customer service in a small town retail shop. Assisted with sales, restocking shelves, managing stock levels, and keeping the shop floor clean and organised. Operated the till, handled cash and card transactions accurately, and responded to customer queries with professionalism. Worked with the manager to meet daily targets and ensure smooth store operations. Demonstrated strong time management and communication skills while maintaining a positive and approachable attitude.

Volunteer work roles

  • Volunteer Staff: Trinity Foundation - Night Light Cafe

    June 2025 - Present

    • Providing compassionate, non-judgmental support to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties in a calm, safe, and welcoming environment. Offering a listening ear, emotional reassurance, and signposting guests to appropriate services where needed.

    • Help create a peaceful atmosphere by serving refreshments, setting up the space, and ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment. Working closely with staff and other volunteers to uphold safeguarding practices and support those in distress. Demonstrated empathy, active listening, and emotional resilience while promoting dignity, hope, and human connection.

    • Completed several training for the role (Please view short courses). as well as run some craft and meditation sessions. Reference available from senior leader Claire M.

  • Remember My Baby: Oct 2019 - Dec 2024

    Volunteer for a charity that offers remembrance photography to all hospitals in the UK to families who have suffered the loss of their newborn baby. I covered Scunthorpe, Lincoln and Rotherham hospitals.
    - Received the Bronze award, for photographing over 10 babies, including a palliative care baby.

    - Individually I photographed 2 funerals, and one event.

  • The Bearded Fishermen: Mar 2020 - Jun 2020

    Volunteering over Covid, providing friendly phone calls to vulnerable people struggling with their mental health during lockdown, by offering hope, support and a listening ear. Reference available on request.

    Mental health support Volunteer: Jan 2013 - Dec 2013.

    I set up a support group for people struggling with mental health issues at the Methodist church, with my associate Sarah. We provided drinks, snacks, and a place to come socialize and let off steam in a safe environment. Unfortunately, we had no funding, and the project dissolved. Reference available on request from Sarah.

  • Professional Photographer

    • Fundraising: Help for Heroes (Aug 2019)

      12-hour photoshoot: Held at X-Church (Gainsborough). Organized by Jay Clarke.

    • Fundraising: Macmillan Cancer Support (Jan 2019).

      24-hour photoshoot - We raised over £1,000. A team of 60 photographers, models, and makeup artists were involved.

    Volunteer photographer (2014 - 2023)

    Volunteer photographer at charity events, and donating 70% of print sales to the chosen charity. Some charities include Diabetes UK, Mind, Ronald McDonald House, Jerry Green Dog Rescue centre, The White Horse Project, and Rethink, to name a few.

    I also created a project called “this is my story” and photographed individuals for free (2016-2021) raising awareness about many issues, including disabilities, mental health conditions, congenital heart defects and addiction. I photographed around 20 individuals.

    Malwend models - Volunteer Model: Jan 2008 - June 2010

    • 2008: First catwalk show - raised money for Breast Cancer.

    • 2009: Second catwalk show - raised money for The NSPCC.

    • 2010 - Third catwalk show, I dropped out as I was pregnant.

  • Volunteer Staff: Gainsborough methodist church: Sep 2003 - Dec 2007.

    • 2003 - 2007: Auxiliary worker for Gainsborough Girls brigade.

    • 2003 - 2007: Deputy Youth worker for Gainsborough Youth group.

    Photography & personal development:

    • 2013: Volunteer mental health support worker for Gainsborough mental health social group.

    • Dec 2012 & 2013: Volunteer photographer for "Get in the picture”.

    • 2003 - 2004: Millenium 200 hours Volunteering & Duke of Edinburgh award.

    Stewarding
    * May 2004 & 2005: General Steward at Firm Foundations festival for GB/BB national festival.

    * Nov 2004 & 2005: General Steward from MAYC conference.
    * Aug 2003 - 2008: Venues Steward for Greenbelt festival.

    Venues steward role:

    I worked in a large team of stewards for Uk's biggest Christian festival. Skills included crowd control, health and safety, teamwork, and venue management. I was trained with basic knowledge of fire control and first aid as well as evacuation protocols.

  • Volunteer: Jan 1998 - Jun 2002

    I was a member of the charity committee at my secondary school. We raised money in various ways, one including doing the muddiest assault course in the world in 2000, for children in chernobyl, doing meals on wheels for pensioners and general charity collecting.

Education

  • 2023 - 2026: Lincoln university

    BSc Psychology with Honours (PENDING)

    • Working towards BSL Level 1 & Lincoln Award

    2021 - 2022: CLIP Adult education

    Access to University: Humanities and social sciences - PASS

    2010 - 2012: North Lindsey College

    Level 3: Art & Design (Creative digital media) Merit / Merit

    • Purple Bean business Enterprises program

    2007 - 2008: Derby university

    Level 3: Fine Art - Pass

    • Derby Ravens cheerleading

    2007 - 2007: Clip Adult education

    Level 2: Art & Design - Pass

    2002 - 2004: North Lindsey College

    Level 3: NNEB CACHE Nursery Nursing (0-8 years) - Grade C / D

    • Paediatric first aid

    • Baby massage

    • English & Math Key skills: Level 2

    2001 - 2002: Queen Elizabeth Cambria Secondary School

    • GNVQ Level 1: Health and social care - PASS

    • GCSE’s - Home Economics, Design Technologies; Textiles. Welsh Language, Science, English language and maths.

    • Charity committee, choir & featured in the play Oliver in 1998.

  • 2025: Trinity foundation

    • Introduction to trauma-informed practice

    • Basic safeguarding

    • Domestic abuse awareness

    • (Zero) Suicide awareness

    • Mental health awareness & first aid

    • E Safety

    • Radicalisation and extremism (Prevent)

    2021: Speakup / spacious coaching

    Level 1 Diploma: Professional Coaching and Coaching fundamentals.

    2009: CLIP Adult education

    Level 1: Mental health awareness

    • Eating disorder awareness

    • Personality disorders awareness (Borderline)

    • Mood disorders awareness

    • Art

    2006: Lincoln Collection Gallery

    Art & Anthropology (Young roots)

    • 2021 - 2022 The Growthpunur Network (Entrepreneurship).

    • 2021-2023: Jewel Education: 5 carat collection by Julia Kelleher (Photography).

    • 2018-2021: WIN - The Wedding Industry Network (Photography).

    • 2014-2025: Creative Live - 100 hours achieved (Photography).

Achievements and personal projects

  • 2025 - Current: BPS - The British Psychological Society

    Photography:

    2021-2023: MPA - The Masters Photographers UK.

    2016-2018: BANPN - The Baby and Newborn Photographers network.

    2015-2017: GUILD - The Guild of Photographers.

    2014-2025: SWPP - The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.

    • Bronze award: Issued by Remember my Baby (2024).

    • Natural wedding photography business owner of the year (2024): Issued by Influential business women.

    • Best Documentary Wedding Photographer (2024) - Lincolnshire region. Issued by SME News.

    • Wedding Photography studio of the year (2024): Innovation excellence awards - Issued by Corporate LiveWire.

    • Best portrait and Pet photographer (2023): Small business awards - Issued by Corporate Vision.

    • Most trusted in home photography studio (2023): Midlands enterprise awards - Issued by SME News.

    • Highly commended award x2: Issued by The Masters Photography Association (2021). Fashion and pet categories.

    • Bronze award x8 and a Silver award: Issued by The Guild of Photographers (2016-2017).

    • Artwork up at Lincoln Collection Gallery: Issued by The Lincolnshire County Council (2007).

  • Since 2012, I have had numerous publications of my photography, online and in print. My work was also featured by the Liverpool Museum, where I worked with a local period company, Crows Eye Productions, on their ‘Getting dressed in’ series. Other notable publications include the front page of my local newspaper, from a 24-hour charity shoot I completed; commercial images sold as cards for the Jerry Green dog rescue center; and an image shared internationally in the USA in 2017 of a child model, Jamie.

    I have also been featured in my local arts center's brochure and have appeared on a couple of podcast interviews, in addition to being featured in The Guild of Photographers, which has showcased my image twice as ‘Image of the day’, recognizing my competency in artwork. I have also been an inspiration for three independent artists who have drawn inspiration from my photographs.

  • Recognised by North Lindsey collage

    I have been featured in North Lindsey's ‘Wall of Fame’ for my independent business success and was invited to do a masterclass presentation for the students in 2019.

    Artwork up at the Collection Art Gallery (Lincoln)

    I had my artwork up in the Lincoln Collection gallery during September 2006 and January 2007. I also received a certificate of acknowledgment within the arts from the Lincolnshire County Council. Driven from the "Younge Roots" course in 2006.

  • 2017 - 2018: ‘Getting dressed in series’

    Stills Photographer working with a local film company "Crows Eyes productions" on their "Getting dressed in" period short film series on vintage period wear. Featured in Liverpool museum.

    2016 - 2021: “This is my story”

    A personal photography project raising awareness for Congenital Heart defects and sharing individuals stories. I photographed 10 individuals with CHD, and a further 5 with varying disabilities and issues such as addictions. I also photographed 5 models raising awareness about mental health conditions such as depression, eating disorders and addiction.

    Aug 2009 - Sept 2010: Assistant for Paranoid Android films Assistant for Paranoid Android films

    Assistant to the producer and filmmaker Andy Edwards in London during the 6th zombie series short film "House Party of the Dead"
    I was also featured as a Zombie in this film, as well as a school girl zombie the 5th one the year before.

    2009: Dystopian state productions - Co producer.

    A photography and film project in Sheffield. Setting up photoshoots, directing models, organizing props and sets, for storm photography and liaising with the public for stories. This was a personal project by Cameron.

    2009: Black star promotions CEO

    E based Modeling agency, organizing photoshoots for models in Sheffield. This was a personal project.

    2008 - 2010: Model (Hobbyist)

    I worked with around 150 photographers across England as a model. I stopped modeling with I became a mum.

    2008 - 2013: Actress (Hobbyist)

    • 2014: Extra in ‘tell them of us’ as a mother with children, a feature film by Crows Eye productions. Shown on Film 4.

    • 2013: Extra as a land girl with crows eyes productions, for their ‘Getting dressed in’ series.

    • 2010 - 2013: MWM theater group: A soap opera based in Gainsborough called ‘The grange’ I was the Character Sarah. Available to view on youtube.

    • 2010: An extra as a 1700 maid, in the Gainsborough Old Hall short film ‘echos of the past’.

    • 2008: An extra in 5 Amps advertisement of Derbys Deluxe cinema as a movie goer.

  • Langages: English and Welsh (basic)

    British Sign Language (BSL Level 1)

View projects online

Award winning photos

Publications, accreditations and projects

Former names: Smith & Newman (2012-2022). Former business names: Nocternal Artist Photography (2010-2021), Sparkle & Dreams Photography (2012-2018), Within this Moment Photography (2016-2018), Victoria Louise photo studio (2021-2025). Now known as Victoria Louise Fenix of Victoria Louise Photography (2022-2025+).