Meagan Daley on business: "Do things that scare you"

As the founder of Meagan Daley Studio, a creative agency specializing in photography, social media management, and marketing campaigns, she has built a business that reflects her passion for storytelling and connection. Meagan’s journey from starting with one client to running a successful agency is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and dedication to empowering others.

For Meagan, the meaning of success goes beyond traditional metrics. "It’s all about connection and impact," she explains. "It's the ability to sit down with a client, understand their vision, and work together towards a clear, achievable goal.

"When I can help them see that vision come to life, knowing I've played a role in their success, it's incredibly rewarding. I thrive on that moment when everything clicks, and I can see that my work has made a real difference—not just in their business but in how they feel about their journey. That’s what drives me every day."

Her path hasn’t always been smooth. Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry presented its challenges.

"I've always been surrounded by strong male characters throughout the years," Meagan reflects. "While that’s been a great experience, it did mean I had to learn to make sure my opinion was heard. Confidence and persistence were key—not just in getting my ideas across but in making sure they were taken seriously. It’s a skill I’ve honed, and now I’m proud to say that I stand firm in what I bring to the table."

Meagan’s strong personality and ability to assert herself have not only helped her succeed but have also positioned her as a role model for other women. She is passionate about breaking down barriers and creating a community where women can support one another.

"In my job, I’ve had the chance to meet so many amazing women doing the same thing—building businesses, chasing their dreams—and I’ve seen firsthand how much we can learn from one another," she says. "When we connect, share our experiences, and talk openly about the challenges we face, we realize we’re not alone. Supporting each other isn’t just empowering; it’s essential. And honestly, there's enough success out there for all of us—there’s no need to compete."

A key influence in Meagan’s life was her late nana, Mrs Caroline McCartney, a woman whose strength and determination continue to inspire her.

"She was an absolute force to be reckoned with," Meagan recalls warmly.

"Anyone who knew her would understand just how strong and fierce her personality was. Although she’s no longer with us, her influence is something I carry with me every day. She used to tell me stories about how she left cooking school to manage the kitchens in the hotels my papa bought, and she was the go-to person for anything interior, operational, or just a good chat. Her determination, confidence, and ability to make her voice heard have been a huge part of my journey. She taught me what it means to be driven and fearless."

That fearlessness has become a defining trait of Meagan’s career. Starting her business during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, she turned a passion into a thriving enterprise. "I left a full-time job as a carer during COVID and started with just one client. Now I’ve built a business that allows me to work solely for myself," she says. "I manage social media accounts across various fields, from beauty clinics to restaurants.

I’ve been able to photograph big brands and work on their marketing campaigns. I’ve even been nominated for the NI Social Media Awards. My message is simple: just go for it! If you have a passion and a vision, pursue it with confidence, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve."

Part of Meagan’s success lies in her ability to adapt and innovate. She organizes Embrace Your Skin Sessions, an initiative designed to empower women through photography. "Every couple of months, I organize a shoot day where women can enjoy a glass of bubbly and have a relaxed, fun session," she explains. "It’s all about helping them gain confidence, see themselves in a new light, or simply feel amazing in their own skin. It’s been such a rewarding experience to witness so many beautiful women grow."

Meagan’s love for creativity has been a driving force throughout her life. "A huge love for anything creative has definitely been at the core of my success," she says. "It’s what drives me and keeps me excited about the work I do. But beyond that, I think travelling and meeting people from all over the world has been just as important.

"Those experiences have shaped how I approach business, teaching me to connect with people, understand different perspectives, and bring fresh ideas to the table. They’ve been building blocks for the business I want to create—one that’s not only creative but also adaptable, inclusive, and full of new ways of thinking."

When asked what advice she would give to young women aspiring to enter the creative industry, Meagan is quick to encourage them to take the leap. "If you are passionate about something, do it!" she says.

"I picked up a camera for the first time a couple of years ago while living in Canada with no idea how to use it. I watched YouTube videos, took photographs of friends, and then approached a restaurant to photograph their food. After that shoot, I got booked by six different restaurants wanting my style of photography. Just go for it! Build meaningful connections, embrace every experience, and remember that there’s room for everyone to succeed."

For Meagan, the most empowering lesson of her career has been to embrace challenges head-on. "Do things that scare you," she says. "I’ve faced many situations where imposter syndrome kicked in, and I thought, 'I can’t do this or that.' But once I took the leap and jumped into the deep end, I always found that I could handle it."

Ultimately, Meagan hopes to inspire the next generation of women leaders to follow their passions with confidence. "When you’re passionate about your work and what you bring to the table, that will shine through," she says. "Focus on your abilities and your goals—it empowers you to push for change and break down barriers, regardless of the environment you’re in."

Meagan Daley is proving that with creativity, confidence, and a strong community, success is limitless. Her journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and empowering others along the way.

You can follow Meagan on Instagram via @meagandaleystudio or visit her website: www.meagandaley.com