SMK Studios’ Whirlwind of Success

By Maria Connolly

SMK Studios by Sarah Kilduff Photography, on Main Street, Ballinasloe, is celebrating a whirlwind start to 2025 so far. The studio is commemorating not only six years in business but also being nominated once again for some upcoming awards and accolades.

The Network Ireland Galway branch has nominated Sarah as a finalist for the ‘Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025’, in the ‘Solo Businesswoman’ category. The organisation has congratulated each and every woman it believes “is incredibly brave, trailblazing, and inspirational.”

SMK Studios has also been nominated this year in the Micro Business Awards in two categories:

• ‘Excellence in Retail and Hospitality’
• ‘Event Expert’

The Network Ireland Awards will take place in June this year in Galway, and the Micro Business Awards will take place in October in Portlaoise.

As a young businesswoman, Sarah finds that these types of awards are valuable for the promotion of small businesses and for continued growth and development. Each nomination provides encouragement for the year ahead and for future opportunities, as well as boosting media and peer visibility.

SMK Studios is preparing for its busiest summer yet, with limited availability remaining for portraiture sessions. Sarah is looking forward to welcoming all this summer’s newborns, family milestones, and wedding parties over the next few months.

The studio is also preparing to launch a new service list and expand its in-studio and online shop products and hampers, which will be available on its website in the coming weeks. SMK Studios is also super excited to be part of Ireland’s first Fashion Week, so stay tuned and follow the journey on Facebook and Instagram:
📷 @SarahKilduffPhotography

Sarah has some advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs in the locality:
“Never be afraid to start, and attend every networking event you can find! Mentorship and continued learning are the keys to success, I believe.”

She would like to thank her clients, far and wide, for making these achievements happen. Without their support, none of this would be possible.

“I would like to make a special mention to my family, my partner, my close friends, and of course Michelle Ryan and Sharon Kelly of the Network Ireland Galway branch for all of their encouragement, continued guidance, and kindness towards women in business,” she adds.
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📍 For all of your portraiture needs, contact www.sarahkilduffphotography.com or follow SMK Studios on social media.