Hazel H’s photography captures through her own unique imagination, themes of youth, femininity and trauma. References to voyeurism are consistent throughout her projects, something that has become more common in popular culture through the rising use of social media – a place where Hazel finds inspiration to create these contemporary works of art.

Using her technical photographic skills, which she recently developed at Goldsmiths, she situates the viewer in a position where they are looking, watching or observing. Through this, Hazel questions and explores different perspectives of the female body, including that of the male gaze, but also how women view other women. She uses natural surroundings but also introduces man-made materials to enhance or distort how the body is seen and viewed.

Here, Hazel spent some time with us at House of Coco to tell us more…

When did you launch the photography brand and what was the reason behind it?
I launched my photography brand in my final year of Goldsmiths University , September 2016. My reasoning behind it was an output for my creativity while I was In my final year.

What’s your background?
I am goldsmiths university graduate, and media Tv film production

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
A small network of Close friends and my mum. Their roles include assisting and general PA roles. It is lovely to have my friend and my mum in the company as they are always the people I turn to.

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
With the knowledge I have now, I think I would of started off more in fashion and allowed my art to be influenced by that. If I I didn’t have the knowledge now, I would not doing anything differently as I have loved the trip it has taken me on so far.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
The hardest challenge I have faced is the finical side, working out budgets. As a creative my forte isn’t the math’s side and I have had to learn on the job with the input of my team

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
The one fact a lot of people may not know about me is in 2012 I had a back operation to fix a double scoliosis which has now left me with two titanium rods in my spine. Don’t worry though, this never stops my art!

2018 is almost here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
By the end of 2018 I would love to have a front cover!

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
My personal highlight was being exhibited in the café royal and also being able to experience the fashion weeks!

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I love Paris, New York and London for different reasons, and they all have aspects I love!.. although, London will always have my heart as it is where I was born and raised! If I could combine them all together I would of found the best place for me!

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Only three! That is tough.. I would say my staples were my Anastasia brown pencil, stila red lipstick and my marc Jacobs Perfume!

Style means….?
Rock whatever you have with confidence!

Best thing about London to you?
Everything Is close together and the mere diversity! The culture and history of London is inspiring!

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Statement shoes all the way! Especially my favourite Cecilia Quinn Shoes.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
Wow, that’s a hard one! I would have to go back to my favourite shoes from Cecilia Quinn. I could wear any of their shoes all day and night long and my feet would feel like I’m walking on clouds!

Favourite love song?
I’m 22, i’m still waiting to find that one!

Best place for a coffee?
The grocer in old Amersham! Any time I am home from travelling the first thing I do is go straight there for a coffee.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
It is boring to be normal!

Guilty pleasure?
Definitely binge watching a whole series on Netflix in a day. Recently the sinner.. One to watch!

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I have always wanted to go to Iceland, so I would definitely go there if I could, even for 25 hours!

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
I would love to have representation in the States so I can take my company forward and creative new markets.

Find out more…

Facebook – www.facebook.com/hazelHPhotographer/?fref=mentions

Instagram – @Hazel.hurley

Website – www.hazel-h.com

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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