2021 in Review

The end of one year and the beginning of the next always makes me reflective. And while I haven’t officially been in business for a full year yet (just 8 months!), I made it through my first busy season and into the second month of the New Year (!!), so it feels like a good time to pause and look back on 2021. (Yes, I know - I’m at least 5 weeks too late on this. But I don’t care. I’m doing things at my pace and this is when I’m getting around to it!)

One year ago, I still didn’t know I was going to start this business. I knew I wanted to, but I had a few personal hangups to sort through and some courage to find before I could take the plunge. What if turning my hobby into a business took all the joy away? What if starting a business was selfish? (I spent 10 years in non-profit international development organizations, so the global responsibility runs deep over here!) What if the market was too saturated and I invested more money in this hobby of mine and it didn’t pan out?

Turns out I have a super supportive husband, family, and friends, and a great therapist. And I love starting new things! Between all of that, a few excellent photography classes through Illuminate Classes, and some wonderful business coaching through the NH SBDC, I got started. I built a website. Designed a logo. Registered a business. Put the word out. And started doing sessions (including some headshots & a branding session!).

I have to say, I seriously have the BEST friends, both local & in the Boston area. You know you who are: over half of my sessions were with you and your families and I could not be more appreciative. More than all the classes, prep, and cheerleading, your willingness to pay to get your family photos taken with a very new photographer has made the difference between an ok start and an exceptional one. You’ve given me confidence, helped me work out the kinks, and established a solid foundation from which to grow in 2022. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your families’ time, moments, and connection this year. It’s been an honor and I am SO excited to see what (the rest of) 2022 has in store!