I cannot believe that at the end of this year, it will have been TWO years since I’ve been in my studio here at the mill! It’s crazy how fast the time has flown, how many families and little ones that have come to me, to be able to watch them grow up in front of my lens. I’m truly blessed to have met these new families, as well as continue to photograph my current and past families and friends. I have a HUGE announcement to make for the upcoming 2016 year.
After the new year, I will be stopping my lease on the studio for one year. Don’t get me wrong, having the studio has been the BEST decision for my business for the last two years but I want to slow down for one year for a few reasons.
Most importantly, my youngest son, Tyler will be starting full day Kindergarten in the fall of next year and I don’t want to look back and regret not having the time with him and my other boys while I can. These years are flying by and I am already regretting all the things I’ve missed because of my chaotic work schedule. It’s so tough finding a balance.
Secondly, I am SO busy where I’m at the point where I cannot keep it all up by myself. I need help. So I’m also going to take this year to fully train my assistant, Melissa. She’s doing great with the photography aspect and I will be showing her the business side of it, editing, marketing, designing, phone/emails, etc.
During the year, I will be keeping an eye out for spaces that are closer to home. Once the fall hits of next year, I’ll be in a better mind frame (as all boys will be in school). If I decide to continue doing this full time, I’ll definitely open another space but MUCH closer to home if I can find the perfect space in the Smithfield area.
This business is VERY hard to succeed in but I have to say I’m very lucky and blessed to have the issue where I am TOO busy and not the other way around. So I decided it’s best to take a small step back, regroup and take the time to fully train Melissa so I can figure out exactly what I should do in the next year.
I’ll still be taking on regular clients here and there but won’t be marketing as much for new clients. So for those interested in sessions in the new, upcoming year, I will still be booking but less than my normal amount for sessions each month. For my clients, friends and fellow photographers who constantly refer me to others, please continue to do so. If I can fit them in, I’d be happy to photograph them. And if I cannot take the booking, I have a small handful of trusted and very talented friends (professional photographers) that I can highly recommend.
If anyone has any concerns, you are more than welcome to contact me through my email. As always, thank you all for your continued support, encouragement and blessings! 🙂
