Reflections on 2014

In my promotions folder I received an excellent post by another woman-owned business about the highlights of her business in 2014.  I read in awe thinking, wow, a lot can happen in a year, and though we can go through ups and downs, it’s important to focus on highlights of life or our business, and be appreciative.

I am hoping to continually pursue God’s will in 2015 with a positive attitude.  If you have a business and would like to collaborate in the new year, let’s do it!  Let’s share with the world our passions and knowledge to help each other grow!

See you next year! ;)

2014 Business Highlights

The lovely tutus by Juju’s Tutus and tea party designed by Angela Saban was featured in Mingle Magazine’s 2014 Winter Issue.

I came to terms that I was indeed a blogger, when I was asked to share my story and photos from Ireland in Spring’s Artful Blogging magazine, by Stampington.

Clearly I now embrace the title!

I modeled for Kokoon and made a new friend, owner Laine soon asked me to model for her spring line.  I was on the front page of their website!

I was asked to be a TGIFriday’s Ambassador and was flown out to Dallas to see the new brand, and menu.  This was also a great time because I was able to see my friend Crystal of Simply Being Mommy who I met from the Sony blogger program.

I continued to write for Photo Tuts+, a few photography articles here which include how to be a photo assistant, how a step can change your photo, things to know about working with wedding planners,  shooting a car maternity session, and taking quality vacation photos.

I continually worked with my favorite publication, PHOENIX magazine on a few shoots – private doctors, peach picking, resort (always a favorite!).

I also jumped into corporate headshot photography scene in Phoenix/Scottsdale area and loved it.  A few published doctors, CPAs, and investment experts!

Continued to shoot portraits for amazing clients, business entrepreneurs like myself, or just families that I enjoy working with again and again.  Oh, and of course a lovely senior too!

As I found myself turning business away due to budget, or time, I decided to add on associate photographer April to my business who can cater to additional clients and has done an excellent job.  She has been a tremendous asset to my photography business.  One of her sessions with Alexis and Barry:

My trusty longtime sidekick and second shooter Amy and I jumped on a plane to Upstate New York for a gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous wedding by the Hudson River, a wedding celebrating Aaron and Courtney and working with some incredibly classy and fun vendors.  It hardly seemed like work.   See more here and the feature on Wedding Chicks.

 Back home in Nor Cal I got to do what I love, which is photograph some equestrian lifestyle portraits.

Blogging continued, and I was invited to be a POPSUGAR Select blogger for Fashion and Lifestyle – and some of the perks included working with ABC and the popular Must Have Boxes.  Videos became a thing and my YouTube subscriptions jumped a bit, guess I need to do more box openings :)  This was my POPSUGAR hoodie and a sweet note.

Speaking of blogging, the best perk I have ever received was an all expenses paid – food, hotel, travel and all (minus shopping, ah-hem), to the South of France!  I was with my fellow Sony Club bloggers and dear friend Crystal that I mentioned earlier from TGIFridays meet up.  It was 10 days of awesomeness and I didn’t want to come home, really.  I asked Mr. Wonderful if he would just meet me in France.  See my travels here.

In graphic design business, I updated the Mrs. New York America website, helped some small projects for a few clients and also added a new one!  Bella Lily Bridal!  I designed her logo and I was also asked to help decorate the interiors which I can reveal next month which will be amazing!  I’m happy to say I will now be expanding my services to interior design – but just to help with decor, not space planning.

I cleaned out (and am continually cleaning out) my storage house/tool shed and made room for a studio space so I could have fun with my outfits since my very green English country (the goal anyway) backyard doesn’t go with my outfits.

I know I didn’t cover it all in my business, but I think that just about does it.  I am thankful for every opportunity that has helped me grow creatively and continually pushes me to be a better creative person.  I’m thankful for this blogging outlet that helps me evolve and hope that I can continually inspire others with ways to live life simply, easier, and more joyfully.

Thank you for being a highlight of my 2014 and for being here.  I’m taking you with me into the new year. xx