It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year with friends in Nashville.. unsure of what 2013 would hold. We had no idea what kind of a wild ride we were in for. At the start of 2013 I was nannying and working on this business part time. When April came, we decided to make this a full-time gig for me and stepped out in faith, not knowing what the future would hold.

I have learned so much this past year about owning my business. Not only that, but I have learned when to say yes and when to say no to opportunities that present themselves. I have had the opportunity to travel all across the country, taking photographs as I go. My clients have become some of my closest friends, and I decided to add weddings to my portfolio and services. I did a ton of stepping out in faith, and learning as I trekked along. It's been a huge adventure, a huge leap into the unknown and so much fun.

2013 has been a record year of learning for me. Learning how to manage my time, my energy and money. Learning how to write contracts, package goods, source vendors, connect with local photographers and learning how to manage my chronic illnesses while running this beautiful business. Learning that success isn't measured only in the dollars earned or in sessions booked, but in lessons learned, milestones reached and images captured. Learning that success is a happy client and a referral from a friend. And learning not to be too hard on myself, and to give myself grace in it all.

Above all, 2013 was a huge success and so much fun. I love looking back over the year and seeing how my art has developed and how I have learned to bring my brand and translate it into photographs. I cannot wait to see what 2014 holds.