Hobbies are for the Weekends


For years, photography was a quiet passion—a sporadic hobby I loved but never believed could become more than that. I was raised to think creative interests were for weekends, not careers. Careers were for science, math, and “real” work. So, that’s what I pursued.


I spent nearly two decades in just that—first in Natural Resources Management, and then in Organizational Leadership and Learning. I was successful by traditional standards. I could master the science of my roles, but fulfillment? That was harder to come by. I tied my confidence to external validation, constantly questioning my worth, and feeling an emptiness where my creative spirit should have thrived.


But every once in a while, I'd book a photo session—and things would be different. I’d come home buzzing with energy, confidence, and a deep sense of joy. The more I worked with photography clients, the more I dreamed of making it my reality. A life where I could work with people I love, pursue meaningful creativity, support my family, and actually be present in our day-to-day life.


At the time, I was working for a company I’d been with for nearly eight years. I was exhausted, depleted, and barely recognized myself. I felt like no matter how hard I worked, it was never enough. Over time, that started to shape how I saw myself—like I wasn’t enough either.

A Glimpse


Then something shifted.


Out of the blue, I had a small wave of senior portrait requests. Three families reached out within weeks, and I hadn’t marketed my business in ages. It felt like the universe cracking the door open. I dove in with joy, and once again, I came home from each session feeling alive.


Re-energized. Confident.


Like I had found my place again.


And then, the corporate door closed for good. My position was eliminated unexpectedly. As the sole income earner and provider for my family, I should have panicked.


But honestly? I felt a strange sense of relief.


I was burned out and emotionally drained. This became my invitation to reset—to finally bet on myself and build something I had only dreamed of.


So, after one week of rest, I dove in headfirst.


I poured myself into learning: refining my craft, studying business models, elevating client experience, and reshaping my mindset. I stopped seeing myself as “just a photographer” and started to see myself as a creative entrepreneur offering a luxury portrait experience from start to finish.


And with that shift came a transformation in me.

Courageous


I stopped waiting for permission.


I stopped asking others to validate my path.


I let go of the need to be perfect or to play it safe.


I became courageous.


I now feel deep joy in serving my clients. I am connecting with people more meaningfully than I ever imagined. I’m building something I believe in—something my family can grow with. Something that fuels my soul and brings beauty into the world.


Chase your Dreams


Sometimes, the things we fear the most—like job loss or big, scary change—are exactly what we need to finally step into who we’re meant to be.


For me, that’s here: pouring my heart into boutique family portraiture, creating elevated experiences, building authentic relationships, and capturing stories in artwork that lasts for generations.


I spent years convincing myself that the “safe” path was the right one — until I realized that being unfulfilled isn’t safe at all. If something’s been tugging at your heart, I hope this is your reminder to listen. You don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes one small, brave step is enough to begin.


You are allowed to change. To dream bigger. To chase the thing that lights you up.



And trust me — you are far more capable than you think.