All Photos in this blog were captured with my Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AI-s film lens on my Nikon D90 DSLR.
It’s been just a week since I shared my GoFundMe campaign, and I’m still feeling deeply moved by the generosity and encouragement that has come my way. Every message, every share, every donation has all felt like a quiet “yes” to the dreams I’ve been carrying for a long time.
Thank you to your support!
I’ve been able to take real, tangible steps forward.
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I have now completely purchased the 24mm lens I’ve needed to expand my creative work. It’s already shifting how I see and capture the world.
I’ve also applied for my official business registration! This hits deep. I’m planting roots and building something I’ve been dreaming about for years.
Yesterday, I shipped my first framed print sale to a customer (my grandmother). She wanted to purchase two copies of the photo (Autumn Bloom: A Legacy of Light) that I dedicated to her. I have another framed print sale going to my sister this week.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this past week has been the groundwork I've begun to connect with my local community. I’ve designed and printed flyers for the Seeds of Light Sessions. This is the campaign aimed at building local connections. I’m inviting people into intentional, personal photo sessions that highlight their own stories and beauty.
This week, I’ll begin distributing those flyers to small businesses around town. One local business has already offered to host a flyer and promote the campaign. It may be a small thing, but it feels like the start of something meaningful: relationships, collaborations, and a stronger local presence. My hope is that these flyers not only invite clients in but also open the door for deeper conversations with other small business owners—mutual support, creative partnerships, and many new friends.
I’ve also been working on a product idea that brings my brand to life in a new way. Inspired by the pineapple/lens logo I designed, I’m developing a custom picture frame made to hold magnetic metal photo prints. An artist friend of mine got super excited when I told her about it and she immediately asked to be my first customer. I’m now working with a local 3D printer to bring this idea into reality. I’ve set aside funds to produce a test print, her frame, and the metal photo print that will go with it.
As I look toward what’s next, I’m focused on one big goal:
Finding and Serving Local Customers.
That means getting my work in front of people in creative, tangible ways. It means showing up where they are, sparking curiosity, and building trust over time. To support that, I’m developing a small line of handcrafted products that echo the spirit of my photography and brand:
- Branded Picture Frames
- Branded Earrings
- Bubbles in Branded Bottles
These items are so much more than just products. They’re conversation starters, expressions of my creativity, and ways to invite people into the story I’m telling with my camera. I plan to launch them at local makers markets and events where I can meet people face to face, share what I’m building, and start relationships that go beyond the transaction.
I want to be known as someone who shows up with sincerity, creativity, and a deep desire to connect. Every step I take in this direction is a step toward building something rooted in community, and I’m so grateful to have you walking alongside me.
