Honoring My Mother's Legacy: How Her Dreams Inspired My Journey in Photography and Beyond.

In 2010, I launched my photography business with a deep sense of purpose: to honor my mother’s memory. When she passed away at just 39 years old, I was only 24. The injustice of not having many pictures of her fueled my passion to provide affordable family portraits for others, so they could cherish memories that I couldn’t. This is the story of my journey, my mother’s dreams, and how they shaped my path to helping other women entrepreneurs succeed.

A Mother's Unfinished Dreams

My mother was taken from us too soon, and it felt like she was cheated out of the life she deserved. She had big dreams and plans that were left unfulfilled. Her early years were challenging, marked by some difficult choices, including having me at just 15. Yet, she never let her circumstances define her.

In her late 20s, my mother turned her life around. She worked tirelessly, went back to school, bought her own home, and dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur. She was passionate about opening a crafting boutique and meticulously planned every detail, from the layout of her store to business pitches for capital. I have no doubt she would have succeeded.

She was writing a business plan for her own crafting boutique business.   She had drawings of the layout of the building she wanted and probably a dozen drafts of business pitches to get capital.  I have no doubt she would have made it happen.  

Then, at 39 years old, as she was finally making progress toward her dreams, she was taken from us almost without warning.

Brain tumors- mean little fuckers!

Suddenly, there I was, 24, with three younger sisters looking at me to fix it, trying to make decisions that would, unknowingly at the time, shape my life forever. But that’s a different story. 

Finding My True Calling

It wasn't until I was approaching my own 39th birthday and plotting my escape from the hotel world that I figured something out.  I had been wanting to go full-time in my business, but something was missing. I loved photography, but it didn't bring me the fulfillment and passion that I craved.  I had been in the hotel industry for many years and the one thing that kept me there was that I really loved was helping others find their success, I enjoyed the daily creative problem-solving, and believe it or not I found creating systems that simplified daily business tasks to be empowering. I knew that I wanted to train people to be better at what they do and find joy in their work. While running a photography business was fun, it didn't allow me to fully pursue my passion for helping others.  By highlighting their passions and showcasing their businesses, I was helping them reach their dreams

It may have been just a happy accident that I found my calling in working with small business owners, doing headshots, and brand photography. I discovered that helping people learn how to use their photos effectively on social media brought me joy. By teaching others to highlight their passions and showcase their businesses, I was helping them succeed and reach their dreams.

A Legacy of Empowerment

It hit me that by supporting other women entrepreneurs, I was not only achieving my own goals but also honoring my mother's legacy. I was helping other women reach the success my mother never had the chance to achieve. She continues to inspire and guide me.

Today as I get ready for another awesome day and look down, I am reminded of her, and I am happy to say I see a little of her when I look at myself, even if it is just in the form of my lipstick-stained coffee mug.

So I will continue to find ways to see her in each success and I will strive to find ways to honor her memory.  One way that I do taht is volunteering with The Richard Lambert Foundation a local grief center that does amazing things for kids, families, and individuals trying to find their happiness again after a loss. I have helped with event photography and even hosted a family photo event where you received a free family portrait with the donation of a teddy bear.  That may have been my favorite because those teddy bears went on to comfort many children who needed something happy to hold on to. And of course I still offer family photography, especially around the holidays, because the need to make family photography something everyone can do is still important to me. 

I am grateful for the inspiration and guidance that my mother's memory has given me.  While I will always miss her, I am proud to carry on her legacy by helping other women achieve their dreams and find joy in their work.