JANUARY 16th; THE START OF A NEW LIFE

{photography :: personal notes}

Sixteen has always been a lucky number for me. It was my soccer number when I was just a little girl. It was the number on my 'try-out' jersey when looking to join my first select soccer team. I made that team, and also met some of the most important people in my life, my lifelong friends. It was the 16th of May when I married the strong, talented, romantic man I now call my husband.  And it is now, the 16th of January, that I set out on the journey as a fully self-employed entrepreneur.

On paper it doesn't make much sense. I had an incredible job that had me traveling around the world, mainly to Europe at least once a year. I had an iphone, ipad, laptop, nice office and all. I had work dinners at fine restaurants, engaging projects, and many successes. Not to mention a very nice paycheck.

There were a few things that job did not provide.
Family Time. Balance. Relaxation. 

Entrepreneurship always fascinated me. Understanding all parts of the business; branding and marketing, financial number crunching, pricing, customer service... the way all the pieces fit together excites me!  Perhaps that's why I could not have just one college major, I wanted to be engrossed in all areas of business.

It wasn't anything new when I started a small photography business on the side. I had many small side businesses growing up. What was totally unexpected, was the passion I developed for this business. I knew I had the passion to run a business; but those you touch capturing the most important moments in the lives of total strangers leaves me ... speechless.

"I will cherish these photos forever"
"I can relive my wedding day, every day"
"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!"

So, yes I did give up many things when I decided to embark on this life change, to leave the corporate world. And yes, I am a little bit scared. Yet I find comfort in knowing that I will now have the time to be the best wife, daughter, sister, friend, volunteer, family chef, homemaker, and mother. And besides, it is starting on the 16th, a number that seems to only bring wonderful things!

So why I am telling you all of this?
I could not have gotten to this point without the past four years of photography clients who believed in me when I was just starting out. When I desperately needed a bigger camera bag to carry my equipment. When I was trying to figure out how to build my first website. When the only time you would get an email response was between the hours of 3 and 6 am.

Thank you for helping build this business and allowing me the opportunity to pursue it full time.
I am grateful for all of you.


To the start of something great,
Laura

Laura Borkenhagen Photography