To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin…
Starting my business after leaving corporate finance (which was running me straight into burnout) has been a journey full of challenges. But nothing quite prepared me for what happened recently.
From Overwhelm to Action
While I was in the ER dealing with an injury flare-up from my 2023 car accident—the same one that led to shoulder surgery—I got a text from my family: my photography studio had been broken into.
Unable to walk or drive myself, all I could say was “NO!”—a mix of defeat, fear, and rage filling my voice. In just 12 hours, my world felt flipped upside down again.
From Chaos to Clarity: The Cleaning Process
Over the last four weeks, my friend and I have tackled the overwhelming task of cleaning, organizing, and figuring out how to move forward. It wasn’t just about putting things back in order—it was about reclaiming my space and energy.
I’ve learned SO much during this process—like how to handle sawdust on different textiles, how to DIY vacuum attachments for tight spaces, and, most importantly, how to stay adaptable and resilient. There were moments of frustration, tears, and raised voices, but also laughter, dancing, and plenty of hot coffee on cold days. Some of these moments are captured in a reel on my Instagram page.
Finding Creativity in the Mess
Somewhere between scrubbing surfaces and rearranging shelves, something unexpected happened—I started seeing my space differently. With all the clutter, I felt compelled to change the creative energy.
I found new ways to organize my props, reimagined how I use my surfaces, and repurposed materials I had overlooked before. The process reminded me that creativity isn’t just about the final image—it’s about transformation, problem-solving, and seeing potential in what’s already there.
Lessons in Adaptability and Growth
Walking out of my cleaned studio that final night, I felt both elated and stress-free. I took a long, hot bath and made a list:
- Everything stolen
- What needs to be replaced or serviced
- How I can leverage other resources to get my studio secure again
This experience reinforced something I’ve come to understand as a service provider: adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a strong support system aren’t just useful in tough times—they’re essential in every aspect of running a business. Whether it’s an unexpected hiccup in a client project, a last-minute change in a campaign, or a total studio reset, being able to pivot and push forward is everything.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
Despite the hardship, I’m beyond grateful for the people who showed up for me—who reminded me that setbacks don’t define us, but how we move forward does.
Here’s to resilience, rebuilding, and embracing the lessons that come with the journey.
Thank you for all your kind words and support during this time. It truly means the world!
