Happy Sixth!

This year marks eight years in business and this month marks six years as a photography studio owner.

In October 2019, I opened the doors to my first photography studio in Old Town Alexandria. It was the eve of the Global Pandemic and within 5mos, the doors temporarily closed but I kept faith.  Today, as we close out Women’s Small Business Month, I realize that the numbers of sessions, events, and workshops only tell part of the story.

Highlights By the Numbers:

• 2019: Studio opened; 135+ headshots; 8 events 
• 2020: Global Pandemic; 90+ headshots/family sessions; FAA drone license 
• 2021: 100+ headshots, 16 events, started teaching, Ride across America project, 2021 Trailblazer Award, 2021 SBDC Veteran of the Yr Award
• 2022: 300+ headshots, 21 events, 7 classes, 50 Vietnam Veteran Portraits, Army-Navy game, new business website
• 2023: 400+ headshots; 22 events, 26 classes, Vietnam Veteran Exhibit 
• 2024: 385 headshots, 31 events, 22 classes, New studio space, 1 DoD Skillbridge Intern
• 2025 YTD: 400+ headshots, 13 events, 45+ classes, 2025 Trailblazer Award

My Lessons Learned:

• Stories matter. Every person that walks through my door matters and has a story that leaves an impression on me and my business. 
• Consistency is key. Maintaining high and professional standards has been the backbone of growth.
• Keep up with Change. Technology will outpace you, if you let it.
• Growth comes outside comfort zones. From moving the studio to mentoring interns, students and other business owners, each interaction taught me something invaluable.
• Community fuels creativity. Serving veterans and supporting fellow entrepreneurs keeps my work meaningful.

Six years of photos, lessons, and laughter. This Women’s Small Business Month, I’m proud to celebrate not just the studio I built, but the resilience, creativity, and connections that come with running a Veteran, Woman-owned business.