I stopped at Dakota County Technical College recently. I just love being there ~ even if it’s just the parking lot.
I thought about the things I know now that I didn’t know then. I thought about everything I would go back & tell myself about life, photography & business 15 years later…like:
Chelsie of 2004,
You’ll be GLAD you took every. single. class that was offered – even if the 2 year photography program takes you 4 years.
Never be embarrassed that you chose a Technical College to prepare you for an industry that largely consists of self-taught talent.
The industry will change before your eyes. Digital photography, smart phones and social media are going to be “a thing” in few years. Trying to keep up will overwhelm you. Just do your best & don’t worry that you’re not too “techy”
You’re going to land in this place called “The Brainerd Lakes Area.” …I know, I know…you’ve never been there before, but it will be home and it will breathe life into you and your business.
In 2011, You’ll be blessed by motherhood. There’s no college that will teach you how to do that one. You will find that no job compares to the privilege of motherhood. Eventually, you’ll find your groove & learn that it is awesome (& do-able) to be a mom AND have a business.
You’re going to make a million mistakes. Period. End of story. Some will be with a camera, some will be with relationships, some will be in business…Always pick yourself up & dust yourself off.
You will work with some of the most kind-hearted, appreciative, and generous clients on the planet. You’ll wonder how you got so lucky.
You will also hear, “we went with someone else.” A LOT. You’ll realize God pairs you with exactly who you’re meant to work with. Trusting that takes away the sting of rejection.
You will photograph ALL of your nieces & nephews newborn photos & it will be one of the best memories of your career.
Your desk is messy in 2004 and your desk will still be messy in 2019.
You can be very successful without a studio or storefront but you will have to remind yourself that every few years…
Running a Business is hard. It will keep you up at night. Make you cry, worry you & make you doubt yourself. It will also give you the gift of friendships, the gift of time and the gift of experiences. Go with the flow. Try not to take everything so seriously. Say your prayers and remember that forward is always the direction you need to go.
Love, Chelsie of 2019
