It's Summertime! That means I've been busy. You know, sitting outside with the kids, going to the lake, watching ice cream drip down my leg. That kind of busy.
What else have I been up to? Our house is on the market (not a stress-free process). I am studio-less (I have been shooting outdoors and renting a la carte space as needed peeps - it's really quite a nice place!). And... I've been re-thinking my entire existence as a photographer and small business owner.
After 11+ years of running the studio, it's time for a change. Something fresh, new, something that suits me and my family where we're at right now.
Wait! Don't panic. I'm not going out of business. (If you've been reading this far, I'm assuming you're a loyal follower. The assumption that you're panicking however may be a bit of a leap, haha.)
But... after creatively serving the child-family-baby and senior picture crowds (both of which I have adored) I am switching my focus. Kids. Families. Seniors. -- they will all still be offerings -- but I'm going to transition them to a minor role.
And it's not just that I'm switching my focus. But that I'm introducing something brand new.
*Cue music that transitions you to my childhood.*
(Yes, I know I'm stalling with the "what's new" announcement).
Did you know that I ran a small business out of my home when I was a kid? Yep. The Heart to Heart Gift Shop. For several summers I set up shop in my bedroom and neighborhood kids flocked to my floral-covered-candy-and-gift-clad bedspread to see what was in stock.
Combine that with the Snoopy snowcone stand I would run, my backyard carnivals, the bike washes, the magazine I attempted to create and find tween subscribers for, and all of the garage sales and lemonade stands that I was sure were going to make me some serious summer cash, and it's not a stretch to say that I became a so-called "start-up junkie" pretty young. (That's the short list folks).
All to say... I love small businesses. I adore being a business owner. I strike ideas for new businesses on a daily basis (it's a bit of a curse; I mean a girl can only handle so much mental-activity).
Being a photographer? It's pretty great. It's beautiful even. I am so blessed to have called myself that all these years. But confession: it doesn't truly define me -- from a job perspective, at least. And it's always felt just a tad bit incomplete when I tell people I'm a photographer. My background is also in communications, graphic design, and marketing after all.
A "creative" is more like it. An idea person. An entrepreneur.
It's what God made me to be. Even when I sometimes wish He'd wired me to be a missionary (I have a big, compassionate heart friends). Or just a mom who wants nothing more than to pour into my kids all day long (something I value super highly, and have loved having the flexibility to do). But while these are passions, they never quite light me up the way running a small business does. Being drawn to businesses, marketing, creativity? It's in my blood.
So it's time. It's time to transition my photography business to something bigger. Something fresh and new.
To a full-blown creative firm.
I cannot wait to pour my creativity into other small businesses. To bring together a team. To use our visual talents to help others thrive. We're going to create and support brands people want to fall in love with.
And with that said, the transition to Feather Blue Studios 2.0 is underway. It's a beautiful concept, that brings photography and creative work (graphic design, marketing, more) under one roof (with loads of style). What makes it even more special? Our exclusive "Visual Marketing Partnership" that uses bundles and monthly memberships to bring big-style branding within reach for small businesses.
I'd love to say it's all ready to reveal. (I like when things are picture-perfect that way). But while we have info we can send out (finally! yipee! ask and it's yours!), the new website is still a little ways out. That's ok. We're plowing forward head-first anyway, and meeting with new clients already.
In the meantime, a stellar (& exclusive) portrait special is underway, as a way to thank my loyal portrait clients (many of you who have become like friends). And then portrait prices will go up September 1st, as we bring the new business plan into focus.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart if you have been part of my business at any time over the past 11+ years. I hope to see more of you! But as I transition into this new focus, I know a few faces will fade away. If that's the case, feel free to still drop a hello here and there. You will ALWAYS be appreciated and welcomed!
Blessings & Joy & Summertime Love,
Shannon
So exciting! Can't wait to see where this leads you!
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