My apologies
I genuinely want to apologize to the ShortStudioS Sisterhood Facebook Group members. When I started this business I had no intention of maintaining a social media presence, but then the more you get into it - the more it seems it's required to stay relevant. I struggle with this constantly. I want to create the most magical memories for the women who enter my studio, I want them to feel seen, heard and more than anything to walk through life after their session knowing how much they deserve happiness/goodness/wellness and all the things God intended. If I was meant to encourage this mindset with a special women only group sharing words of encouragement, then I was good with that. The struggle came with overload in the content creator world, scheduling posts, planning one month in advance (but not more because the system doesn't allow it). I considered outsourcing, but the truth is - I love the people of this group. It feels wrong to toss its maintenance off to someone else, even with my guidance. I am working to find the balance that fits providing what is needed and maintaining my own sanity.
The Good News
2025 has been VERY good to ShortStudioS, I finally feel like this women empowering photography business is "taking off"! It began in January with three amazing Bridal Boudoir Model Call sessions where I worked with incredible ladies making the most beautiful art in preparation for an upcoming Bridal Expo..
Which happened in February and was SO FUN! I'm not just saying that. I have been an Independent Scentsy Consultant (totally going to have a separate blog on that later!) for 3 years and have participated in numerous shows, but there was nothing like the feeling of presenting MY art at MY table and talking to MY potential clients. It felt so good to be the most authentic version of myself and simply share what I love! & the best part - nearly every single woman I spoke with responded to finding out who I was with, "Oh my gosh, I've always wanted to do a boudoir session!" Truly, I think they meant it because it has been pretty busy with the brides since then and I am 100% here for it. I also hosted the first annual ShortStudioS Galentines Party. This was such a cool opportunity to welcome our community into the studio space and just hang out with like minded ladies. We ate, chatted, got jewelry, made flower bouquets - it was just what the ladies deserved and I had such a lovely evening and cannot wait to do it again next year!
In March I was able to work with a beautiful Mom-to-be and capture the essence of motherhood in its truest form with a Maternity Boudoir Model Call. There is no way to take a bad picture of a woman's body in the midst of growing another human life, there just isn't. I promise, it is beautiful in all forms and I LOVE being able to save such precious memories for mama, she totally deserves to remember this moment in time.
Then comes April, where I overloaded my calendar in all the best ways. I turned 35, yay for me! I took an accidental leap of wtf and participated in Ladies Night at The Rex Theater in Leonardtown, MD. I swear you all, whenever I see ladies or women - I'm like I'm there and I'm going to tell every single woman I meet how awesome they are. It was an absolute blast and I will be keeping an eye out for more opportunities like that. I also photographed a Private Healing Session at Body & Soul Holistic Therapy! This is one of my favorite places and I have learned so much about myself ever since meeting Tiffany; I was beyond honored to be asked to hang out with a magnificent group of women and take photos while they practiced self wellness and healing. I also had an incredible session with a friend who is getting married and her photos are as elegant and as spicy as the books I've been reading lately! I cannot wait to finish up her gallery because it is going to be so amazing!!
Among all of this I've gotten pretty solid in my consultation calls and chatting with all of the women who reach out about the boudoir experience. I have future sessions on the books and Thanks to God my hair and makeup artist and I are thriving in our joint busy schedule. It is such a blessing and I will always be grateful to live this life.
The Heavy Stuff
Aside from how really amazing ShortStudioS is doing, it's been a year! It is no secret that I have a 9-5, and in that realm of my life - it has been one big scary change after another. For me, for my community, for so many families and I just ache for all the churn and uncertainty so many people have had to go through. Saying it lightly, it has not been easy.
In April, our family lost a beautiful member - Meemaw. She was truly such a special person who legitimately believed in everything I was doing. Grief is hard and I honestly hadn't had to face it before. It has been a journey to process and my experience may help someone else - so I'll write a separate blog for this. Until then, I pray I am making Meemaw proud and I hold tight the light she gave to my family.
Another topic that is probably deserving of a blog of its own - Parenting is HARD. Not that I didn't know that before having kids, I was aware there would be sacrifices, hard work, dedication - but good grief the adult decision making that comes with being a parent... I am over that shit. Anyway, the latest decision we've made is that we will likely be homeschooling our kids beginning next year. I've known for a while that I wanted to homeschool by middle school age - but the Lord has put a wonderful opportunity at our feet now and we think we're going to take it. There are an uncapped amount of questions, concerns and fears I have that go along with this, but I also have faith in myself, my husband and God that we will figure this out and no matter what - do what is best for our kids. More to follow!
In Closing
I consider 2023-2025 the timeframe where I found myself. I know what boundaries I have, I know what boundaries I need. I know what deserves my energy and what does not. I know what brings me joy and am comfortable letting go of areas that don't. I genuinely like myself and I am more than comfortable knowing that not everyone else does or will. but I do. I am blessed to have a partner to stand by me while I have grown. We are fortunate to have grown together and continue to build endless dreams for our futures.
I am committed to ensuring all women feel as comfortable saying I like myself as I do. There needs to be so much more of this. You my dear, you deserve it!
I am pursuing what continuing education (books, healing methods, classes) will aid the boudoir experience with ShortStudioS and this is only the beginning.
I truly don't know what the future of the group looks like. I also have a Facebook page, an instagram, I think I'm on threads and literally have never used it. That world is different to me - I'm much better with writing. Maybe I'll blog more and share that with the group, maybe my stories and inspiration are best written. We shall see.
I thank you for being a part of the ShortStudioS community in whatever capacity suits you. All the women I have met thus far have impacted my life in so many ways and I cherish the relationships I've made, the photos I've been lucky enough to provide and all the goodness to come!
