It seems that alot of people have been waiting for this blog post (as i've recd several inquiries). But the truth is...it may not be the information that most of you are expecting. Back in the summer of 08, I had been craving a change for AP...even started praying for open doors. I knew it was time to take my business to the next level. For me, that not only meant getting help behind the scenes to give me more time w/ my clients (as well as with my family)....but also putting myself out there in the community more. I knew it would take alot of hard work creating the right relationships, and seeking out the best options for my business at the moment. It would have to start small...and grow from there. So the prayers and the search began...and so did the holiday madness,lol. Most of you know that the holiday madness starts late summer in this industry. My plan to pursue this change went on the back burner b/c i was so busy..and the little time i did have, i needed my family...and my family needed me. It wasnt until one day I was out and about and I walked into a store in a favorite Bham shopping area of mine...and started talking w/ the store owner. We quickly started a relationship and learned that we had a good bit in common...not only were we both small business owners (obviously)...but fun stuff like...her favorite place to travel is my birth-country (Romania - you should really check it out...it's awesome!) Anyway...before i get all sidetracked...I found out that her space was coming available after the first of this year...and we talked alittle bit about that. When i got home that night, i realized... this was the answer, I believed this was my open door! The excitement began...and so did all the work! This space was not to be utilized as a studio, but rather as a gallery where I can have client-consultations, client pickups, ordering sessions. Also, it would serve as a gallery for walkins/potential clients to meet me, see my work and look through my products. It was a dream come true in a dream location. What more could I ask for!?! As the holidays approached, and quickly went away, we were at the finishing stages of making this a reality. NO ONE on this planet was more excited than I was at this point! It wasnt until one day...it was almost like I got kicked in the gut. Jason (my hubby) and I were talking about everything, looking at the layout of the space, figuring out the design/decor, this and that....and it's like we both 'knew'. It took me longer though to really admit what i was feeling....but it was like an instant gut feeling. All of the sudden, questions that were already asked (and answered) came up again and feelings of 'Is this the right thing??' came out of NOWHERE! I didnt want to feel this way, b/c I knew just HOW BADLY I wanted this for my business and for myself. But that feeling never went away, but only got stronger. I am a true believer in the power of prayer and we dedicated the next few days to committing these questions to the Lord and really get guidance on which way we were supposed to go. All the work had been done, business-wise, and family-wise...we had a solution for everthing. So we thought. But I honestly think that God places these little red flags in our paths to tell us something...to maybe seek Him a little more. And at that point...I was beyond tears...that is all I could do. It was such an inner battle btw. the direction i know i wanted to go in and the direction I was being led in. We were days from signing the lease when we finally came together and realized that we have reached our level of peace. A friend of mine told me that when it's right...you'll know that you know that you know. As much as I wanted to be there...I wasnt. And if i wouldve gone through with this space...yeah, it probably wouldve been alright, I'm sure it wouldve been hard, but we couldve made it work in everyway. But i wouldve gone against my level of peace and doing that to myself and my family...and ignoring the hand of God...I know I would not have been happy. So it has been a struggle. As quickly as these changes came...they were also gone. And i believe that it's only to make room for something bigger and better when the right time comes. It's hard to wait for the 'right' time...but when it comes...i'll know that i know that i know....
What I have learned through all of this is to seek God and really know when He's leading one way or another. I have always been a church go-er, have always been involved in ministry growing up whether it be through missions, or serving the community, etc. But God was SO 'in-my-face' in such a personal way throughout this whole thing and just made Himself so real to me. It's amazing how God 'looks out' for us. I dont know why He's leading me the way He is...i may never know. But He sees the big picture and that's all that matters to me now. We forget how involved He wants to be in our work life. I challenge you today...if you're a business owner (or any type of work place)...make sure you make Him a part of every decision. He will honor that and only good can come out of it. It may not be easy...but in the end, you can be at peace and know that HE holds it all! To those involved...words cannot express how much i appreciate your understanding and support...i know it hasnt been easy on all of us.
Blessings to all of you! Thanks for hearing what i have to say. And though the space is not happening for AP...there are alot of good stuff in store for 2009! Cant wait!
Congratulations for such intense soul-searching! I am certain there is a bigger brighter door to open just a little further down the road!
Posted by: Oana Hogrefe | February 16, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Becky,
I am not sure if my comment on this took, but if not, thank you so much for sharing your heart. You have inspired and encouraged photographers and other business owners alike. I am so glad that we have stayed in touch the past couple of years. All my love...Nicole :)
Posted by: Nicole Rogers | January 26, 2009 at 08:12 AM
You are an amazing individual and God WILL keep speaking to you as long as you keep listening. Blessing you and your family this 09.
Posted by: Darcy Ferris | January 24, 2009 at 11:26 PM