2010 - what a great year

2010 has been an amazing year for MaddiePie Creations.  There will be several changes for 2011...but I think it's important to reflect on what has happened over the year...the great and the not so great!

The Great
~ I met some amazing clients this year that have become friends and family.  I have been so fortunate to have these people in my life and to meet some amazing women!

~ I was blessed to connect with an awesome Photographer in Tulsa Dana Suggs.  She has become a great friend, resource, critic, and angel when I needed one.  She and I are relatively in the same place with our businesses and we often times feel each others pain and talk the other off the ledge when business gets overwhelming. 

~ Referrals - my business has grown significantly this year and it is all due to referrals from my amazing friends and clients.  I can honestly say that without those people that continue to believe in me and lift me up - I am growing...personally and professionally.

~ I was able to book and pay for a REAL workshop.  I love all the online workshops that I can participate in, but going to a workshop is just a completely different thing.  February 2011 - I get to go to San Diego and attend a workshop that will most definitely help me develop the boudoir portion of my business.

~ I was able to finish my studio...with props and amazing lighting.  My mom was a big help on the lighting (thank you) and now I can fully utilize the studio for individual sessions.  (Although one day when I make a bajillion dollars I will have a big loft studio all to myself)

~ I booked two weddings this year and 3 for 2011.  I am still trying to determine if this is what I want to focus my business on...but for now, it feels like maybe this is where I am supposed to be.



The not so great
~ I have had to learn how to accept that each photographer shoots in their own style.  I shoot in a way that is unique to me. I have had my feelings hurt more than once this year and have struggled with my own insecurities over my abilities as a photographer. It's a work in progress..

~ I am still learning how to structure myself as a business person...it's definitely not the FUN part of the job.

~ Newborns...they are not going to be my specialty.  I love them and there is nothing cuter...but I have had to learn how to accept that we each have our own strengths...and this one is not mine.

~ I have learned that sometimes it is important to say no.  I started this year thinking that I wanted all the clients that approached me because I needed the business.  I have learned over the year that it is important to ensure that it is more about making sure that I am the right photographer for them and they are the right client for me.  Money is definitely not everything if the two personalities don't mesh well.  Great relationships will lead to deeper friendships.



Looking forward to 2011

I am so excited about this coming year.  I want to focus more on a couple of areas of my business and networking.  I think that if i continue to grow like I did this year, anything can be possible.  I have the love and support of my amazing husband. Without him, none of this would be possible.  He has definitely been a big reason that this year has been so successful. 

My big focus for 2011 is going to be weddings and boudoir.  I have so many great ideas that are just waiting to come to life. Now...I just have to find those brides and those adventurous women who want to feel as beautiful as they really are.

Much love to you and thank you for helping me make MaddiePie Creations what it is today and what it will be in 2011!!

xoxoxo
Brooke