A Summer NOT to forget: 2014


This summer has been busy for many of us, so busy, that often we don't get a chance to share what is going on in each other's lives. Not stopping to take notice of  the wonderful things that occur on our journey, things can become such a blur that we can't distinguish one activity or project from another. This summer, I have been blessed to experience so many things, meet so many new people and have fun with those who love me and I them. From attending a professional university conference in Chicago this past May, to joining a national business women's organization (Cincy chapter), to re-styling/branding my website, picking up new clients, and having the continued support of my tween mothers who helped me get their girls prepared to be featured in a California magazine. My final journey this summer was a life changing trip to Dallas, Texas for the eWomen's Network international conference! This conference was the culmination of a powerful and transformative summer. My how things change when you change them!

Flying on an airplane may seem so simple to most and it should be for an intelligent, college educated woman like myself. But believe me it is not! I joined eWomen's network in Cincinnati this past March, secured my membership and picked up clients. On the same day, also signed up to go to the international conference in Dallas! What was I thinking? I'm afraid to fly...geez!  My next step was...I'm going to find someone whose driving! Yes, twenty one hours! Fear will cause you more headache and stress than just 'doing it!' In my case just getting on that plane. But I soon realized that you have to push past your fears to pursue your purpose and gain confidence along the way.

Carroll Hall, another member of eWomen network who signed up for the conference was so gracious that she as going to drive to Dallas for me! How sweet! When we began to talk about the trip, Carroll asked me about my fears. I told her I didn't get sick on the plane, but the takeoffs unnerved me and I am a nervous wreck for most of the flight. She consoled me and told me if I was willing to fly that she would book a plane with me and be my flight buddy! So we were off, leaving from the Indianapolis airport to catch our 645am flight! We look pretty good for leaving Cincy for Indy at 3am!

In order to move toward your destiny you have to face the fears that keep you from moving forward!

We landed! Why do I love landings! LOL! Because we're on solid ground! My first picture in Dallas with my flight partner, Carroll Hall on my left, and Amy Ostigny, the director of the eWomen's Network, Cincinnati Chapter on my right. Amy is a great recruiter for eWomen's and a tremendous advocate for business women! She is one of the most supportive and encouraging business women I have met.

Sandra Yancy, the founder of eWomen's Network in Dallas is a phenomenal woman with a big vision, contagious enthusiasm and a huge amount of drive. Over a thousand women attended the conference which was filled with top notched, outstanding speakers, vendors and exhilarating breakout sessions. For women interested in taking their business to the next level, or transforming their outlook and perspective about themselves and their business or for women who want to network with other women; this was the place to be! It was well worth facing my fears.

Dr Fab, was one of many powerful speakers. You may have seen him on Dr. Oz and other celebrities. He was truly inspirational! His theme focused on not running away from your fears and struggles in life, but embracing them as a tool to learn from and as a way to serve someone else who may be experiencing the same. Our pain isn't always meant for us, but those painful or negative experiences can be used to transform and help someone to overcome adversity in their life. Look at all your experiences and see how you can use them to serve others.

 

 I was truly transformed and changed by this trip! Even those close to me could see the positive change! Sometimes, it takes moving outside your normal, average life and exposing yourself to something different for you to see how unique and special God has made you to be!

 My trip and my transformation would not have been complete without having the opportunity to see and spend time with my dear friend, Bobbie while I was in Dallas. A few years back, I strongly encouraged Bobbie to move to Dallas to seek other job and personal experiences. A year or two later, Bobbie got married. I was so happy for her. Bobbie and her gracious husband took me out to dinner to Dallas' finest  restaurant, called Houston's. The meal was scrumptious and the service was immaculate! 

But most important, was the heartfelt company of Bobbie and her husband, Jake. It is so important to take care of your friends and show them that you care. Bobbie, greeted me with a warm hug and a huge smile. I could tell her husband was glad to meet the women who sent Bobbie into his life. She also presented me with a wonderful pink gift bag with the goodies below! After dinner, they came back to the hotel where we sat and talked some more.

My lovely gifts from my friend!

My summer wouldn't be complete without my tween girls. Make time for people and things you care about. You have to put the work in! I am so appreciative of the time and effort that the girls' parents gave for their daughters and with helping me fulfill my vision. While I love working with business women, working with tween girls gives me equal satisfaction and purpose and that is helping girls and women to stand firm in their uniqueness! To help them own who they are and step into being the bold and beautiful person they were purposed to be. I know personally how it feels not to be confident and to let your self esteem be guided and led astray by negative people and things. I have lived this feeling for many years from when I was a tween girl and as an adult woman. Disguising it as an adult woman.

TD Jakes wrote, "It is time for us to find the thing we were created to do, the people we were meant to affect and the power that comes from alignment with purpose!" This summer during my Dallas trip, I re-united, upped and sealed the level of confidence in who I am and my purpose of helping other women and girls to own and stand firm in who they are through my photography, writing and my other God-given tools! 

Speaking of talents, this past June, my tween girls were featured in a California magazine! We competed against other photographers, ideas and girls to get in. This was a goal of mine that I set last August to get into a magazine. The magazine is called The Fashion Business Mentor, and it assist small fashion related businesses in growing to their maximum potential. Katie Nguyen, is the owner. Doing editorial fashion photography for tween girls and personal brand photography to help business women brand their image and message, isn't as easy as it may look. Coming up with an idea, or a concept creating an action plan, a vision board, selecting colors, props, clothing and more, along with coordinating the production takes a team to bring it to fruition. One of the mothers, Tiffany Anderson has been a Godsend to me and for this magazine project. Of the many things she's helped with is giving me moral support, helping to select props, and supporting me with the vision for the shoot: an outdoor mani-pedi party! Yes, outdoors!

As with personal branding entails an idea, color and style is equally important for the message you want to get across. For this shoot, I selected popular, trendy fashion colors that connected with girls and cute items that were needed for a manicure party. Finding a great location is also key to a successful shoots. Tiffany chose a superb location: French park in Cincinnati! It is an absolutely scenic and beautiful site.

Our drinks, in brightly colored lid mugs, pastel candy, finger bowls with matching and orange  manicure finger bowls brought the idea together. Flower center-piece, grapes and cute little mani-pedi bags with lots of goodies were inside for the girls to keep.

Our newest tween model shown here was also selected by Tiffany, this young lady is a natural model! Pre-teen (tween) can be an awkward age, so during my shoots I try to create an environment which is fun and not pushy toward forced smiles, and posing! Capturing the girls being girls and being fashionable in the process is my goal! Our young lady is getting the water they need for their manicures.

                      This young lady is stunning, poised and effortlessly natural.
                                  We hope to see more of her in the coming shoots.

When staging a fashion editorial shoot, all things must be considered, and all things must be aligned with the message and brand that you want to get across for your client. Also, when a client selects you they recognize that they are selecting your brand as part of the style they want. When selecting a photographer check out their website for the style and looks you want to achieve for your purpose. My brand represents style, fashion, beautiful colors and fun! 

I think this message comes across in these pictures.

        Beautiful young lady! The emery boards they are using are blinged out with color!

Even our cupcakes, and the lime green bowl compliment the beauty and style of our tween girl!

Tween girls are fierce and stylish! The yellow spotted goose dress on the left and the blue dress in the center were borrowed from The Spotted Goose in Cincinnati on Madison Avenue. The pretty pink layered dress was given...yes given by Lemon Loves Lime, a fabulous designer out of Illinois. The designer graciously gave us three outfits that our tween model got to keep for herself!
                     The perks of being a tween model for Spirit & Soul Photography.

                                          Cuteness is not a trend, but a state of mind!

                                             As seen, favored and retweeeted on twitter!

                       

                                     Simon says...Be bold, Be You and Be beautiful!

            A page from our magazine spread published in The Fashion Business Mentor this summer !
                               Summer is almost over, and I'm looking forward!
                      Take time to dream! And as always dream big and take the chance to be bold!

Spirit & Soul Photography: Style-driven, brand conscious!http://www.ourspiritandsoul.com/