The end of the year is upon us and you know what that means. It’s time for the year in review! I like to see how far the business has come in the space of a year. Sometimes, when you are in the daily grind, it gets hard to see the overall picture from a bird’s eye view.
Thank you
First, to my equine and pet photography clients. You are the lifeblood of my company. Without you, there would be no Ride the Sky. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with the animals you love, and your endless support.
If it wasn’t for you, this company would not exist. Ride the Sky is better because of each of you.
Secondly, to my friends and family, who support me in so many ways throughout the year.
Who cheer from the sidelines when I succeed, help with the kids when I travel, bring me margaritas, chips and salsa, and dark chocolate when necessary, and prop me up in a million little ways when I need it, you are the best things in my life.
I love each and every one of you.
To my fellow photographers, you inspire me, you mentor me, you guide me and you amaze me. Each and every day.
I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of women in my life. While we may live in different states, or even across the country, I count myself blessed that you are part of my tribe.
To my fans and followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, so many of you reach out with comments, likes, shares, messages, and sometimes, yes, even very delicious baked goods. You may be near or far away from me geographically but you are always close to my heart. Thank you for your constant support and love!
2019 Year In Review
This year was a huge year of growth both as a business person and as a photographer. I have owned my own business for several years now but it never ceases to amaze me how many new things I learn each year.
And while I’m a goal setter and organized person by nature, it was ridiculously exciting to be able to make goal lists and consistently meet or exceed them this year. I don’t want to bore you with all the details but I thought it might be fun to include some highlights of the year.
Things I photographed for the first time:
Gypsy Vanners: This was high on my list as I find them to be a beautiful breed but have never had the opportunity to photograph them before. So it was exciting to take that off my bucket list.
Horses on the Beach: That was a first for me. And so much fun, I’m doing it again in February 2020!
Business Growth:
One of my biggest goals this year was to diversify the business in a couple of ways.
First, I wanted to set the business organizational structure up so that it will allow for business scaling and future growth.
And secondly, I wanted to diversify into some new areas of photography
Mastermind: Shakespeare has a famous quote, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” That’s how I feel about my mastermind. Though it be little, it is fierce.
My mastermind is one of the best things I did this year. You can accomplish incredible things when you surround yourself with people who will not let you fail, who cheer you on, and who always have your back.
Equine & Pet Studio Work: This is one of my favorite things that I started this year. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds in 2020.
RTS LEARN: I have a background in training and coaching. Combining it with my love of photography, business and marketing was a natural fit! While it’s small right now, I have big plans for this in the next year or two.
Things that I had to say goodbye to:
Business & Marketing Consulting to Non-Photographers: No more consulting with brands and companies who aren’t equine photographers.
I shut down that side of my business as the combination of running two different businesses was causing me to lose too much sleep.
With the launching of RTS LEARN, I still get to do the marketing and business strategy side of the business but specific to the field I love.
Being Available 24/7: After losing my dad to cancer in 2017, I became much more aware that time is limited for all of us.
So this past year, I worked hard to be productive in less time.
I have found that frequently we are “busy” rather than productive. By changing how I do things and how I structure my days, I have found myself to get more done in less time, leaving me more time for my family.
Saying Yes to Everything: I get asked a lot to volunteer for things – both professionally and personally.
And while I, like most of you, want to help everyone, it’s just not possible.
In 2019, I became much more selective as to what I was willing to give my time up for. Time has value and sometimes it’s easy to forget that when you want to please everyone.
That’s a wrap
That’s a wrap for 2019! I hope that each of you has had a successful 2019 and had some key takeaways of your own! Looking forward to 2020!