My Journey to Opening This Business

My love for photography started early. My dad worked in the film department at Fry’s Marketplace in Flagstaff, AZ, and I thought that was the coolest thing. Our family outings often included setting up a tripod in the mountains and capturing DIY family photos—my siblings and I were promised time to play on the rocks if we sat still for pictures. Now as a mom, I see those moments through a new lens and admire my parents even more for their efforts to preserve memories, all on their own.

Over time, my parents encouraged my interest by gifting me cameras. I didn’t care about perfection—I just wanted to freeze time and remember the moment. In college, I took a photography class that opened my eyes to storytelling through images, and it inspired me to start my own photography business. I was motivated, but I didn’t know how to run a business. I undercharged, didn’t have a website, and relied on word of mouth. Within six months, I was completely burnt out.

Fast forward to my wedding. Our photographer told me she had just hired a private photo editor, and something about that stuck with me. I had never heard of such a role, but I was instantly intrigued.

After our honeymoon, I stepped into married life and soon into motherhood. I'd always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom, and when we found out we were pregnant, I left my job and embraced that calling. Within two years, we had two babies, moved to a new state, and adjusted to so much change all at once.

In the months after our second baby was born, I began to feel the stirrings of creativity again. I was overwhelmed with all the responsibilities at home, and I wondered if doing something outside the home might help me show up better inside it. My husband had always encouraged me, saying, “You should own your own business—you’re so creative.” That encouragement planted a seed.

I remembered that wedding-day conversation about photo editing and started researching. I looked into assisting editors but quickly learned most required experience or an established business. Then I found a course that would teach me everything I needed—editing, business setup, finding clients. I took the leap.

Starting a business wasn’t easy. There were stops and starts, and one pause where I really had to seek God and ask, “Is this the right thing for my family?” We weren’t in financial need, and I didn’t want to pursue something just to escape. Looking back, I realize I had postpartum anxiety and was trying to find relief. Taking that pause was a gift—it helped me realign my heart. I no longer saw the business as an escape, but as a way to serve.

I truly believe God calls each woman uniquely—some to work full-time, others to stay fully at home, and some to find a blend. The real question is: Who are you doing it for? Is it to serve yourself or those entrusted to your care?

For me, this business is now a beautiful blend. It gives me space to create, to partner with other moms growing photography businesses, and to return to my family more present, less overwhelmed, and full of joy. And that feels like the sweet spot.