I turned 26 this weekend! I couldn’t be more excited to close the door on 25 and put this year behind me. This got me thinking…as we get older, why do we dread birthdays so much? Isn’t getting old a privilege? When you consider the alternative – dying young – getting old doesn’t seem like anything we should be complaining about. After all, life only moves in one direction; there’s no stopping it. So why not embrace each year, and celebrate having made it this far. On your next birthday, I don’t care if you’re 15 or 95 – let your loved ones spoil you, and be thankful that you are here to enjoy it.
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In other news, there has been a LOT going on at HNP! I’ve jumped into 2012 with some pretty ginormous goals, and I’m already seeing them unfold in front of my eyes. If I could keep my business thriving through a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy…I don’t see how anything can stand in my way this year!
1. My business has expanded beyond what I had ever imagined – and so, it’s time to hire my first employee! I’m beginning the search for the perfect person to turn HNP into a team of 2! (I tried convincing my mom to quit the ice cream business and be my right hand woman year round…but apparently she really likes being the icecream lady!!) If you are interested in the position, you can send your resume, references, and cover letter to me at hollyhollydesign@gmail.com. Check out the Facebook page to learn more about what I’m looking for.
2. The first big promotion of the year is coming up this Saturday! I’ve teamed up with Beautiful Beginnings, Tan’ology, and Ashley Gardner to put on a Prom event like no other! High school girls from all across the U.P. are invited to the bridal salon on January 28th from 10-3 to try on the latest Prom styles, give modeling a shot by having their photo taken in their favorite dress, check out some amazing makeup and hair demos, and cash in on some incredible giveaways! The HNP Class of ’11 models will be helping out, and Liz, last year’s HNP Prom Queen Winner will be our live window model! It’s going to be so much fun!
3. I’m trying to narrow my business focus onto what I REALLY want to do. As a photographer, it’s easy to accept every project that comes your way, but with experience we discover what we like and what we could do without. As most of you know, I stopped shooting weddings last year. I was lucky enough to only work with very kind couples (no bridezillas at all..thank goodness) but I still found that the anxiety that comes with such a big event took the fun out of it for me. It takes a very special person to be a successful wedding photographer – and a good photographer is worth the investment! I have several super talented friends that I am happy to recommend if you’re looking! I’ve photographed a little bit of everything – engagements, families, children, seniors, newborns, pets, you name it. This should come as no surprise, but I have found that photographing high school seniors is my absolute favorite thing to do. Soooo, to make a long story short – I will only be taking on seniors this year! Whew…it feels good to put that out there. Again, I’m happy to make recommendations if you are looking for another type of photography. If you are going to be a senior and you’re looking for unique senior portraits that will make all of your friends jealous – I’m your girl!!
4. Another aspect of the business that really interests me is creating connections and networking with other like minded professionals. Together with Jen of Wren Photography, Jenn of Jennifer LaChance Photography, and Daniele of Daniele Carol Photography – we will be starting a local chapter of Lemonade & Lenses – the brainchild of the lovely Lexi Vornberg! Our organization is about learning and sharing with other photographers; creating friendships rather than rivalries. I met with a wonderful group of photogs last week, and we’ll be holding the first official U.P. L&L meeting in March. Here’s us doing our sexy pose!!!
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I’ve also launched a brand new modeling program for the class of ’13 seniors, I’m working on a new blogsite, and I’m preparing to introduce another division of my business within the next year. So much to do – so little time!
And those are only my 2012 goals. Just wait until you hear my 2013 goals!Keep up with the action by becoming a fan of the HNP facebook page!
Here’s to growing old!
P.S. On my birthday, I had the opportunity to photograph two of my best friends – my first shoot since October! Here’s a sneak peek:
Aly - Amy (Dye) Driesel – Oh Holly, as they say in the south, bless your heart! That is so young to have to deal with such a horrible thing. I’m glad you are ilnefeg better and I will keep you in my prayers. You sound positive and staying positive is half the battle. I’m sure everyone gives you cancer stories, so here is one from me I work with a woman who had colon cancer at the age of 34, also very young. She caught it early and didn’t have to have chemo. But she is cancer free today and will turn 40 in a couple of weeks. So hang in there and throw yourself into planning your wedding!! That will keep you busy. Take care and good luck