Part 1: The Fix.

My grandmother always gave me compliments and encouraged me along the way and I appreciated her for it. She would often say “Did so and so compliment you” or “How many people told you what a good job you did on x.” Sometimes I would tell her no one and then she would tell me “well they probably thought it but they didn’t say it, that happens with people sometimes. You did an amazing job and I love you.”

I went to photographer Jasmine Star’s “The Fix” on Monday March 19th and the words that she boldly & passionately shared have been swimming in my mind for the past day. I am finally able to analize how they have impacted me. I think more than The Fix causing me to fall even deeper in love with photography I think I am more excited and hungry for the kind of business I now have permission to have. Jasmine gave me permission to be the business person I have always wanted to be because I had wished on my 25 birthday candles last year that it could be like that, and she told me my wish came true.

Sitting at the fix (and while reading her magazine Exposed after the event) I learned that my career could be about passion, dreaming, happiness and this could all be done by coming together as a community to help each other, to genuinely care for one another, and to give a standing ovation like a mother cheering for her son on the sidelines of a football stadium when one of our peers experience success.

I know that in reality there will be mistakes, I will come into contact with not so pleasant situations…again, but  for now I think I’ll bask in my sanctuary of ponies and polly pocket with the words of Jasmine Star ringing in my ear, pushing me onward with my photography business. And Grandma, Yuliya complimented me and Sharron said I did a good job. ;-)

Part 2: A Friend.

I met Yuliya on the photography forum the [b]school and we instantly connected because of a couple things we had in common and a we knew 2 of the same people. Before The Fix we met for dinner, and because of the beauty of blogs I already felt like I knew her. So we were non stop chatting away. We sat next to each other as friends at The Fix and would glance at each other and laugh when Jasmine would say the witty and charming things that she says like…every other sentence. I was thankful that Jasmine had created this community and blessed to have found a friend in the industry who is kind and caring. I also felt honored that Yuliya taught me a few tips she has up her sleeve because she is VERY talented and is seasoned in the wedding photography business. I would have had a different experience without her, and I am excited to offer any help I can to her.

Thanks Jasmine for an amazing evening at The Fix, and for the community that you have created!

I think I just kept saying “thank you” at this moment.

Yuliya & Jasmine.