09/27/2022
I don’t know how to professionally give an update without writing a novel, but I feel you all deserve some explanation as to what’s been going on and what to expect moving forward. I see A LOT of my clients as friends, so I’m going to try not to make this too personal but I plan to be very forthcoming… I’ve been in a year-long battle with the state of WI due to a sales tax error I made while starting my business 15 years ago. This mistake added up to way more money than I could reasonably pay off quickly (and they did indeed expect it quickly). Only months after the state representative first confronted me, they revoked my sales permit, shut down my business and devastated our lives. It was an honest mistake and I felt the state was being extremely unreasonable so I immediately hired lawyers to help navigate the complex state laws. The lawyers roughly guessed from the start that it would be 6-8 weeks (that was in April). Since then, besides the loss of earned money, there have been attorney fees, accumulating bills & our bank accounts have been inaccessible & to top it off, we’re not allowed to get loans… It’s honestly been really traumatic. The lawyers have been misleading & unclear which has made updating anyone feel impossible. I was allowed to complete contracted work (sessions that have already paid) so since I was booked out for 3 months, I started out working full time with no income. Planning ahead, I thought it would be a brilliant time to polish up the areas of my business that I had previously been struggling with… but I did not anticipate the extreme levels of anxiety and depression that would soon ensue. I withdrew. I felt I was hurdling obstacles everyday, I couldn’t seem to gather the energy to face my most favorite clients and several of my friends. I put my focus on my family & mental health while trying to muster the courage required to face the 700+ emails. I don’t want this turning into a sob story. I just hope by offering a little glimpse into my complex situation that although I am extremely passionate about photography and providing a beautiful view of reality, that like most, I’m just trying to navigate a complex set of emotions while now also experiencing a traumatic life altering event that I’m just generally very confused by. However, I am overall very grateful that I’ve discovered valuable information about myself and that I still have a chance to manage a successful business while providing an overall excellent experience, like I used to! WHICH leads me to some really sad news but also some hopeful news. Unfortunately, I have to temporarily close Sunrise Photography and my Janesville studio is closing its doors at the end of the month. I’ll still own my props and equipment, but even with a payment plan now in place, the state will not reinstate my sales permit until the amount is paid in full. If you have a paid session, giftcard or Milestone session don’t panic, I have a plan! Which leads me over to the brighter side. With some more research, I have discovered that since I file all my other taxes accordingly, I can (possibly) open a studio in another state (like right across the border in Illinois!). That’s a huge light of inspiration for me, since photography brings me so much joy and fulfillment. I obviously want to get back to doing photo sessions as soon as possible, but to give my best self to every client, I need to be my best self and I do not want to jump into anything I’m not ready for yet. I plan to take it one step at a time, starting with giving each of you the attention you deserve. To help handle this fundamental task, I have a new email. I will be checking it everyday. If you want to talk to me about anything at all, please email [email protected] and you’ll have my undivided attention and I’ll do my best to resolve all of your Sunrise Photography needs.
For now, I have a gift! Every year since opening my studio, I have offered this same Grow with me/back to school photo set… Well this year, I’m NOT MISSING IT by offering a FREE 5 photo mini session with my back to school/grow with me set for anyone who has done this set with me in the past or who would like to start doing this set moving forward. Look out for more information to be posted about that and how to sign up.
So for now, THANK YOU everyone for six great years at this studio. It was, overall, an incredibly wonderful learning experience. I am looking forward to my new, improved business coming soon!
