10/12/2026
I’ve debated for quite some time whether or not I wanted to be this transparent and vulnerable on my business page, but for some reason, I feel led to share this. ❤️
This morning, I received this message from a client, and it genuinely brought me to tears. I don’t think she realizes just how much I needed those words.
The truth is, this year has been one of the hardest years of my life.
My mental health has been the worst it’s ever been. My anxiety has been overwhelming, and my depression has taken me to places I haven’t experienced since battling severe postpartum depression almost eight years ago.
I’ve struggled with unexplained changes in my physical health, financial hardships, and the constant feeling that no matter how hard I tried to get ahead, something else was waiting to knock me back down.
And eventually, I broke.
There were moments when things became so unbearably heavy that I had thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore. And that terrified me, because I love my girls, my husband, and the life we’ve built more than anything.
But sometimes, even when you have so much to live for, the weight of everything you’re carrying becomes more than you know how to handle.
And the hardest part? I felt like I couldn’t stop.
Because when you’re a small business owner responsible for absolutely everything, the bills don’t stop. The responsibilities don’t disappear. Your clients are still waiting, and your family is still depending on you.
So I kept going, even when I was struggling just to make it through each day and I’m sure some of you have noticed I’ve been quieter this year. I haven’t posted nearly as much, and some galleries have taken longer than anticipated. It was never because I stopped caring. Quite the opposite, actually. I was simply trying to make it through each day while quietly fighting battles that most people knew absolutely nothing about.
I don’t share this for sympathy or to make excuses. I share it because I think sometimes we forget that small business owners are real people, too. We have families, financial struggles, health concerns, and difficult seasons that don’t magically disappear when we show up for work. And sometimes, we’re doing the absolute best we can with what little we have left to give.
To every client who has shown me patience, kindness, encouragement, and understanding this year, thank you. Truly, from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much your grace has meant to me during a season when I was struggling to give myself any.
I’m finally getting caught up on galleries, and with that has come a tremendous weight lifted off my shoulders. For the first time in a long time, I’m starting to feel a little more like myself again.
I’m not completely there yet, and I still have difficult days. But I’m doing better, and I’m fighting so hard to get back to a healthier, happier version of myself.
I love what I do. I love the families I get to photograph, the babies I get to watch grow, and the memories I’m trusted to capture. That love has never changed, even during a season when I felt like I was losing myself.
I’m not quite where I want to be yet, but I’m so much further than I was. And for right now, that’s enough.
Thank you for sticking by me while I find my way back. ❤️
And to the sweet momma who sent me this message this morning, thank you for reminding me that sometimes the smallest act of kindness can mean more than you’ll ever know. 🥹
