This post is definitely bittersweet to be writing…but I feel so much peace about this decision. This may come as a surprise to quite a few of you…but bear with me here 🙂

Earlier this year, I made the decision to end my lease at my storefront studio space in downtown Fredericksburg. After seeking advice from mentors, talking with my family and Drew, and praying for quite awhile…I feel so much peace knowing that this is the right step for my business. This week is the LAST week in the studio, and it was perfect timing to host the very last workshop in the space! It has been such a bittersweet process, but I know God has good things in store and I’m so thankful for that.

This studio space has provided so many incredible opportunities and holds so many pieces of my heart. Memories were made, businesses were impacted and my clients were served well with this adorable little slice of downtown. For the sake of transparency and wanting to always be open with my readers, here is a little breakdown of what contributed to this tough decision:

-With education growing more and more in my business, the studio space is no longer large enough to hold the number of attendees who are coming to my workshops. This was one of the primary purposes of the space, so the fact that we’ve outgrown it has been a major contributor to the decision to leave the space.

-Because I am photographing more and more destination weddings outside of VA, bridal consultations are taking place over Skype the majority of the time. This was another huge reason for having a studio space – and it has barely been used for consultations in the last year!

-I live 45 minutes away from the studio. This is something a lot of people didn’t know! But, my house is actually a 45 minute drive from downtown Fredericksburg, making it a pretty big commute to work at the studio on a regular basis. I ended up working from home almost every day of the week, and only going to the studio for sessions and events.

-And, the final reason (which is going to be longer than a typical bullet point-haha!) is this: Because I began my business so young (at only 16 – such a baby!!) my decisions about my future and my life have all been made based around my BUSINESS. I am frequently hearing comments like “I wish I knew what I wanted to do that young!” or “I bet it’s so nice having a career at your age!” and my favorite “I feel like I wasn’t doing anything with my life at your age!” (haha!!) And while it is a MAJOR blessing (and something I will never stop being thankful for!), starting my business at a young age also provides it’s own set of difficulties and roadblocks. Because a typical 20 year old doesn’t have to make major life decisions based around a business that is her full-time source of income. Deciding things like where I want to live in the next 2-3 years, what my future looks like with a husband and kids, moving away from my family, etc. all have to be filtered through how it affects my business. And that’s HARD! But, as I go through a season of transition and big decisions, I knew having a studio would be tough. It could also potentially keep me in Fredericksburg when maybe that’s not where I’m meant to always be…so I knew I had to let it go.

So, what does this mean for my business!? Are major things changing!? WHAT ABOUT WORKSHOPS?!

Rest assured that NOTHING about my business is changing or disappearing!

1. Workshops will STILL be held on a regular basis – except even BETTER! I’ll be hosting workshops at beautiful venues in the Fredericksburg and Richmond areas that will allow for MORE attendees and better styled shoots! AUGUST registration is OPEN and seats are almost gone, just in case you want to snag a spot 😉

2. Senior sessions are still the same! The only difference is that we will meet on-location, not in studio. A boutique package is still being offered thanks to the amazing ladies at Monkee’s of Fredericksburg!

3. Mentoring sessions are currently NOT being offered due to an overly packed schedule for the remainder of 2017. But, something is launching here in the next two weeks to take their place…online courses, anyone?

Whew, this is a LONG post! If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU! 🙂 I’m so thankful for everyone’s support and encouragement in my business thus far, and am so excited for what’s to come. 213 George Street has been a huge piece of my heart these last two years, and I’m so sad to see it go. But I know that God is faithful and there are SO many things that happened to assure me that this decision was the right one (maybe I’ll share more on that later!). To commemorate the closing of 213 George Street, here’s a little walk down memory lane!!

The day I signed the contract on the space…yikes!!! But I saw so much potential!!

Painting…CHECK!

Time to start set-up!! Thanks to Josh for this!!! 🙂

Time to start decorating – my fave part!!

My first visitor and welcome gift!! Thank you, Morgan!!! 🙂

WHEW! DONE!

My first two events at the studio!! Senior party and a workshop!!

Filming Days!!

I’m going to miss you, 213 George!!!

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