For two years, though I propelled forward in my career, I remained stagnant when it came to creativity and inspiration. I became so focused on practicality that I forgot my passions. I became so focused on money and trying to make it financially that I forgot that it’s not the hours—it’s the heart and energy behind it.
When 2015 rolled around, I knew that this year would be different in that sense. I watched my friends at church go after huge dreams, and I was inspired.
Through a series of events, including the sudden loss of a significant role to contract services for a big startup, I was pushed forward both voluntarily and involuntarily into realizing bigger dreams.
I started watching YouTube videos, listening to Lynda tutorials, listening to the Social Media Examiner Show/Podcast a few times a week, reading Mashable and HubSpot regularly, and more. It’s important to also tune in to Pinterest, industry leaders, and Tumblr for inspiration.
I began creative photo projects-as photography is one of my biggest passions. I have had the opportunity to take photos of some of the most overlooked people in our community, as well as some of the most prominent.
I set out to decide what it was that I really want to do with my time. I eventually came to a conclusion, and that is to spend about 80% of my working hours on nonprofit work, and the rest on freelance work.
Being an extrovert, I need a place to go to every day to work for something I believe in with people I love. However, I’m also a freebird. I love connecting people and events and places. I need variety and diversity. This brings me alive and inspires me. It gives that kick to what I do every day.
My first step towards this direction, and ultimately everything that has developed in the last four and a half months (and ongoing), is the Humans of Athens, Georgia Project.
My vision is to love and inspire each and every person in the Athens community, or wherever I am living in that season of life. Each person is worthy of being celebrated. Most people in America don’t realize how worthy they are of celebration. Let’s change that.
Every person has a story. One story at a time. Everyone is unique. And, everyone needs to be inspired and touched by the stories of others. Plus, it’s a way to get my name out there and network.
To raise awareness that I’m a photographer who’d love to assist wedding photographers, do corporate shoots, family portraits, engagement sessions, graduation photos, and of course landscapes/missions. Let’s spread the love! Let’s celebrate!