Happy Birthday, JSP!

Do you know what today - April 7 - marks? It's hard for me to believe, but it's the one-year birthday of Jessica Sands Photography! It is so cliche, yet so true that time flies when you're having fun, and let me tell you, this year has been fun!

For years I wanted to own my own business, and when things started falling into place, creating this little venture felt like the right fit. Rest assured, there have been some bumps along the way. Here's what I've learned:

• Being a work-at-home-mom is the hardest job I've ever had. My working hours revolve around everyone else's schedules and is done when everyone is sleeping or on weekends when my husband is home to hang out with our son. We recently hired a nanny who hangs out with us a couple times a week - she's a Godsend! 
• I didn't get rich. Going into this, I knew it would be a considerable amount of time before  I would make a profit. What I didn't know is that while earning money is rewarding, it isn't everything. Not everyone can go to work and say they are in love with their job. I can. :)
• I have the most amazing clients. It's true. I know every photographer says this, blah blah blah, but I honestly believe that my clients were heaven sent! They value my artistic vision, and so many times, become my friends. Being surrounded by so many people who appreciate art is quite humbling! I love my clients and wouldn't be sitting here without them, which brings me to the next discovery ... 
• It takes more than just my own blood, sweat, and tears to run my business. I wouldn't be able to do this without the support of a few people - my husband and my parents. When I told them about my little dream, they encouraged me from the get-go. This includes my mother happily volunteering to leave her house at 5 a.m. to be here by 8 so I could drive a total of 6 hours for a shoot; my dad giving me business advice; and my husband spending weekends alone and giving up lots of sleep to contend with a very fussy, teething baby. I owe a lot -  pretty much everything - to the three of them, and God. :)
• My colleagues are like family. This is a shock to some people. Why would I be friends with my competition? Because they are AWESOME! I have a very tight circle of photographer friends from all over the state. The knowledge they've shared with me, the way they've cheered me on (in photography and life, in general), and shooting with/for them has been an absolute pleasure! 
• Lastly, I run this business a little bit for me, but mostly for my son. The reason this all started was because of him. He is my inspiration ... especially as he enters the Terrible Two stage. When he dumps oatmeal all over the floor, this mama doesn't necessarily start cleaning up, she grabs her camera! 

There are some big changes coming for JSP this year and I can't wait to share them with you! Make sure to stop back often and leave some comment love. 

Because no post is complete without a photo ... take a look at my loves.

Thank you to all who have supported me. You have no idea how much I appreciate your interest in my adventure of the soul!

All My Love,
Jessica

p.s. Today also is my birthday! I will be accepting cake pops all day long. :) 

Photo by the beautiful soul of Krystal Muellenberg. xxoo