Wow, I can’t quite believe the title of this blog. Last week, on February 16, I celebrated two years of being a legal business. I feel that it’s been SOOOOOO much longer, and I can’t believe ALL that has happened in just two short years. While I did photograph for fun, for several years before, I made it “officially, official” just two years ago, and my oh my, things have not slowed down.

I guess I’m writing this post for two reasons: one as a journal entry for myself to read back years from now, and two for any new business owners who are needing a bit of encouragement. When I first started my business, I didn’t think it was going to be difficult. I was used to taking photos, and I knew my workflow for it. However, when I decided to buckle down and commit time and energy to this, things became so much more difficult. I share that not to be discouraging, but to be honest. I feel that so many entrepreneurs don’t share about the struggles until they’ve “made it,” but y’all, I’m telling you right now running a small business is hard work. I don’t have any employees – only a few contract workers – but it’s for realz, hard. Some days are messy, unorganized, confusing, and disappointing. Sometimes you don’t make the sale you thought you would. Sometimes the idea you dreamed of doesn’t fall together correctly. Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try, you’re just not getting anywhere.

On the flip side, the past two years have been FULL of personal growth and SO MUCH JOY. I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve taught myself to be more independent and to fight for what I want. I’ve learned that there is no such thing as an overnight success. I’ve spent more hours on this small business than I want to admit. I’ve almost driven more miles on my car than it can take {it’s still a truckin’!! Crossing our fingers for another year}. I’ve jumped up-and-down, happy squealed, danced crazy, said weird things to make people laugh, cried happy tears, encouraged families, seniors, moms, dads, etc. through some of the biggest seasons of their lives. It’s been SUCH an investment in my time, but it’s been SO rewarding.

I’m eager to see where God will lead me in the next few years. I didn’t have a clue what things would be like two years ago, but I’m SO thankful for where my path has been and where it’s going. Shoutout to ALL of the seniors, brides and grooms, and families who have been a huge part of year two of Haley Nicole, LLC!! You are what keeps this business going, and I’m so excited and SO EAGER to see what year three holds!

xoxo,