“Is anyone sitting there?!” I said while balancing a plate of food and glass of wine.
He said “No, it’s all yours.”
And I cheered a silent ‘hoooray!’ because I was starving, and the wine was free. So far my day of solo travel had only occasionally been haunted by that painful kind of awkward. You know, the kind that almost always comes along with navigating new environments and experiences. And, dang, dare I say this was shaping up to be a good night.
I honestly can’t remember how the next bit went. But I quite quickly came to the realization that I had parked my clueless little self right beside the star of the show….
OK, so here's the thing, this is really uncomfortable to talk about but I am going to anyways because I think these days transparency is everything. So here we go (let's hope I don't make a mess of this). Why is professional photography 'expensive'?
So you just had an amazing brand photography session done (insert happy dance here!). Now it’s time to put your images to work! We often suggest that you plan to sprinkle them into your social media to really make them last. Perhaps put a few on your website, but then what? Well the good news is that this beautiful collection of photos that aligns so powerfully with your brand both visually and emotionally can be used in so many other ways! We put a lot of effort into making sure your photo sessions tell your unique brand story and are absolute workhorses for your biz. It’s super important to us that you get the most use out of you one-of-a-kind as you possibly can. Heck, even if you took the initiative to create a set of brand photos yourself (bravo!), we still want your efforts maximized. Our mantra is 100% work smarter, not harder. So let’s go…
DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOU WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL YOU ARE 90% MORE LIKELY TO ACHIEVE THEM?!* For me journaling is such an essential part of my self-love, creative and entrepreneurial journey. I check-in with myself daily to reduce anxiety, stay creative, commit to goals and plan my next moves. Here are 6 reasons why you should have a bullet journal too and super easy steps to start your own!
What happens when two sister’s head off into the desert with a tiny teardrop trailer and a killer road-trip playlist?! Magic, my friend. Pure magic. I am so excited to share everything about our adventure, from the creepiest night in a tiny Montana town, to the unbelievably beautiful abandoned mid-century motel that used to be frequented by celebrities like Harrison Ford!. If you love the desert as much as I do, you are going to love coming along on this wee adventure with us. Or heck, just come for the beautiful desert art!!!
Red Deer Portrait Photographer
Did you hear, did you hear? I am going to be hosting a Lifestyle Portrait Marathon on May 18th and June 22nd, and I am so excited! All sessions and products will be discounted! Yup, it’s going to be so good friends.
Spaces are very limited and last spring my boudoir marathon sold-out, so I guess what I am saying is, DON’T WAIT!
Wow, I cannot believe another week has flown by!! This Wednesday I would to introduce you to two wonderful women: Debbie Coleman, Deb is a registered nurse in emergency and endoscopy at the Red Deer Regional hospital. She is an incredible leader; her spirit, engagement and dedication to the cause is awe-inspiring. Deb has been a volunteer with the Red Deer festival of trees for over 20 years. She has been involved in various capacities throughout the years; most recently, as a member of the board of directors, the co-chair of the facilities committee and Chairperson of the Decorating and Trees committee. Deb is always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the event, and believes that seeing the patients and communities benefit from the donations raised is priceless. She believes wonderful things comes from volunteering, and that there is something in it for everyone.
HELLO!! Oh my word it has been so long. If you follow me on Instagram you probably have already heard that the hard-drive on my computer crashed while were gone to be BC, quite the welcome home gift, UGH. That combined with a lot of my out-of-town family being home for my sisters wedding has meant an unintended break from blogging/social media and from #WomenCrushWednesday. But I'm back baby (so lame lol). But seriously, so excited to have my computer running and to start sharing again! So today I'm playing a little catch-up and sharing THREE awesome ladies!
LYNNE MULDER! Born into a family who believes in hard work, education, compassion and community, Lynn's commitment and passion to ensure all the citizens of Red Deer are offered the best quality of life possible comes naturally. With a Masters in Education, Lynne continues to support and volunteer with various organizations such as Vantage Community Services, United Way Of Central Alberta and the Canadian Mental Health Association. She is a strong community supporter, animal lover and a generous soul. Lynne displays compassion, kindness, determination and dedication to creating a vibrant Central Alberta. A strong, determined leader from nurse to Vice president of Red Deer College to Red Deer City Councillor, Lynne continues to make a positive impact in our community, no matter what capacity!
I just wanted to say sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Truly I didn't. In fact, causing you to feel less then was one of the main fears I had when I started to share this journey...In case you are feeling a little lost, let me give you some context. ***cue that weird musical transition they always do in movies when they change scenes for a memory haha** The past few months have been filled with many wonderful events and photo sessions. I got to met and chat with so many incredible women and like-minded souls. I dressed in clothes that I feel great in (and didn't immediately get covered in food, dirt or duck poop)! For this fairly introverted, rural Mama of two it was somehow completely energizing and exhausting in the best kind of way.It was during these wonderful get-togethers that I began to notice a reoccuring dialogue that went something like this...
A says, "oh I love your shoes, where did you get them?!"
B uncomfortably replies, "ahh, shoot, you had to ask me in front of these capsule wardrobe people haha."
OR
C says, "you look incredible in that dress, I would love to find something like that."
D looks towards me with shame, "ummm, Zara."
There was a lingering guilt or shame or maybe it was something else. Either way, I have begun noticing it more and more where people feel that they need to explain to me why they can't currently purchase responsibly-made fashion. But let me tell you, whether it's a postpartum body, the initial investments, or the fact that you just really like shopping, you DO NOT owe me an explaination. I never have and never will look at your outfit and decide what kind of person you are. And in that same breath, I do not think buying ethically made clothing makes me a better person then someone who doesn't. It is, quite simply, a place in my life that I felt a need/desire/ability to make a positive shift.I began sharing my journey because I couldn't have made this change without the incredible help of those who bravely shared theirs with me. You might notice the use of the word brave there and feel a deep desire to roll your eyes, but it IS scary to put yourself out there.So, long story short, I will continue to share about responsible fashion because I think it is a fabulous and much needed conversation, but please don't let it discourage you and if you ever have any questions or thoughts please share!! You DO NOT need to own a single piece of responsible made clothing to join this club and conversation!!!Warmly,Karmen
