I was hours late and I did not look cute.
After a 6 hour delay at DFW airport, where my hair products and makeup were already checked and out of reach, I said goodbye to my usual comfort of arriving somewhere early to get dolled up in the bathroom so I would look my best walking into an industry related event full of photographers and people who I look up to and admire. An introverted extrovert, I still get so nervous to be myself around people who I only know through social media and by following their work. So after my crazy long day full of delays and obstacles like a broken suitcase accompanied by a not so graceful tumble in the middle of an airport, I landed in Charleston and took an uber to the house that would be home to 20 photographers for the following few days. And it was empty. I was nervous, alone with my thoughts while I awaited the group who was still at the dinner that I had missed. The one they went to after the meet and greet that I had also missed. Soon they would all arrive, I looked like a total mess, was exhausted and anxious and awkward. Would they look down on me, judge me, give me that oh so familiar up and down glance while sizing me up? We all know that feeling of fear of rejection, and man it was real!
Imagine my immense relief when all 20 girls showed up with a HUGE hug for me, so much joy in their faces to welcome me into the group, and nothing but genuine laughter and friendship as I recounted my crazy day that left me looking a crazy mess! From that first moment until the last, I decided these women would be my people- and I was so right!
I have always prioritized education in my business, from online education to conferences to small in person workshops (my absolute favorites), but I haven’t left any of these places with as full of a heart as I did leaving the Hope Taylor alumni retreat. To find the words to describe the women who I had the opportunity to meet, learn from, grow with, and develop real camaraderie and friendships with is probably impossible but I’m going to try. We had the opportunity to learn from a true powerhouse (the fabulous and insanely driven and bright Hope Taylor) in an environment that encouraged open conversation and growth, and it was so inspiring. Aside from the incredible education by Hope, this trip was revitalizing in so many ways. I found myself in awe of these women, all so different in backgrounds and lives, and yet all so kindred in our struggles and successes. It was like we had all found the people who could truly understand our hearts and the heart behind our businesses, and it was honestly such an uplifting feeling. In an industry that feels so competitive and isolating, these kind souls were all brought together to lift each other up and encourage one another through honest advice and true community.
We had several days of amazing (and so much fried) food, an afternoon at the beach, and sightseeing and headshot swapping on the streets of Charleston. With education and great business conversations on each day, the balance of fun adventures, goal setting, and growth was simply perfect! And to top it all off, we had an amazing guest and surprise activity- we got to take a painting class from the incredible Blakely Little of Blakely Made! Enjoy a mix of photos from this amazing retreat (including some fun iPhone images and selfies of course) below, as well as a list of the incredible vendors that helped make our time so wonderful! Special thank you to Hope Taylor who is as genuine, generous, and lovely as they come!
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Tuesday’s Together Leaders!
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Photography // Laylee Emadi Photography | Hope Taylor Photography | Quianna Marie Photography | Dawn Elizabeth Studios | Abby Waller Photography | Ryan Shedrick Photography | Brittany Marie Photography
Vendors//
Gift Boxes – Along Came a Box
Welcome Dinner – Poogan’s Porch
Breakfast Goodies – Wildflour Pastry
Lunch Day 1 – Lost Dog Cafe
Dinner Day 1 – Poogan’s Smokehouse
Lunch Day 2 – The Oyster House
Head Shot Swap – Magnolia Plantation
Painting Class – Blakely Made
Pizza night – Monza Charleston
Cookies – King Street Cookies