The one thing that I love even more than the big trade shows and conferences is the cultivation of relationships. It is amazing how quickly the photography world becomes so small once you start making your way around the industry arena. What once appeared larger than life quickly adapts to the feel of small town USA.
While I was in California just recently for the Start Up Strategy workshop, I was privileged to make new connections with more incredible people. I love when you can chat with someone for 3 minutes and come to the realization that you are more alike than different. This exact scenario happened between me and Tamara Young. I knew that I recognized her but until I approached her to tell her how much I loved her hair I didn’t put 2 and 2 together. Tamara says to me, “Girl! I loved your Blog post about your Granny’s fried chicken.” Ah ha! It clicked. She’s that Tamara. We must have hugged at least a hundred times over a span of 30 minutes. Seriously. We had more things in common than we could count! But just to name a few…cast iron skillets, greens, that Southern girl mean streak (but rarely displayed, of course!), fabulous jewelery, grits and tomato gravy, sweet tea, corn bread and Southern slang! Did you happen to notice a repeated pattern in those similarities? Yes! We both love to eat. I adored getting to know her.
In honor of some old as well as some new friends, I wanted to take a minute to tell them each what my initial thoughts were when I met them. I think it is important that people know how you feel and I don’t ever like to go a day without validating or honoring someone in some way.
Jeff Jochum…intelligent, perceptive, generous.
Lawrence Chan…reserved, observant, smart.
Me Ra Koh…approachable, natural woman (and every bit as fabulous as the song!), beautiful spirit.
Kristy Dickerson…pretty inside and out, self-aware, focused.
Tamara Young…kindred spirit, striking, poised.
Anna Kim…joyful, positive, adventurous.
Lorrie Osterode Prothero…soft spoken, gracious and most of all forgiving! OMGosh…this was the 2nd time that I didn’t “recognize” Lorrie and I had to ask her forgiveness. I was so ashamed.
Dawn Davis…sweet, attentive, stylish.
Heidi Morgan…savvy, ambitious, kind.
Monica Toohey-Krause…cheerful, driven, genuine.
Katya Nova…intuitive, chic, sexy.
Regis Chen…endearing, interesting, invested.
Rob Ninja-Nicholson…energetic, fun, mysterious.
Christine Bentley…full of life, dedicated, witty.
Michelle Cunningham…radiant, charming, fresh.
Loren Scott…funny, sociable, mellow.
Stacy Lykins Ziegler…friendly, committed, welcoming.
Sally Clark…determined, optimistic, sweet.
And so many more talented people (please forgive me in advance if I failed to mention your name)…honestly all people whom I believe that I will continue to see great things from! It was my pleasure to see many of y’all again and to meet some of you for the very first time. I thank you each for making these couple of days so memorable!
What a pleasure meeting you! I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you around soon! ;)
You are so charming…wow..I wish I was HALF the person you are, especially remembering and being so sincere about meeting everyone! You are adorable and for sure someone I will think of, a lot. I am so happy that I met you, I think I could hear you talk ALL DAY with that lovely accent! But really, what a genuine person you are! XO!
omigosh! i envy your amazing ability to remember so many people! holy canoli! you are too kind in your description and if i may… you are refreshing, genuine and i friggin love your accent.
My Sweet Sweet Dawn, a true Steel Magnolia…. You have truly touched my heart. In fact, you hold a very special place in my life. You’re right, we really are kindred spirits. I’m so happy to know you and am really looking forward to seeing you again. We are gonna have a ball whenever I get down there! Good food doesn’t stand a chance.
I just have one request.. Would you ask your Granny if I can hug her too?
I love ya girl.