Grace and grit: my 2024 reflections

At the beginning of 2024 I made myself a promise – by the end of the year I would be ready to launch my business full-time.

I turned 50 in February, and it felt very much like a ‘now or never’ moment. I’d been dreaming of going freelance/being my own boss/founding my own business for a good few years, but I had young children, little energy and a fear of being unable to pay the bills holding me back.

In January, I decided my word for the year would be ‘space’ – I wanted to create space to pursue my creative passions, which had been on pause while the kids were so young. But now they’re both in school it felt like a small space was opening up and I could start to see the possibility of building something. (I’ve been in awe since having my kids of the mothers I see starting/running businesses with babies – I didn’t even have time to read a book for the first six years!)

Building a brand with purpose and passion 

This year hasn’t been easy, but it has been exciting. I’ve been juggling building my business – telling stories through photos, words and video – while working part-time and co-parenting two spirited girls. All of which has been made a trillion times harder by having my ass somewhat kicked by the menopause – with hot flushes and sleep deprivation really impacting my ability to get shit done.

Tired does not even touch the sides of how I feel most days, and often I felt disappointed with myself that I wasn’t able to show up in my business more consistently. And yet, I did somehow find space to nurture my dream, to birth a business that fills me with purpose and passion. And I’d love to share a few highlights with you.

Highlights 2024 

• I’ve worked on more than 20 photography assignments with personal brands and non-profits – and photographed more than 100 people. My clients are people who are doing their bit to make the world a better place, and I feel so privileged to have worked with each and every one of you.

• I received 22 reviews on Google business – all of them 5 stars with beautiful comments! It brings me so much joy to make my clients happy :)

• I’ve created a fabulous guide for businesses called Grow Your Brand With Soulful Storytelling. Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to receive this guide to sharing impactful stories.

• I got out of my comfort zone and got involved with three fabulous business networks – big shout out to Found and Flourish, She Shoreham and The Photographers Voice – thank you for being wonderful places for support, growth and connection.

• Having three of my photos exhibited at the Arles (France) photography festival, through the London Institute of Photography.

• I joined Vicki Knights mastermind group SEEN. Without doubt the best investment I’ve made in my business this year. Vicki and my lovely cohort are providing invaluable support and inspiration as I cook up big dreams for my business next year… including… and yes you’re getting the scoop here… a podcast to support businesses in storytelling that I will be launching in Spring!

Grace and grit 

So here we are at the end of the year, and since 19 December I am no longer employed, my business is not a side hustle and I am ‘all in’. It’s an exhilarating feeling!

It takes grit to run your own business, but grace is just as important. I know this time of year can feel overwhelming, but I hope that you get some time to yourself to sit and reflect. Give yourself grace for the things that didn’t go according to plan, and make sure you celebrate all that you did and all that you are. The way you showed up for yourself, your friends, your family and your business even when you felt you had nothing left to give. The courage it took to share your dream, knowing that we risk failure. Your determination to create space for yourself, to breathe, to slow down and just be. So that you can be the best version of yourself – for you and for others.

Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful New Year.