WORKFLOW WEDNESDAY | FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: ARE YOU READY? | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

“When did you know you were ready?”

I get this question all the time.

Truth be told, I’ve been asking myself that question a lot lately about ventures I foresee AKP growing toward.

Some want to know if they’re ready to go full time, for others it can be as simple as questioning whether they should raise their prices or offer wedding packages. The simple fact is, the answer to these questions comes through the same channel…

YOUR confidence in the ability to carry it out.

I recently had the opportunity to speak at the first Building Boss Ladies event, the Tassels and Truffles Workshop in Forest Hill, Maryland. This question came up a lot. It was asked to an event planner, then a PR maven, and also myself. It came in different forms throughout the day, and when it was my turn, I laughed. Instinctively, I simply said… “I imagine it’s just like having a baby. You’re never really ready for it.”

I don’t have children yet, but my parents had me at a young age. I watched them struggle through my childhood. We were poor. It was hard. I’ve worked tirelessly to make a name for myself so that when we are ready to have kids, we (hopefully) don’t have to endure the hardships my parents had to overcome.

I might be a bit off track here, but when Dave and I talk about having children, I can see the stress in his eyes about how it will all work. I’m thankful to be his calming partner in this, because I have confidence that we are much more prepared than my parents were able to be.. though absolute rock stars when faced with life’s tough nature. I see the same stress in a photographer’s eyes, when she is questioning her worth and future. The unknown is scary for all of us, in varying ways.

Knowing you’re ready for the next big step of your business can be reflected in a lot of ways, too. Many will tell you the legistics of these decisions should include how much money to have put away, what to expect, and a business plan to succeed. These are all great (and necessary), but don’t forget the one secret ingredient that will make sure it all binds and works….

Confidence.

Make sure you believe you can! You are the curater of your own dreams. Make it happen! Because wouldn’t that just be a wonderful self-fulfilling prophecy?

Hustle on, lady bosses!

-Ash