This year, I celebrate 10 years of being in business!
I went to college to be a school teacher, not a photographer. I played “school” as a child and had a make-shift classroom in the basement of our home. My family members indulged in my passion and encouraged me from a very early age. They would sit and be my students and let me teach them. I had a teacher’s desk, student desks, a board, grade book, and textbooks. Years later, they sent me to college, paid for my experience and consequent degree in Early Childhood Development. I graduated with honors and jumped right into my dream job as a first grade teacher back in my hometown of LaFollette.
After teaching first grade for one year, I decided to stay home to be with my first baby, Reagan. She was the best thing that ever happened to me. I used a cheap point-and-shoot camera to document every detail of her life, and believe me, I have albums to prove it. Albums. I realized in a few months of taking snapshots of her, that I felt drawn to photography. In just a few days time, it hit me that I should try to pursue photography as a profession. I didn’t ease into anything. Nope, not me. And with the help of my family (again), I got a loan from the bank and a business license to make it official. 2007 – the birth of Southern Charm Portraits!
I didn’t know anything about photography, at all. But, I bought the fancy camera, all the equipment that I thought I might need, got the business cards, and sent out a letter to all my family and friends to let them know about my new adventure. Yes, I sent a paper letter in the mail! (No social media!) My brother helped me get a simple website up. I fixed a small studio in a bedroom in the basement of my home. I started shooting sessions for friends and began to figure things out along the way. I worked hard, really hard. I spent many nights working and researching on my computer late into the morning hours, with a baby sleeping by my side. I photographed anything and everything. I took pictures of babies, children, families, seniors, weddings, mountains, and even some cows- giving me a nice variety of experiences.
Two years into business, I was fortunate enough to graduate from a basement studio to a more professional space at The LaFollette Community Center. (the same building that I attended for elementary school and my one year of teaching) This move allowed me to work more, grow my business, and truly begin to learn my craft. I balanced my new profession with motherhood. Pregnant & breastfeeding (or both) for six years straight, I became a mother to three children- accompanied by utter chaos and many more late nights. And don’t forget the five years of homeschooling…. I guess the degree wasn’t a total waste?
Over time, I realized that I most loved working with babies and decided to direct my focus on the specialty of newborn and baby photography. In the last seven years, I have served hundreds of families at my LaFollette location, from all over the East TN area and beyond. I’ve had people drive great distances to visit my studio and have often been surprised that people thought it was worth the drive! I’ve photographed newborns and watched them grow into children, photographing them year by year. I’ve developed special friendships with clients and an amazing network of people.
In an effort to keep growing my business and better accommodate my out-of-town clients, I opened a West Knoxville location at The Wellhouse in 2015. And for the past 18 months, I have been working at my LaFollette location during the week, and long hours at the Knoxville location on Saturdays. I have often packed my car to capacity and shuffled props/backdrops back and forth…. small critters, a bed, and a whole sluice of other things.
Through this entire experience, my remarkable family has been there for me- in every way possible. Really, EVERY way possible… Financial support, childcare, prop making, feeding me, bookkeeping, help with shoots, cleaning my house, website/computer work, banking, sharing their properties for shoots, etc. I could never list everything, but you get the idea. They have gone over and above- the epitome of love. I could never repay them.
I give the most credit to God for the success of the business. I thank Him for leading me into this field and putting the vision in my heart. He drew me into it and opened doors along the way, and consequently, I was able to stay home with my babies while they were young. I didn’t miss anything, and what kind of incredible blessing is that! I homeschooled them five years while working and providing for them, too. There have been ups and downs along the way, but I have tasted the favor and goodness of God in my life. I know deep inside that this is what I am meant to do. I love my job- it has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.
So here we are, 2017. Ten Years later. Even though I’ve tried, who can really put ten years into words?
In an effort of keeping the “taking a leap of faith” spirit, I have decided to close both of my current locations and open up a brand new studio on Callahan Drive in Knoxville starting in March! It is so bittersweet to close my LaFollette location, but I will still be shooting some outdoor and sports photography in my hometown year round. I am so happy with the idea of having everything under one roof again. I can absolutely pour myself into it, and I will be centrally located right in the middle of all the wonderful families I serve. I know I have a multitude of people behind me in this. I say it all the time…. you guys are the best- truly amazing, top-notch folks! I look forward to working with all you more this year in my new, improved studio!
The new space is currently under construction- there’s not even finished walls or lights yet!! The plan is to make the big move the last part of February. I will be working between both of my current locations until that time. I will soon share more information and keep you posted of the progress on the new studio. And to really celebrate ten years of SCP in a big way, I’m going to have a really awesome monthly special every month this year. I’m going to offer some fresh, fun themed minis, too. Stay tuned!
So here’s to jumping! I’m excited to see what this year brings.
