Black Friday always tugs at heart heartstrings because I something about it makes me sick to my stomach. Years ago my brother was driving home from college and rolled his little truck (thankfully he was safe!) but in the accident, his laptop broke and so we all camped out at Best Buy to get him a new computer. After that, the family tradition stuck and we camped out each and every year regardless of if we needed anything. A few years later, I was one of those people working on Black Friday, planning for the crowds months in advance. I could never fully enjoy the turkey meal because deep down I knew that I would be pulling an all nighter (and then some) in order to handle the crazy consumerism our country celebrates! (If you are shopping today, I ask two things of you: remember that it’s just stuff and keep smiling…. seriously, smile!)
In May of 2012 I made the giant leap of faith into life as a full time entrepreneur. Let me first preface this: red and khaki were not my colors, corporate life was not my dream, and lordy did I make sure the net was there before I took the giant leap. I had absolutely no clue what would happen when I turned my back on what I had thought were my dreams… I never dreamed it would be this. Before I put in my two weeks notice, I made sure I had booked enough jobs to match my salary and that I had benefits all lined up. I didn’t know what would happen but I just prayed I wouldn’t fall flat on my face (or worse: have to go back to my windowless office.) It’s been over 3 years and I still feel like a little kid every night before bed because I know that tomorrow I get to do what I love and I only have to deal with one boss (and she’s pretty awesome, if I do say so myself!) Over the last three and a half years I’ve photographed over 100 weddings, worked with some incredible couples, travelled the world, and have taught at workshops all over the country. My dreams have continued to evolve and the passion to build up a community instead of a spirit of competition is stronger than ever.
Today I launched my first online marketing course specific for photographers. The JKC Marketing for Photographers course is already selling fast and I wish I could tell you how crazy excited I am about. Envision my heart, served in five weeks of material… that’s exactly what it is. You see, when I jumped into life as an entrepreneur, I had no clue what to expect. I isolated myself and tried to figure everything out on my own (and when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.) It was lonely and sometimes scary and trust me, I made some pretty big mistakes. Looking back, I don’t know why I thought that I had to figure it out by myself. I wish I could shake myself and say, “Jenna, you aren’t alone. Find someone to take you by the hand and invest in yourself and learning because you are so worth it.” Thankfully it all worked (I’m still here, am I right?) but I never want another person to try and figure things out for themselves! Looking back, I am proud of myself, that I listened to that little voice that told me there was more out there for me, that I followed the call to chase my dreams, and that I chose a man who supported it all. I had no idea what would happen, but I never dreamed it would be all of this. There is so much to be thankful for!
Check out my new course and snag a new FREEBIE to help create the best bio ever!
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Great post! It’s wonderful to hear success stories from other people who have changed their mind about career dreams and followed a new creative path. I’m considering taking “the leap” and really appreciate hearing from others who have done it already. Thanks for sharing! 🙂