I posted this photo to my social media accounts the other morning. Typically, I have a few shots already edited and saved so I can post them in the morning but lately I’ve been taking them on the go. When I take a photo I try to incorporate of all the tips I’ve learned; understand blank space, lighting and angles of the camera, incorporate your personality into the photo where you can and make sure you have a targeted hashtag game. My sister recently declared I am the selfie queen next in line to Kim Kardashian. I’ve taken so many photos since I’ve started my small business that I’ve figured out how to photograph myself with the power of my selfie stick. Even after all of the knowledge I have gained about taking photos I am still wary about posting photos of myself.
I'm working hard to build my brand and make adjustments where I can. One of my closest friends told me when she first met me she thought I was mean until she realized I was just very sarcastic. From that moment on I checked myself before anything witty came out of my mouth. First impressions make an impact on people and sometimes you don’t have the opportunity to make a second one. If I was coming off as mean I had a lot of work to do. Since then I’ve toned down what I say, I keep to myself a little more and interject my humor only when appropriate. Don’t get me wrong, I like to leave an impression, but the impression I leave is one I decide people will remember not one they draw from their own conclusions.
The first time I met my husband’s boss was when we were both working for the same company and there was a quarterly earnings meeting that we were both attending. He was not just my husband’s boss, he was the director of the entire distribution center and when you heard his name you knew to straighten up. I introduced myself and shook his hand and let him know how my job intertwined with his. Most of the time when people hear you work in accounting they decide who you are within seconds of hearing your job title. I continued our conversation with letting him know who my husband was and how much he enjoyed his job. Irritated and tired of our conversation he said “Congratulations” and started to turn away. Immediately, as if a light switch turned on inside of me, I responded by saying “You should really be congratulating him.” This comment was followed by laughter from not only his boss but everyone surrounding us that could hear our conversation. Funny in writing? No, but when you have 10 people listening to your conversation because some girl from accounting is speaking to the Director of the Distribution Center and she gets him to laugh it’s something people take notice to.
This photo, as odd or normal or however it seems to you, is me. I asked my husband if he thought I should take it down because it was a side of me that I am uncomfortable showing the world and he told me that he loved it because it was me, the woman he gets to see every day. Not the accountant, not the business woman, but the caffeinated, fun woman that he loves.
>Insert heart melting here<
My husband’s kind words remind me that it’s my choice to show people who I am. Leaving the photo up gives people a little bit of insight into the woman behind a little mug shop run out of her basement. I love what I do, I love who I am, and I love the people I surround myself with. I am still a little hesitant to share photos of myself but I realize that showing people who I am might help them understand that small business owners are driven individuals who love what they do. So enjoy a peek into my life and for those of you who know me well, thank you for always being there for me, encouraging me, and loving me.
>As you draw near to the Lord, he will guide you to become the best version of yourself. <