Last weekend, I hopped on a plane to Pittsburgh for a long-overdue weekend with some of my favorite humans, three fellow pet photographers who’ve become like family. We met two years ago at a retreat with our online business coaches in North Carolina, and something just clicked (photography pun intended 😁). Since then, we’ve talked daily (shoutout to Voxer!) sharing big wins, tough days, ideas, support and of course, dog photos. When you’re a solopreneur, this kind of connection is priceless.
This was the first time we’d all been in the same place since that retreat and being together again – swapping stories, talking dogs and business, laughing over meals – felt like coming home.
One of our amazing businesses coaches (Hi Heather!!!) joined us too. She’s one of the people who first brought us all together. Her grounded wisdom, humor and gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle 🙂 mindset guidance have shaped so much of how I approach my work and life. And getting to soak that up in person (with pizza and chocolate!) alongside the women who’ve become my sounding board and support system? What a gift.
The hot weather in Pittsburgh kept us from doing too much exploring. But we managed an afternoon at the Phipps Conservatory (that Chihuly glass among all those blooms!) and a visit to the National Aviary. Both were simply amazing.
But the real reason we were in Pittsburgh was to celebrate the connection that we’ve shared these last two years virtually. There’s something powerful about being with people who truly get you. Just sitting in the same room discussing every subject under the sun was amazing. We don’t get to do that enough in our high-speed, online world. Sharing the joy, the doubt, the chaos and heart behind building a small business that’s also deeply personal. I came home recharged, inspired, and full of gratitude.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little drama. Sunday’s storms canceled my flight home at the last minute, but I somehow snagged the last seat on the last flight out. Nothing beats coming home to tail wags and happy barks from your dogs, like, “You were gone FOREVER, is it dinner time?.”
Trips like this fill my cup. They’re a reminder that the best parts of life – whether it’s time with close friends or quiet, ordinary moments with your dog – are the most important things in life.
That’s really what my work is about. Capturing the everyday magic of the relationships that matter most. The way your dog looks at you, the way you feel when you’re together. Those are the moments worth remembering. And it’s my honor to help you capture that for you and your four-legged-family members.
Let’s connect soon!
P.S. Not to forget about the other half of the dynamic duo who brought us together, Nicole Begley, Sadly, she wasn’t in Pittsburgh to hang out with us 😥