January 20, 2026
Getting away in January isn’t easy.
After a long Christmas break of sleeping in and loosey goosey plans, I’m just barely starting to get back into the rhythm of getting everyone up and dressed, packing lunches and snacks, navigating drop-offs, pick-ups and after school activities, and bedtime routines. All while trying to find time to get my work done somewhere in there and squeezing in groceries, laundry, cleaning… the list goes on.
But despite the challenge of rearranging schedules and securing extra childcare to make it happen, breaking away at the beginning of the new year holds a special kind of magic. Especially for this particular retreat.
Before I tell you why, let’s back up for a minute:
In 2023, I felt stuck. I had transitioned from an in-office interior design job to a remote admin role (it’s a long story). Where I was once working in a beautiful showroom, engaging with clients and helping them create functional, beautiful spaces to call home, I was now isolated in my basement, pouring over spreadsheets and data day after day. I was feeling pretty beaten down and directionless.
I had always enjoyed photography. One day, in the middle of an emotional, existential spiral, I came across a wedding photographer on Instagram selling some of her used gear. I mentioned to my husband that I was maybe considering getting back into photography as a creative outlet. Well, if you know my husband, one small passing comment is all it takes.
He went on a secret deep dive into camera equipment and surprised me on Mother’s Day with a brand new, upgraded full-frame Canon body. (I mean.. if that’s not true love?!!)
By that fall, I was offering sessions to friends, family, and anyone who would let me photograph them to build my portfolio. I enrolled in my own YouTube University, learning everything I could about my new camera, family photography, posing, composition… you name it.
That’s when I came across some videos by Elena S. Blair, who shared incredible resources on family and newborn photography. I checked out her website to learn more and discovered her Mastermind program. It was a significant investment, but after a lot of consideration, I decided that if I wanted to pursue photography professionally, I wanted to understand the business side from the beginning. I didn’t want to spend years struggling, guessing, and failing my way through it on my own.
What I thought would be a list of straightforward steps to build a successful business became so much more.
Weekly mindset practices.
Real and intense self-evaluation.
Holding others’ fears while championing their strengths.
Learning to believe in myself.
And a true, caring community of artists and businesswomen.
I timidly walked into my first Mastermind retreat in Brooklyn NY June 2024, feeling like a very small fish in a pond of whale sharks. I had so much imposter syndrome raging in me, but I went anyway! I left with my heart and passion ignited. After a couple days immersed in a community of incredibly talented, kind and supportive badass photographers, I believed I could chase this dream. I knew I had a huge, supportive network of people right there in the trenches with me. Right then and there I decided to make it a priority to attend this Mastermind Retreat every year.
So fast forward to last week and the whole point of this:
I just got home, I have maintained my commitment to myself to continue showing up at this retreat every year.
To continue leaning in and engaging every chance I get.
To be intentional about continuing to learn.
To be intentional about reflecting on my journey.
To be intentional about building deeper connections and community.
The retreat is both exhausting and rejuvenating. The schedule is full from the moment it kicks off.
Long days of learning from incredible speakers, with minimal breaks.
Headshot exchanges to try new things, new gear, and step in front of the lens.
Styled shoots to learn alongside other professionals while growing your portfolio.
Late evenings connecting, sharing stories, and doing life together (maybe over a couple margaritas)
It’s always hard to carve out time. But starting the year with this retreat creates an incredible framework to fuel the rest of my endeavors. What a gift to start the year with this level of intention!
Though I have needed many extra cups of coffee to get back into the groove of life’s routines, I get to kick off 2026 with direction, renewed passion, and an abundance of new friends who encourage and support my growth.
Today, I am pooped.
But I am also super pumped.
And I already can’t wait for the next one 🙂
Comments