Photo by Alicia Lacey Photography

The weeks leading up to this conference were tougher than most. I know that any small business owners out there reading this would vouch for me when I say that it can be lonely sometimes. Comparison is quick to seep in and slow to leave, making us feel like we can’t keep up. That we’re not where we should be…or where she is in her success. This is why community with other creative entrepreneurs is imperative. Having people who really understand, want to lift each other up, and cheer for each other despite being competitors truly makes the biggest difference. Community is where it all lies.

And that is exactly what the Creative At Heart Conference provides and encourages! Their conference welcomes creative men & women from all industries – photographers, designers, planners, hand-letterers, videographers, and so many more. Keynote speakers discussed practical topics applicable to all industries, while small panel sessions allowed personal time to ask questions and bond with group members. In their words, Creative at Heart wants you “to know that you’re not alone . . . to leave with life-long friendships, practical to-dos to make those big dreams happen, and a fire inside to build community over competition right where you are”… and that’s exactly what happened!!

After the conference, I left with so many new friendships, next steps, and a new spark. This conference came when I needed it most, and gave me encouragement from the most amazing individuals… and this leads to my exciting announcement!!!!

Guys…

I’m getting a NEW WEBSITE!

I’ve been wanting this to happen for SO long, and now it is!! I’m excited for this because it will reflect the direction I’m trying to grow my business towards, offer a better online experience for potential clients, and present my lovely past clients in a much more beautiful way! How is this related to Creative At Heart, you might ask?

Creative At Heart, ShowIt, and the Tonic Site Shop partnered to generously donate a free year of Show It and a website design of my choice to me during a giveaway, and I could not be more grateful!! When they called my name I shakily stood up, numbly took the plaque, wrapped my arms around my knees…and then the tears just started falling. In that moment (and now), it meant so much more than a new website…it’s was a sign that I’m doing okay. That this is what I’m supposed to be doing even when it gets hard.  To stay patient and persevere while my faith and pride is tested in new ways. That failure is a big part of this journey, and that that’s a good thing. All of my then bottled-up fears were washed away right then (literally by tears)…and the relief showed in my response.

So thank you to the Creative at Heart team for dreaming up something as amazing as this and putting it into action – you have built something that has touched the deepest, most vulnerable parts of so many lives.

If anyone is considering going to this conference…PLEASE do yourself a favor and go!! It is a million times worth the investment. Whether you’re a few years into your business or don’t even have one started yet, this place is for you. Their next conference will be in Denver, CO ya’ll!!!

Always feel free to email me at angelikajohnsphotography@gmail.com if you ever need encouragement, just want to chat, or want to be friends! All of this is so much better when we have each other to lean on.

Check out this awesome video that The Herrintons made of the weekend!! You might see me a few times throughout!!