Hi friends! As I am beginning a shift in my career, I wanted to reintroduce myself and update you all on the happenings in the Swanson household! Let’s begin with where it all started…
How We Got Here
I’ve been photographing seniors for 18 years, but how did I get there? Why photography? When all three of my children entered elementary school, I really wanted a passion for myself and a way to make an income. My college roommate continued to say to me, “Why in the world are you not doing photography? You are meant for it!” Long story short I dove in and over the course of a few months realized I really resonated and loved working with high school seniors.
My craft evolved and I became fully booked months in advance! In addition, other photographers began reaching out to ask questions. After 16 years in the business, I decided to scale and add additional income with in-person photography workshops. I hosted my first 2.5 day, in-person workshop in September, 2021. My first workshop sold out within a few days! I then went on to host 2 more workshops that year, both sold out within days! I am now working to turn that senior photography workshop into a “workshop in a box,” and making it an online course available for all. I want to offer this course along with digital products for photography.
Now, after 18 years of high school senior photography, being asked often about my style, and my grown-up daughters cheering me on and encouraging me to share what I know with others my age…I have pivoted a large portion of my business to sharing style inspiration for women over 40-years-old, along with lifestyle hacks, recipe shares, and travel guides.
I have always loved learning new things, it gives me creative fuel and inspiration to keep going. I think that is a portion of the reason why I turned some of my photography business into educating and helping other photographers. It became a new outlet… a new thing to learn, and the connection with other photographers was amazing. In addition to the community I was building, I loved seeing the connections made between each of those ladies, as they are still connected in a support group for each other.
What’s Ahead!
And now, with sharing lifestyle and fashion with other women in my age group… I have a rejuvenated energy. I am super passionate about inspiring midlife women… Reminding them that they are capable of still dressing current and trendy, while age-appropriate of course. My daughters used to ask me, ‘mom why are you dressed in cute jeans today, it’s gloomy and rainy outside?’ My answer? I feel better when I do! So here I am, sharing and hopefully inspiring others online, that we can help both our moods and ourselves by getting up, getting dressed and getting going… you feel better… Setting you up for a great day!
Glasses | Top | Jeans | Sandals | Bag – Glasses | Top | Pants | Sandals | Bag | Necklace
Speaking of community above with photographers…. I am loving the one I’m building with the women I share style and life hacks with, as well. I actually am here, on the other side answering every single DM, and loving the connections being made! We live in an isolated, lonely time, and as crazy as it sounds – we internet friends….ARE friends!
What I Love!
I am drawn to the business casual/everyday cross-over outfits. As previously mentioned looking good means feeling good! As a business owner, it is important that I feel ready to take on whatever the day may throw at me. Brands such as Abercrombie, Madewell, Petal & Pup, and many more help equip me to have the best day!
A Sneak Peek Into Looks I’m Loving
Neutrals are my best friend! What draws me in about a neutral? A couple of things…..a neutral look is a great easy way to level up your outfit and appear chic, and put together! Neutrals are the staple of minimal, elevated style. PLUS neutral looks lend themselves to a capsule wardrobe…meaning you can mix and match items to create different outfits with a smaller investment. Who doesn’t love more for less!
More to Come!
I hope you will see and relate to the realness I share every day, life’s ups and downs…the real stuff… and the laughter in addition to my life hacks, travel tips, lifestyle, and fashion. I hope to be able to share new things I learn and help you all gain knowledge and confidence in how to dress up-to-date for today, and feel and look put together… because that’s the first step to feeling confident and having a great day.
Goodies From the Gram!
