Hello 2024!

‘That was the year she forgot about time and remembered what it was to fill her days with everything she loved best’

Well hello 2024! We may be 17 days into 2024 already, but it’s never too late to say Happy New Year and send good wishes for the year ahead. 2023 was a year of up and downs, highs and lows, beautiful cities, dreamy sunsets and lots of special memories made along the way with my favourite people.

Some of my favourite 2023 moments include : A return trip to my beloved Stockholm to capture those famous Stockholm sunsets. The ABBA Voyage Anniversary and seeing 3 ABBA members in real life (still can’t believe it!). A first time visit to the beautiful city of Copenhagen (which Scandi city will be next on my wanderlust list?). Meeting three of my friends beautiful kids for the first time. The rainiest festival weekend I have experienced, and last but not certainly not least, an unforgettable Pop Up shop adventure which helped bring back some confidence as a small business owner in a tricky time.

And with that the 2023 season comes to an end!

For 2024 I decided not to make any new year resolutions, yes there are certain dreams and goals that I have that I would love to see happen throughout the year, but setting them as set resolutions puts far too much pressure on things. Instead, this new year had me think of things in a different way and although I try not to get caught up on Instagram trends (there are only so many times you can watch a copied reel constantly repeated), I did see one that I couldn’t resist, one that fit perfectly into my 2024 mindset : my ins and outs for the year ahead! A way of jotting down my intensions for the year without adding any unnecessary pressures.

I N S :

• Getting back outside with my camera

• More coastal sunrises and sunsets

• Believing in myself and my work more

• Celebrating small wins

• Reading before bed

• Keeping to my daily walks

• Learning a new skill

O U T S :

• Imposter Sydrome

• Negative self-talk

• Putting off certain goals because of timing and self-doubt

• Following accounts that make me question my progress

• Hitting that snooze button

• Mindless scrolling

Those all important 2024 intentions!

So here is to 2024, to stepping out of those comfort zones, to following those dreams and to chasing those adventures without putting too much pressure on ourselves and enjoying the year ahead!

Let’s do this 2024!

When Six Small Business Dreams Become One Reality!

‘I wake up with a new idea and new dreams every day, and I follow that dream, as they say’ - Dolly Parton

Well I think it is safe to say that when it comes to blogging I have every good intention in keeping on top of it, but then finding the actual time to do it becomes almost impossible as a small business owner! This is something that I am going to schedule time for in 2024 so that I can sit down at the computer and keep you updated on all things Lavender Line Photography, but until then here is a quick roundup of all things LLP in Autumn 2023…

A lovely first time trip to Rathlin Island, a fabulous 4 days (should have been 5 but that is a whole other post) in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, a new print series coming very soon, and a beautiful Pop Up Shop that myself and 5 other small business friends have created together to make for an unforgettable shopping experience this holiday season!

I will talk more about Rathlin and Copenhagen in separate blog posts, along with the new series of work, but this post is dedicated to our beautiful The Portview Pop Up!

The Portview Pop Up, a must-visit this holiday season!

When six small business dreams become one reality!

I think I can speak for most small business owners right now in saying that this year has been one of the toughest years when it comes to business and selling work.  Shopping habits and spendings have changed (my own included) and for the first time it has left me a little unsure of what the future may hold.  I am very much a ‘day by day’ kind of gal and so thinking ahead can make me feel a little uncomfortable and uneasy, but I do know that things need to change come the new year, and with that means adapting the business once again to suit current climates and situations.

It was these sorts of small business chats with my lovely Portview Crew that lead to the discussions of possibly teaming up together this Christmas to create something magical, and so during a very casual Monday morning business breakfast catch-up our Portview Pop Up was born!

The Portview Pop Up is a collaborative venture between myself and five other small business friends located in Portview Trade Centre, our mission: to offer an unforgettable shopping experience while helping to promote the importance of small business and supporting local.

From Photography to Faux Flowers, Vegan Hair Care to Watercolour Prints and Jewellery to Storytelling Gifts With Purpose…. there is a little something for everyone this Christmas!  So, if you are in the Belfast area this November and December then be sure to pop into The Portview Pop Up, we are open every Thursday - Sunday! Not only have we come together as 6 very different businesses, we have also given the opportunity to 8 other small business owners to showcase their talents with our Small Business Saturdays and Sundays, meaning The Portview Pop Up is the perfect place to browse and shop with its ever-changing format!

Be sure to pop in and say hi this holiday season, and if you can’t unfortunately make it then be sure to check out the links to each fab business below :

Innocent Chaos

Jude Fenton Art

Lavender Line Photography

Monday’s Child

Storybox

Studio A114

More photographs and videos from our lovely Pop Up to follow very soon!

A little more information from our press release :

The historic Portview Trade Centre, once a pioneering spinning mill from the early 1900s and celebrated for its progressive employment of women and blend of traditional craftsmanship with innovative technologies.

Rachel McIlgorm, founder of Storybox NI CIC said, “The collaboration aims to demonstrate the resilience and creativity of the local business community while providing a tailored shopping experience for all.  By supporting local enterprises, visitors and customers can not only find one-of-a-kind treasures but also play a vital role in bolstering their neighbourhood’s economic well-being.

Lynette Murray of Studio A114 said, “When 6 business women put their heads together they create brilliance.  A Christmas Pop Up has been put together so beautifully to showcase how you can shop small and support local businesses this Christmas.”

Lavender Line Photography Just Turned 7!

‘Be more than you ever thought you could be’ - E Russell

Goodbye July, Hello August and what marks Year 7 of Lavender Line Photography! I still at times find it hard to believe that I run my own small business, let alone hitting up that lucky number 7 milestone!  I would like to say that it’s all been smooth-sailing and just as glamorous as what Instagram can make it seem like being your own boss, but each and every year has come with its own set of challenges and new learning curves in a world that is ever-changing… and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I can honestly say that there is nothing else that I would rather be doing!  There is no better feeling than getting to do what you love every day and knowing that your work brings joy to others; whether it be an image posted and shared online, a photography print displayed in a home of a special time and location or capturing a special moment or occasion.  That feeling of knowing just how powerful a certain capture of mine can be will never get old, it is something that I appreciate so much and will continue to appreciate every single day.

So, how did it all begin? Below are some little facts as to how my journey into small business owner started!

• Ever since I can remember I have always had a love for the arts, whether it be painting, drawing or making. Though my main background was predominately Textile Crafts (creating unusual catwalk-like jewellery pieces), photography was always an important element within my work during my school, foundation and degree years.

• After University I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take my career and felt somewhat creatively burnt out after back to back years of study and projects. I found that photography was a good escape from the burn out and so I started to photograph little aspects from everyday life.

• Interview after interview, rejection after rejection, I found it almost impossible to find a creative job and fell into that catch 22 that so many of us find ourselves in when stepping out into the real world…. not enough experience!

• I started focusing more and more on photography and documenting my trips away, creating mini series after mini series of work. I enjoyed looking at places from a new perspective and challenging myself on how to capture the beautiful scenes in front of me. Could this be my new career path?!

• I decided to sign up to some business classes and business workshops at North City Business Centre to see if the small business world could be for me. It was here that I was assigned a business advisor who helped me put together a business plan and gave me a piece of advice that has always stayed with me; ‘always think two years ahead!’

• With a business plan, a business name decided on (my favourite colour and part of my second name) and just £200 in my bank account I decided to step into the unknown and Lavender Line Photography was born!

Lavender Line Photography HQ - My dream studio and one of my proudest achievements in being a small business owner (Year 5)

It has been an incredible 7 years of business so far and one that I don’t think I could ever really have imagined even in my wildest photography dreams!  From capturing important moments to selling my work internationally, having my dream studio space at Portview Trade Centre to making new friendships with other small business owners both near and far who continue to inspire me daily. I count myself very lucky and very fortunate to call this my job!

Here is to 7 unforgettable years and to another exciting work year ahead with all things Lavender Line Photography! Thank you for your continuous support and following along on this journey!

Hello 200!

200 Etsy Sales! 

I still get so excited with each and every sale made whether it is on my Etsy shop, at a craft fair or through a private commission.  To have people near and far purchasing my photography work to add to their home decor or gift to that special someone is such a wonderful feeling and one that I hope will continue for many years to come.  I want to say a huge thank you to everyone supporting Lavender Line Photography, it hasn’t been the easiest of times for us small business owners during this global pandemic, but the love and support to shop small has been incredible and means so much! 

Here is to following those dreams and to the next 200 worldwide Etsy sales!

Celebrate Every Tiny Victory ; 200 Etsy Sales!

‘Whitepark Waves’ : I can’t think of a better photography print to mark my 200th Etsy sale!

Chasing Dreams

‘If it excites and scares you at the same time, it probably means you should do it’ - Gurubogsa

Yesterday marked two months since picking up the keys to my dream studio and what an exciting two months it has been!  Although it was a little intimating at first to step completely out of my comfort zone, I have loved every second of this new chapter and putting together my dream space, as well as the opportunities it has brought me and my little business so far!  There is no better feeling than waking up each morning to do what you love and in an environment that completely inspires and motivates!

Here’s to pushing ourselves outside of those comfort zones and chasing those dreams!

(Studio tour post coming very soon!)

Where the Lavender Line Photography magic happens

‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’

Lavender Line Photography HQ

It seemed only right that I document the first important milestone in this new and exciting small business venture of mine! So, here is to one month on from picking up the keys to my dream studio and making this beautiful space my home from home!

New Year, New Beginnings

‘And suddenly you know: it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings’ - Meister Eckhart

Proudly introducing Lavender Line Photography HQ

A new year, a new decade and an exciting new chapter has just begun for Lavender Line Photography! I am excited to announce that as of January 9th 2020 I signed the contract to my dream studio space! It still feels very surreal that I am now a studio owner, and although I am a little scared and nervous about this new chapter, I am really excited to see where it takes me and my small business!

It was back in November 2018 at a Shared Threads wreath making workshop run by the lovely Janice (@gatheredthreads) and Kirsty (@shared__threads) in the stunning Portview Trade Centre that I first fell in love with the building and its beautiful studio spaces. A building with artistic character that instantly draws you in, inspires you and makes you want to work there! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a little more than a year later that big photography dream of mine would come true!

A firm believer in what is meant for you will find you, it finally feels that fate is on my side in allowing me to follow my dream, that 4 years of working extremely hard to establish and maintain Lavender Line Photography has finally paid off! Here is to chasing those dreams and making them a reality no matter how big or scary they may seem! A new chapter has just begun and I for one am ready for it!