Photo by Vanessa Leigh

     This gorgeous photo is by @byvanessaleigh You MUST go check out her beautiful gallery - it's so full of inspiration - dreamy pastel colors, vintage beauty and travel. 

Wait Patiently on the Lord

     Well... it's been a while. Last night I did a photo shoot with my sister... I don't know if I have mentioned this on here but besides running I Wonder Original, I am also a photographer. Well... I haven't done anything in probably a year. Sometimes you just feel God putting others interests in your life. Last night, however, I felt the urge to grab my big camera and go out and shoot. I was unsure of how things would go simply because I haven't really photographed anyone with my camera in a while... yeah a year! Guess what?!? Everything worked amazing!!! The lighting, posing, styling, AND even the dreaded editing went SPLENDIDLY!! Really... it was an evening and moment that I keep pondering. Normally I am never satisfied with my work. I hate editing because I can never make it look like so and so or my camera skills are not what I wish they were. But you know what? I didn't feel that way this time! It's almost as if God led me away from photography to find who I am as an artist and my style. I've been out of the popular photographer loop and was able to think about what I liked... and not try to be someone else. It felt amazing!! Friends, sometimes it's good to walk away... to quiet your life and listen to God. Believe me, I am so glad he pushed me away from a great passion of mine to bring me back to view it in a new beautiful light! If you take away one thing from this story or this account, let it be this - Let God be the great Shepherd and put ALL of your faith and trust in Him!!! Walk by faith and not sight! You all are amazing!!! (oh and should I be jealous that my sister looks like Stevie Nicks?!?) 

Women Entrepreneurs Interview with Sarah Mcaffry

Good Morning everyone! Today I am thrilled to bring you another interview with an incredibly talented friend of mine who has an enormous heart for God!  I am completely inspired by her story and know you will leave feeling the same way.  I'm constantly amazed by how our Heavenly Father leads and guides us when we surrender all and let him direct our lives! So without further ado, I would like to introduce photographer Sarah Mcaffry!

1. Has photography always been a part of your life?

I fell in love with photography in my early twenties. I was given a camera for Christmas and haven't been able to put it down for the past decade! Something inside of me feels a little more alive when I'm taking pictures. It's such a thrill to visualize something and make it come to life. 

2. How did you feel called to start your own business? Was it a process or immediate happening?

Starting this business was very much a God thing. I was a high school English teacher for six years and did photography on the side. One summer, God made it very clear that I was not to go back to teaching in the fall. It was a touch decision because I truly loved my job and felt like it was my calling. I learned quickly that God can give us a calling for a short time period and then move us on to another! My husband was so supportive, so I set up a meeting with my principal to resign. I met with him at 9am one morning and just three hours later, a photographer friend of mine called to tell me she was moving to Haiti and needed someone to rent her studio. I was shocked at how perfectly God orchestrated everything for me to be able to walk right through that open door. It hasn't always been easy, but God has blessed me every step of the way. 

3. Where do you gather inspiration and can you explain a little about your creative process?

Every couple of months I go to the bookstore and stock up on magazine. I don't just flip the pages. I study them. It helps me stay on top of current trends and gives me tons of posing inspiration. I also meet with my clients before their shoot to plan every detail like location and what to wear. Then I have days or weeks to visualize and get inspired for their shoot. Taking a few minutes before each photo shoot to be quiet, to reflect on who my client is and what they want out of the shoot helps me to be in a creative space while I'm working. I've had to practically give up Pinterest altogether because I found it was hindering my creative process by just making me want to do what everyone else was doing. Keeping myself separate from that world helps me to cultivate my own style and creative process.

4. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Connect with other women entrepreneurs! Even if it's in your same industry, in your own town, we are all in this together. I live in a place where there are so many groups of photographers who meet together, who pray together and who send each other referrals. Technically, I guess we are competition but by joining together, we actually raise their standard of the industry and can support each other's businesses. It always helps to have someone to vent to as well. Someone who has been there and who understands everything you're going through. Running a successful business is a serious task and I guess it can be done alone, but it's so much better when you have a team of supportive people behind you! 

www.sarahmcaffry.com

www.twitter.com/sarahmcaffry

www.facebook.com/sarahmcaffry

Instagram @sarahmcaffry

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Sarah! If your looking for a photographer in the Knoxville, TN area, definitely check out Sarah's website!

Photo - Hanna Emily Barnes

Gorgeous portrait by the talented @ohtobehannah

Photo - Kaity

Gorgeous photos by Kaity @fareisle

Photography - The Girl Likes Rainbows

     Love this photo by @thegirllikesrainbows She's stylin!! 

Fall is Here - Kate Auringer

     Photo by Kate Auringer(@kateauringer)

Photography

     This photo by @thekastenbees is really making me feel that crisp fall breeze and warm cup of hot chocolate in my hands!! Love this photo and can't wait to see the beautiful color changes of fall!! 

Jewelry Collaboration with LazuliHandcrafted

     Ok folks... I am not usually a necklace kind of person but THAT HAS CHANGED!! When I received this gorgeous necklace in the mail, I couldn't get over the beauty of its design. It's now one I wear all of the time! Check out @lazulihandcrafted Instagram account and also her etsy shop to see more stunning and beautiful pieces of jewelry! www.etsy.com/shop/lazulihandcrafted

Photography - Alexandra

     Stunning photo by @my_piece_of_vintage_prairie Hop over to her feed if you want to see more gorgeous photos of flowers!! 

Photography - Hannah Emily Barnes

     Oh this photo by @ohtobehannah is making me long for the beach!!!

Free to be Me Journal

     Here is the official hashtag for "Free to be Me". This account is to celebrate YOU so here are a few things to keep in mind when submitting: 

1. Women entrepreneurs that you would like to highlight 
2. Photographs 
3. Your business 
4. Encouraging words 
5. A special story about seeking God through business related success or struggles 
6. DIY 
7. Your item/s that you sell in your shop (send me an email about collab to freetobemejournal@gmail.com) 
8. Organic anything 
9. Fun things to do in your town 
10. Books 
11. Anything else you can think of that keeps on topic with this account Most of all, I want to hear and share your dreams so that we can build a community of support for one another and encourage each other in the ups and downs of life. 

Photography - Kelli Thompson

    Absolutely stunning photo by Kelli Thompson(@simplekellit).

Photography - Kirsten Rickert

     Take a moment and just gaze at this photo... Doesn't it overwhelm you with creativity? If you aren't following Kirsten's gallery, GO do so NOW! She is one incredibly talented gal Photo by @kirstenrickert Here is what she had to so about this photo: "I love how life blesses us if we look, and listen. Neither of the girls wanted to wear this beautiful crown I made today...so I ended up wandering around 'playing' with it and then this happened and like magic it was just what I was looking for. Excited to take it to the next level for an upcoming editorial when we get home!"

Introduction Thursday

     Photo by my dear friend Vanessa Warren (@butterflysparks).  

     I am a dreamer who pretends that the 70s are here and now while searching to find Jesus in every aspect of life.  I don't believe that finding success in life is simply like playing the lottery.  God has a beautiful purpose for each one of us and I desire to trust Him completely to reveal his path for my life.  I am currently preparing for the launch of my brand "I Wonder Original" where I will offer art, tees with my original designs, photography and eventually a beautiful e-course.  My desire is to inspire you and encourage you to pursue your God-given dreams because they are beautiful and I have faith in you!  I deeply want to join in your journey.  Most importantly, let your light shine for Jesus!  ALL of the glory goes to Him! ~ Kat - Founder of Free to be Me Journal

Photography - Carra Fay

     I absolutely cannot get over this beautiful dreamy photo!  Love the lighting and tones!!  Photo by Carra Fay(@carrafay)

Photo - Karen

     How wonderful is this photo?!?!  So peaceful and lovely!  Take time today to enjoy the little quiet things.  Photo by Karen(@thislittlecorner)

Photography - Anita

     Beautiful photos by Anita(@somnabule75). Love her feed!

Don't Worry

     Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life... Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Matthew 6:25, 27, 34

Photography - Jessica Sparrow

     Just look at this... doesn't it portray such beauty and mystery?  Photo by Jessica Sparrow(@sparrowvisionquest) of a home in Old Town Key West.