Saturday, December 5, 2009
Yesterday I had the most amazing experience. I went to the post office to mail a pile of photography orders that took me 2 trips to take in. After I got everything taken care of I checked my Blissful Images PO Box. Inside were the usual things...bills, payment checks, magazines...and a bubble padded mailer with a smiley face in the return address box.
I went to the car to sort through everything. I like to save the 'good' mail for last so I started on the bills and things of that nature. I kept glancing over at the smiley face and it was very intriguing.
I quickly went through all the mail and was on to the smiley face envelope. I thought about what could be inside...maybe some images from my graphic designer in Iowa, no, she usually uses her return address label. I have a client mailing me a good sized payment, oohhh, maybe that's it!!!
I opened the package and what I found inside was better than anything I ever could have imagined. Inside was a DVD copy of 'The Secret' my favorite movie to motivate and excite me about life and one of the things I live by. Also inside was a business card from www.HelpOthers.org
It was an anonymous act of kindness. I was stunned. Wow, someone has taken the time to mail me my favorite movie in my time of need. I had mentioned on Facebook a little before that on a particularly bad day I needed something to cheer me up. A good friend mentioned how we used to watch The Secret together and I knew that was exactly what I needed, however, I had loaned my 2 copies out and honestly, until this flip house is done I can't justify purchasing another copy.
I don't know who did this for me but I have never received such an amazing, heartfelt and perfectly timed gift in all my life and was humbled by it. I too have cards from www.HelpOthers.org and will be stepping up my anonymous acts of kindness and I challenge you to do the same!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

I work part time at Rogers and Hollands in Peoria. I really love my part time job! Started off I liked it ok, actually that's a lie. In the beginning 2 months I had 2 part time jobs each giving me 30 hours a week. It's not that I didn't like Rogers and Hollands but between the 2 jobs and doing photography I didn't know which way was up and pretty much hated everything LOL. It was also a major adjustment working for someone besides myself and no longer being only self-employed.
October was really the turning point. I began to really like it and enjoy sales. I've learned a LOT of skills I can use in my photography business and met some amazing people along the way as well as developed an appreciation for fine jewelry. After I was really beginning to enjoy it, I was moved from sales to the office. The office is still in the store in plain view (no desk and cushy chair in our office LOL) I was really apprehensive to go to the office . I was afraid the decision was because I was not doing well. Lynn, my manager sat me down and told me I was doing great and they really needed someone great in the office for the upcoming Christmas season. Our office person, Joey had recently moved away. I really thought I would hate it...checking in shipments, inventory stuff, ringing orders, repair invoicing, etc. Lynn promised if I hated it I could go back to sales after the new year. Turns out I LOVE it!!! It's so much fun and never a dull moment. Plus I get to meet all the guests as I ring their sales :-)
I spoke with Lynn today about my photography business. When I was hired Lynn and our district manager mentioned how this would be great for my business but not until today did I question how. I never mention to our guests I am a photographer because I was afraid that would be overstepping my bounds. Lynn told me today I am welcome to mention to guests that I am a photographer and give them a card. I am so grateful to have a manager who wants to see me be successful both working for her and in my own business. Things happen for a reason. When I moved to Peoria I wanted nothing more than to work at Sunglass Hut...thought it was the dream job but I am so grateful and thankful they had no openings because I am much better off at Rogers and Hollands and the opportunity to mention my photography business to guests is amazing!!!
I meet brides and grooms every day and am excited for the possibilities. Today I also met a man who was shopping for a 'push gift' I found it very intriguing...it's a gift you give your wife when she has your baby. Not sure if it's given before, during or after the push though LOL What a cool idea! Hope I get to take the newborn pictures though!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

This is the first Blissful Images Blog. Hard to believe we're been in Peoria for 4 months already! I've been really busy traveling back to Iowa for weddings and am really excited to start my business here! Planninig lots of promotions in the coming months so stay tuned for more information!!!