These past years I have been dedicated to building my photography business. On this journey, I have had the great fortune of meeting and working with an incredible number of talented and uplifting people.  On June 21^st, I gathered as many of them as I could to say Thank You.

My Client Appreciation Event took place in Anoka at the business of a couple of those special people, Barb Zuleger, of Performance Partners Coaching, and Lori Bestler, of MindScapes Unlimited. I was touched to see so many clients and business colleagues take time out to join me in this celebration.  I wanted it to be all about them.

Everyone introduced themselves by sharing something they were very passionate about along with how we are connected, after which, I got a chance to express what each one of them means to me. I put together prize drawings to give away items that I love. Those included books written by gifted friends such as Alissa Daire Nelson and Ursula Mentjes, the inspiring “Why Quantum Physicists Do Not Fail” by Greg Kuhn, and a book that really helped me in my business, “The Pumpkin Plan”, by Mike Michalowicz.

I have additional people to recognize who made the event go so beautifully. My deep appreciation to my husband Chris, who was my helper for the evening, and the one lone man among all those lovely ladies. A big thanks to Personal Stylist, Char Dobbs of Char Style and Image for her presentation.  Char and I go way back. Her skill at putting together the right look has helped so many of us to look our best! Char talked about showing up as who we are and who we want to be, and not waiting for the perfect timing, or weight, or circumstances to make that happen.  She also gave a super helpful demonstration on how to make “capsules” with our wardrobe so we can have many versatile looks from just a few pieces.

As usual, there was way too much food, but that is the Brazilian way. No one should leave hungry! My thanks again to all who were in attendance. For those of you who could not make it, I am so grateful for all you have brought to me and I honor how you enrich my life. None of you need fancy clothes, make-up and special lighting for the rest of the world to see how beautiful you are.  From the bottom of my heart, obrigada!

Here are the photos the photographer didn't plan for (all puns intended):

-Laine <3