O N E // y e a r

One year ago, I started my business.

One year ago, I designed my website.

One year ago, I (somewhat apprehensively) decided that I was done just talking about my dreams—I was going to go chase ’em down.

 

One year ago, man.

One whole year.

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From the start, I’ve battled serious bouts of self-doubt, inferiority, and uncertainty.

I had no business experience, no idea how to create a website, and absolutely no clue how this whole “entrepreneurship” thing was supposed to work.

 

How would people perceive my work?

Would marketing my art for profit strip photography of its creative outlet?

Could I generate interest?

But most of all, is it even worth the investment?

 

The thing is: I didn’t really have an answer to any of those questions. I just knew that I was passionate about it, so each day, I took one step closer to my goal.

 

A baby step here and a baby step there.

And before I knew it, baby steps became small strides, and small strides became giant leaps.

Leaps became bounds, and bounds became major jumps.

And . . . well, you get the picture.

 

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I’m not looking for applause. I’m not looking for congratulations, either.

I’m just looking to say “thank you.”

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Whenever I think back to all that has transpired this year, I see God’s Hand woven throughout everything.

I see His grace. I see His mercy. I see Him providing me with yet another gift that I most certainly do not deserve.

 

And I am abundantly grateful.

 

I’ve said it before, but you know what? I’m going to say it again . . . and again . . . and again. Why? Because I mean it.

 

Each client is a gift from God.

Each client is an opportunity to shine the light of the Gospel.

Each client is a chance to make someone feel loved, valued, and important.

And, each client means the absolute world to me.

 

If you asked the shy, awkward (super insecure) middle school Delaney if she would ever own a business and meet a boatload of incredible people in the process, she would probably laugh in your face . . . covering her mouth, of course, because smiling with braces was a big no-no.

But she’d be happy that future (still slightly shy and a lil’ awkward) Delaney decided to leave a comfort zone, for sure.

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Y’all know how can I ramble, so I’ll cut it short.

My business is one year old now. Hard to believe, but even harder to grasp.

I give God all the glory, and I don’t say that in some dry, cliche type of way (I absolutely despise cliches). I just mean that, while I really don’t deserve this incredible gift, I am so thankful for all that God has done for me. It’s all Him, not me.

 

I’m grateful for what’s been.

I’m excited for what’s to come.

And, I’m looking forward to meeting more friends, making more memories, and embarking on more adventures.

 

Here’s to one year . . . and many more to come, y’all.

 

Thank you.

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Sincerely,

Delaney