2022 in Review: What I Learned and What's Next for Melinda Anita Photography

Dec 31

As I reflect on the year that was, when everything felt fresh and full of possibility at the start of 2022, my heart is filled with gratitude for all that I have learned. The lessons are never ending as a small business owner in this ever-changing industry. Throughout every adventure I've had this past year—capturing breathtaking weddings at incredible venues around the Hudson Valley, getting to know couples through engagement shoots; mastering new editing approaches; and working with so many small businesses through personal branding sessions—I am so thankful for each moment that brought me here today.

In September 2016, I was preparing to photograph my first couple and now, I'm humbled to be able to celebrate nearly six and a half years in business this December. As always, it is so meaningful to have you all along for the ride – trusting me with preserving these beautiful moments for the years ahead.

I am so thankful for both the creative and entrepreneurial lessons I have learned over this past year. Each learning experience opened doors to better understand how I can improve efficiency and elevate my impact in delivering high-quality services for engaged couples and small businesses alike. To make sure no details were forgotten, I wanted to take some time today and reflect on what has gone well this past year while also planning ahead for what’s coming next. Join me as we look back at key reflections from the last twelve months before setting out toward future goals!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being a small business owner can be lonely. I am so thankful that I have a group of small business owners (in the industry and outside) who could relate to me and people that I could rely on for advice. I am true believer that serving and helping others should be at the core of who are. When you uplift and support others, it comes back to you in return.
Set realistic goals and be patient. We all know that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will our business. Everything takes time to develop. It is essential to have small successes that will add up over time, as these reinforce the momentum needed to keep the business going. In addition, setting realistic goals lets you remain flexible so your goal achievement strategy can help you adjust if things don’t go as planned. Setting specific, achievable goals increases motivation and contributes to business success in the long run.
Take some time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Even just thirty minutes devoted to yourself each day can make a difference in your energy and productivity levels. Not only this, but setting boundaries between work and other areas of your life can help to create a much healthier lifestyle with improved mental health and well-being. Doing what works best for you, whether that is meditating, doing yoga or simply taking some deep breaths and disconnecting from technology, can bring forth renewed motivation and dedication when taking on the tasks of managing a small business.
Continue to learn and develop your craft. As a small business owner, having a drive to learn and hone your craft is essential. Continuous learning and improving your skillset helps you to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies that are relevant to areas such as marketing, product development and customer support. The long-term sustainability of small business growth lies within the passion of small business owners learning and investing themselves into mastering their craft.
Keep track of your expenses and revenue. As a small business owner, tracking your expenses and revenue is essential for maintaining financial transparency and stability. Without an effective system in place for monitoring where your money is going and what it's bringing in, you risk facing financial challenges and potential pitfalls later on. Part of being financially responsible means having regular reviews of small business finances so that you can gain valuable insight into income streams, projected growth, cut any cost that may be burdensome, invest efficiently, and plan strategically for both present goals and future resources.
Network, network, network! As a small business owner, networking with other entrepreneurs and individuals can be crucial for success. Networking increases small business visibility and offers the opportunity to create valuable relationships with customers and potential partners. Building relationships boosts small business reputation, strengthens loyalty from clients and gives insight into where to find new customers as well as partnerships which could ultimately lead to more growth. Business owners should network not only within their professional field but also throughout the local community. Simply introducing yourself to people in your industry or related are all simple but powerful ways to expand your small business horizons. By understanding the value of networking and creating quality relationships, small business owners can maximize their potential for success.

What’s Next for melinda anita photography

I am so happy to announce that I am now part of The Wedding Collective, Hudson Valley’s Premier Wedding Management Guild. The Wedding Collective is a full-service event planning, and design collaboration that includes florals, photography, and stationery.

After many years of working together, not only did we find joy and satisfaction in serving others, we found that we loved working together as a team. We take great pride and joy in delivering that to you on your wedding day. Whether you are looking for a wedding planner team who can plan your entire wedding with you or if you're looking to take a more hands-on approach, we would love to hear from you.

Check out our website here: The Wedding Collective

WHY I CHOOSE A WORD OF THE YEAR

As a small business owner, I have come to recognize the value of setting intentions for my work. Every year, I chose one word to act as a guiding theme—a source of motivation and inspiration in my day-to-day life. This word acts as a reminder of my goals and ambitions over the next 12 months, constantly encouraging me to stay on track. Each January, I take some time out of my busy schedule to reflect on what I would like to achieve in the new year, brainstorming potential words until one stands out above all the rest. Having this mantra lingering in the forefront of my thoughts strengthens my resolve and keeps me determined and driven throughout the season.

My word of the year for 2023 is growth.

As a small business owner, I want to make sure that my business continues to grow and develop. This is why choosing growth as my word of the year for 2023 is so important - it's an intentional commitment on my part to make sure that I am always striving towards new heights. I am confident that choosing this word will bring me closer to achieving my small business goals and I look forward to it being a years-long process of evolution and learning. Growth is essential not only in small businesses, but in all aspects of life and understanding this helps me create better relationships with clients and colleagues. Promoting growth in myself, my small business, and those around me will help build a strong foundation for further success.

As I look back on this past year, I’m so grateful for all the challenges and lessons it has brought me. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a lot about myself and my business. I’m more optimistic than ever for what the future holds, and I wish everyone all the best in the new year. Thank you for following along on this journey with me. Here’s to an even better 2023!

Melinda Garrick