What does empowerment mean to you?

To me, empowerment is knowing what you’re capable of and trusting yourself enough to go for what you want. When you do that, you inspire other people and it trickles down. (I know because so many people have inspired me.)

It’s about identifying who you are, what you have to offer, and how you’re going to to share it.

So often, we see messages of empowerment centered around what we can do for ourselves, but I really think it’s about taking it a step further and bringing others up alongside us, because that’s what forms strong communities.

Empowerment in my mind is ultimately about making an impact in someone else’s life and leaving them with the desire and ability to do the same for others.

Why am I putting so much emphasis on empowerment?

Because I’ve been making some big shifts behind the scenes in an effort to be more helpful to people and that means a big announcement about the future of Crystal Lily Photography!

If you’ve watched my stories the last few weeks, you’ve probably noticed me mention that I put a cap on the number of weddings I’m taking on, because of other things I’ll be working on this year.

The deeper I’ve gotten into my business, the more I find myself wanting to help others.  It’s become one of my core values and having the freedom to choose the direction I want to go is the most empowering feeling.

This year, I’m going to be working with more brands—specifically impactful brands that want to make a difference.  Brands in the health and wellness space, brands that have a focus on helping and empowering others, and those that have a philanthropic or sustainable element to their business.

This is something that I’m excited about, because getting to work with people who are using their business to make an impact in meaningful ways is exactly the kind of empowerment I’m talking about when I say empowerment is about making an impact in someone else’s life and leaving them with the desire and ability to do the same for others.

The kinds of brands I’ll be working with are doing just that and helping them share their message in a purposeful way speaks to basically all of my core values.

Now for my wedding clients, don’t freak out.  I’ve still got you!  And if we’ve talked about me photographing your wedding, but haven’t gotten it all worked out yet, don’t worry, I’m still going to honor our relationship. J

One thing I will be doing going forward with the couples I do get to work with is encouraging them to choose vendors who are making an impact either through sustainable business practices or giving back in some way, because I really do think the wedding industry has an opportunity to make a difference in communities.  Why not use your wedding as an opportunity to give back through your vendors?

Highlighting vendors who give back or practice sustainability is something I’ve talked about for a while and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it as the wedding and event industry catches up to these opportunities to make a difference.

I’m excited to bring these things together as I move forward to focus more on working with impactful brands and thoughtful couples who want to make a difference.

Do you have questions about purposeful photography and how I can help you? Let’s connect! I’d love to chat with you!