Stacey Vaeth Photography Breathing in the light of it all
10 years ago today I hosted a party at Studio Serenity in Adams Morgan. The year prior had been a whirl of: building a website, a portfolio, a skill set; creating contracts, policies, pricing; sampling products, taking bookkeeping classes, taking out a small business loan, purchasing and learning software, SEO, advertising and marketing; cooking dinner, being a friend, a daughter and a wife; training to be a yoga teacher, and working full time.
10 years ago today if I had paid closer attention to the dozens of near strangers and the very close friends and family who helped me pull off that launch party, well then maybe I would have known that today was a likely outcome. But I didn’t. At that party I was just nervous, and excited, and exhausted. And I couldn’t see beyond the small goals set for a year out.
At the end of the night I sent everyone home, helpers and all, and desired more than anything to finish the work on my own. Before breaking down the rented high-top tables, folding the linens, removing the photos from the walls, I sat in the quiet of the yoga studio. I had spent the previous year training in that space to be a teacher, and in the process found my spirit, my grounding. With nothing but the sound of light rain on the windows, streaked with the lights of passing cars, I breathed in deeply, and a smile crossed my face.
This might be possible.
I might never have to commute to a job in an office again.
I might never update a resume, or wear a suit, or go to a staff meeting ever again.
I might, just might, be able to create every single day for the rest of my life.
So far, I was right, it has been possible. Countless times each year a smile crosses my face in ultimate gratitude for the clients, friends and strangers who support me every day to keep on doing this work. What I was not aware of when surrounded by those people all of those years ago, was that it’s the magic collaboration of many that can make something go.
Thanks to each of you for each and every bit of support, good thoughts and positive energy that you’ve sent my way. I’m forever changed by it.
-s
Stacey Vaeth Photography 
I will always remember that evening, Stacey. Your beauty, spirit, creativity, positive energy, work ethic, organization, and self confidence made it possible… and how your business has flourished!
Congratulations, Stacey Vaeth Photography-
10 years!
Stacey, though I was not at that gathering, your thoughts 10 years later are beautiful to read. I can’t help but be moved by what I read and also relate (while smiling so knowingly) to the hope of not “having to commute to another office, go to another staff meeting,” etc. But you have gone from hope to the beautiful reality of a creative…and created life! May you continue to be blessed in that life– a life that can even offer inspiration and hope to others.
Ashley Carr
A very happy client( and as a result, a definite fan) around the time you must have been getting started.
Thanks so much for your heartfelt note, Ashley! I wish you all of the best and hope it’s all going well with you. You WERE one of my very early clients…I always loved working with your organization and the women in it!