I’m sitting in my dark chocolate leather chair, French music playing over the speakers, and a green tea in a white ceramic mug while I think about this past year. I am astounded at the items I’ve crossed off my list, the goals I’ve achieved, and some of the hardships I’ve endured. It has definitely been a year of learning, exploring, and stretching who I am as a person and business woman.

Last year I was ice skating high up on a mountain thinking about the year ahead and the adventure that was laid out before us. I was dreaming of touring around Europe with black luggage catching trains and planes to exotic places. I envisioned us curling into each other on a couch surrounded by candles and wine from Italy and fresh cheese from France in our Dutch home. I was dreaming of taking my camera and photographing women in France, in London, in Amsterdam. I was dreaming and not really expecting any of it to happen.

Some people have asked what I’m really proud of this year in my business and I have to say that 2011 proved to me that dreams do come true, when I work for them. I’m proud of the hard work and the late nights I stayed up for to accomplish the goals I envisioned. There were a lot of tears and many times I felt like all the doors were closed and the world was against me, but looking back it has been worth every single bead of sweat. This year has taught me that I can’t sit and wait for things to come to me but I have to make them happen. I’m also really proud of the time I set aside for defining and working on my business to define it even further than just being a boudoir photographer. I’ve realized who my client is, what she likes, and what she is looking for. I also know I love photographing women and they love getting their boudoir images done, but there are some out there who want the same experience but more of a beauty fashion look than sexy.

I was also asked, if I could change anything in my business would I? And yes, there are a few. I’m not very good with answering email. I read every single one, but responding faster is one thing I’ve realized I need to get better at. Also for finding a system that is simple and straight forward so that when my assistant needs to come in and do work, one day, everything will be easy to understand and they can easily step in. I also wish I wasn’t so afraid, gosh most of my tears and frustrations were from me telling myself I wasn’t the right person for the job, how wrong I was!

So what am I looking forward to in 2012? There are some things that I want concentrate on and fine tune in this next year, like getting on top of my crazy Inbox and treating my clients like royalty. Expanding my portfolio and creating more art and editorial looking images. I want to continue travelling and exploring. I want to photograph women all over Europe in luxury hotel rooms and beautifully designed homes. I also want a studio space to share with other creative women where we can collaborate and share ideas, encourage and support each other, and sip champagne at the end of the week before we head to our next adventure. These dreams might not come to fruition in 2012, but I’m going to work to lay a strong foundation so that they eventually do. This year will be about creating stronger relationships, better systems and work-flows, and living out my dream life to it’s fullest.

What has 2011 looked like for you, are you proud of everything you’ve accomplished and realize the hardships were there to make you realize what you truly want? How about 2012 what are you looking forward to?