A few years ago, someone asked me a life-changing question that had a profound impact on my journey: "What are your dreams? What makes you truly happy? And what would you love to do every day for the rest of your life?" At that moment, I knew the answer immediately. It had been buried within me since childhood. I wanted to invent, create, and make things that make the world more beautiful through my eyes and hands. I had always loved art, excelling in it throughout my childhood and high school years. However, I was told that I couldn't make a living from it, so I abandoned it and pursued law instead. Even though I promised my dying father that I would become a lawyer, I soon realized that it wasn't the right fit for me.
I started my career in training and marketing, where I found success and learned many valuable skills. But something was still missing from my life - my creativity. I tried to fill the void by taking dance classes, it helped but it wasn't enough. Then, a friend gave me a camera to play around with, and I fell in love with photography again. It was the perfect medium to express my artistic vision, and I was hooked.
When I was just eight years old, I already had a fascination for photography. I would walk around with my parents' camera and take countless pictures, often focusing on our pets as my willing subjects. I was particularly fond of capturing my dog, rabbits, and even my horse, who all served as my early models. When the roll was filled, I would rush off to the drugstore with photo services to have them developed. In those days, I had to wait a few days until the hourly service was available, which only added to my excitement. Every time I received the developed photos, it felt like a celebration. Seeing my images come to life for the first time was thrilling, and it only fueled my love for photography.
I decided to pursue photography professionally and enrolled in the Fotovakschool, to learn about the technical side of photography. It was a challenging and rewarding experience that taught me a lot about what I needed to know to turn my passion into a career.
I remember like it was yesterday, I was heavily pregnant with my first son when I had to complete my final exam and presentation. I still remember that day vividly - it was scorching hot at 35 degrees in June. I was already 40 weeks pregnant, and I was praying that my son, David, would wait until after I completed my degree. Fortunately, he did, and I was able to finish my exam and receive my degree before his arrival.
After completing my photography education, I became a mother and focused on balancing my work and family life. I put my photography on hold, but my passion for it never faded. In 2018, I experienced a major setback when I unexpectedly lost my job after 11 years. It was a devastating blow that left me feeling confused and angry. But it also made me realize that it was the universe's way of telling me to follow my dreams and pursue my passion for photography.
With the support of my husband and family, I decided to become a full-time photographer and artist. I started my own business and focused on creating art that reflects my unique vision and style. It hasn't been an easy journey, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams and share my art with the world.
In conclusion, following my heart has been the best decision I have ever made. It has allowed me to reconnect with my creativity and pursue my passion for art. I hope that my story will inspire others to follow their dreams, even if it seems difficult or impractical. Life is too short to ignore our passions and talents, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to live a life that is true to myself.