Two Years in Business: A Celebration of Growth, Gratitude, and Self-Love
This month marks two years since I took the leap and opened my own boudoir photography studio, and honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. When I think back to the moment I decided to go out on my own, I remember the nerves, the doubts, and the huge risk it felt like at the time. But here I am—two years later—writing this with a full heart, a thriving business, and a soul that feels more aligned and fulfilled than ever before.
To celebrate, make sure you watch my video compilation of highlights from this past year (scroll up to watch!), but I also wanted to take a moment to reflect in words—because the truth is, this year has been nothing short of life-changing for me.
A Year of Sessions, Stories, and Soul Work
This year alone, I’ve had the honor of photographing over 70 sessions —each one so unique, so special, and so filled with emotion. Every client who has stepped into my studio has brought their own story, their own vulnerability, and their own courage.
It’s not lost on me how big of an honor it is to be the one trusted to capture those moments. Boudoir isn’t just about photos—it’s about connection, healing, empowerment, and celebrating who you are in this moment.
To my clients: thank you for trusting me, for showing up as you are, and for reminding me again and again why I chose this path. You are the heartbeat of this business.
The Work Behind the Work
Of course, this year hasn’t just been about picking up my camera. It’s also been about the work behind the work—the personal growth, the uncomfortable self-reflection, and the lessons that have shaped me not only as a photographer but as a human being.
One of the biggest transformations for me this year has been learning to love my body through all of its changes. That’s not always easy. Like so many women, I’ve battled with insecurities, self-doubt, and the belief that I had to look a certain way to be “enough.” But somewhere along the way, through the very process of creating art for others, I started to see myself differently too.
I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve learned to celebrate my body not for how it looks, but for everything it allows me to do. And slowly, I’ve started to embrace a level of self-love and acceptance that I once thought was out of reach.
Growing Confidence as a Business Owner
On top of the personal growth, there’s been the incredible journey of growing as a business owner. Two years ago, I had no idea what it would look like to run my own studio. I had no roadmap, just passion and a willingness to bet on myself.
Now, looking back, I see the countless hours spent planning, learning, creating, and sometimes stumbling—but always moving forward. I’ve grown in confidence, not just behind the camera but also in the day-to-day decisions of running a business. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, to take risks when opportunities come up, and to remind myself that I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for.
This year, I even took a huge step and invested in myself by hiring Jessie Rae Films to create professional business videos for my website and Instagram. It was scary—spending that money, putting myself out there—but it was also one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was a reminder that betting on myself always pays off.
The Power of Celebrating Wins
Something else I’ve leaned into this year is the importance of celebrating wins—big and small.
We live in a world that’s always pushing us to hustle, to move on to the next thing, to set bigger and better goals. But if we don’t pause to celebrate the milestones along the way, what’s it all for?
For me, those wins look like photographing my 70th session of the year. They look like booking two weddings and watching the love and joy unfold in front of my lens. They look like learning new skills, like video, and being able to offer more to my clients. They also look like personal wins—taking a staycation for the first time ever, surrounding myself with amazing people who bring out the best in me, and giving myself permission to slow down and rest.
Each of those moments matters. Each of them deserves celebration. And together, they add up to something truly extraordinary.
Carving Out Space for Me
As proud as I am of what I’ve built with my business, one of the things that excites me most is realizing how far I’ve come personally.
This year, I’ve been intentional about carving out time just for me—something that hasn’t always come naturally. I’ve started planning shoots that are just for fun, just for my creativity. I’ve given myself permission to take days off, to rest, to recharge, and to simply be.
I’ve also learned to embrace the little things: quiet moments with my dogs, adventures with partner Kyle, laughs with friends, even the joy of a matching tattoo with a bestie of over 30 years. These are the memories that fill my cup and remind me that life is meant to be lived fully, not just worked through.
Looking Ahead
As I step into year three of this journey, I do so with so much gratitude. Gratitude for my clients, who inspire me daily. Gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned, both hard and beautiful. Gratitude for the support system of people who continue to cheer me on. And most importantly, gratitude for the courage I found in myself to take this leap two years ago.
If there’s anything this journey has taught me, it’s this: we are capable of more than we think, and it’s never too late to choose yourself. Whether it’s booking a boudoir session, starting a business, or simply learning to rest, every step you take toward honoring yourself matters.
So today, I celebrate. I celebrate the 70 sessions, the new skills, and the milestones. I celebrate the friendships, the memories, the growth, and the self-love. I celebrate two years of doing what I love—and the many more years to come.
And I invite you to celebrate with me. Think back to your own year. What wins—big or small—deserve to be honored? Take a moment to recognize them. You deserve it.
Here’s to growth, gratitude, and the beautiful unknowns ahead. 🥂
Yours truly,
Calie Brianna Schwartz
