Set the World on Fire
Donation protected
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”
― Brené Brown
Today, I'm being vulnerable. I'm reaching out to tell my story, and to ask for support. I've made a habit of the former for some time now (first as a writer and now as a photographer), but the latter takes some courage. So here goes.
I'm Cathy, a communications professional, wife, mom, grandmother, and storyteller. I'm a writer and author, and I've been expressing myself through photography for many years as well. Until recently I kept that mostly to myself; just over a year ago, I decided to share my experience more broadly by offering my hand-mounted canvases and prints for sale through my business, Siena Becket Photography.
To be honest, I had no business starting a business.
In the past dozen years or so, my family has walked through some significant challenges. It could be said that we have had more than our share of heartbreak. The death of a child, serious illnesses, job losses, financial distress, the end of careers - you name it, we lived it. In the eyes of most, I was not an ideal candidate for any kind of business venture.
But through it all, my life - remarkably - became so much more joyful! I learned about the profound impact and significance of faith, family (that's me with my husband and our 11 grandchildren above), and friendships. I gained perspective on what constituted a life well lived. I decided to live life to the fullest, and to explore my gifts and talents - and to use them to enrich the lives of others as much as possible.
I began to understand that sharing my photography could be a powerful way to share beauty, encourage others, and perhaps even assist my family financially. After so many years in a dark place, I began to dream again.
Last summer I ventured out into the art show world, and I was successful! I invested what I could in a simple display, and spent the grocery money on prints and canvas. With my husband at my side, I caught a glimpse of what was possible. With hard work, creativity, and an investment of time and money, I could not just "sell photos." I could become the best version of myself and inspire others to do the same. I could show my children and grandchildren what it meant to not quit. As St. Catherine of Siena said, I could become what God meant me to be, and set the world on fire.
But fire takes kindling, right?
Last summer my husband and I decided to put all our effort into the 2018 season. I applied to and was accepted at a dozen great shows in Michigan this summer! This is great news, but there is a challenge. Booth fees alone total over $1000, and most of them need to be paid in the next three weeks. Yikes!
My husband is a full time student who drives for Uber and Lyft as his only source of income. My day job is with a non-profit. I've sunk every "extra" penny into my business, and have re-invested my sales income. But to participate in these summer shows, at which I'm confident I will be successful, I need some angel investors willing to support me.
I would never ask for a contribution without offering something I can give in return.
Donations of any size are most appreciated, but I'd love to offer a matted print of my most popular photo, "Winter's End,"* as my thank you.
Donors who share $50 or more will receive an 11x14 print (matted to 16x20 - valued at $75.)
Those who share at $25 will receive an 8x10 print (matted to 11x14 - valued at $35.)
*"Winter's End" is the photo I'm peeking over in the cover image (and pictured above.) It was awarded an Honorable Mention by photographer Monte Nagler in a recent exhibit. Donors may select another image if this is already a part of their collection. View more at sienabecketphotography.com.
If you are not able to offer financial support or make a purchase, I hope you will send prayers and/or good vibes my way. Knowing that I'm not alone on this crazy adventure is truly what keeps me going! I thank you with all my heart.
― Brené Brown
Today, I'm being vulnerable. I'm reaching out to tell my story, and to ask for support. I've made a habit of the former for some time now (first as a writer and now as a photographer), but the latter takes some courage. So here goes.
I'm Cathy, a communications professional, wife, mom, grandmother, and storyteller. I'm a writer and author, and I've been expressing myself through photography for many years as well. Until recently I kept that mostly to myself; just over a year ago, I decided to share my experience more broadly by offering my hand-mounted canvases and prints for sale through my business, Siena Becket Photography.
To be honest, I had no business starting a business.
In the past dozen years or so, my family has walked through some significant challenges. It could be said that we have had more than our share of heartbreak. The death of a child, serious illnesses, job losses, financial distress, the end of careers - you name it, we lived it. In the eyes of most, I was not an ideal candidate for any kind of business venture.
But through it all, my life - remarkably - became so much more joyful! I learned about the profound impact and significance of faith, family (that's me with my husband and our 11 grandchildren above), and friendships. I gained perspective on what constituted a life well lived. I decided to live life to the fullest, and to explore my gifts and talents - and to use them to enrich the lives of others as much as possible.
I began to understand that sharing my photography could be a powerful way to share beauty, encourage others, and perhaps even assist my family financially. After so many years in a dark place, I began to dream again.
Last summer I ventured out into the art show world, and I was successful! I invested what I could in a simple display, and spent the grocery money on prints and canvas. With my husband at my side, I caught a glimpse of what was possible. With hard work, creativity, and an investment of time and money, I could not just "sell photos." I could become the best version of myself and inspire others to do the same. I could show my children and grandchildren what it meant to not quit. As St. Catherine of Siena said, I could become what God meant me to be, and set the world on fire.
But fire takes kindling, right?
Last summer my husband and I decided to put all our effort into the 2018 season. I applied to and was accepted at a dozen great shows in Michigan this summer! This is great news, but there is a challenge. Booth fees alone total over $1000, and most of them need to be paid in the next three weeks. Yikes!
My husband is a full time student who drives for Uber and Lyft as his only source of income. My day job is with a non-profit. I've sunk every "extra" penny into my business, and have re-invested my sales income. But to participate in these summer shows, at which I'm confident I will be successful, I need some angel investors willing to support me.
I would never ask for a contribution without offering something I can give in return.
Donations of any size are most appreciated, but I'd love to offer a matted print of my most popular photo, "Winter's End,"* as my thank you.
Donors who share $50 or more will receive an 11x14 print (matted to 16x20 - valued at $75.)
Those who share at $25 will receive an 8x10 print (matted to 11x14 - valued at $35.)
*"Winter's End" is the photo I'm peeking over in the cover image (and pictured above.) It was awarded an Honorable Mention by photographer Monte Nagler in a recent exhibit. Donors may select another image if this is already a part of their collection. View more at sienabecketphotography.com.
If you are not able to offer financial support or make a purchase, I hope you will send prayers and/or good vibes my way. Knowing that I'm not alone on this crazy adventure is truly what keeps me going! I thank you with all my heart.
Organizer
Cathy Adamkiewicz
Organizer
Dearborn Heights, MI