GOODBYE TO THE VAGABOND LIFE
The past week has been surreal. On January 1st, I signed the lease to a 350 square foot studio in a commercial building's then dingy basement with no idea how this would all unfold. The waiting game began as I brainstormed the style, layout, and function of this space that was about to undergo months of renovation and transformation. Plans were drawn out. Shopping and bargain hunting began. Cars and trucks full of photography equipment were lugged back and forth to people's homes and temporary studio spaces in the meantime for business as usual... (aka trying with all of my heart to create exceptional photography experiences and results with fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants resources, professional energy, a familiar sense of purpose. Oh! And lots and LOTS of caffein.) So many wonderful sessions, photos, memories, and friendships were born from the chaos as I embraced being a wanderer in my photography journey. Through it all though, deep down I knew that I wanted more; a place to call home. Luckily, I found loads of support in my TRULY INCREDIBLE clients, husband, kiddo, family, and friends. You all have helped my little business to grow legs of it's own and empowered it to take off running sometimes faster than I thought I could keep up with. I did keep up though, because this journey was meant for me. I realized the universe sort of propels you at times in life to where you're supposed to land, even if it's to totally unexpected places.
Speaking of things I realized, I realized half-way through the studio renovations that I would need EVEN MORE SPACE so I could adequately host both BODY & SOUL Boudoir Chicago and Lauren Alyssa Photography Chicago under one roof but independently. On one hand I had this incredible family, motherhood, and child based brand that I've built, and I knew that it warranted and deserved it’s own beautiful home as much as the new women-empowering and body positive boudoir pursuit I invested in. I took the leap of faith and secured a second connected unit (that's 700 square feet total!) This sent me back to the drawing board with a clear and concise dream; to create a professional artistic space that is welcoming to all ages, versatile in use, segmented for different genres and styles of photography, and that makes my heart happy. I *think* I succeeded. If you peep the updated sketch that was made 4 months before I moved in, you'll see just how the studio has truly come to life from heart, to brain, to paper, to something tangible. While I prepared in so many ways and mapped out everything about this intentional, sensible, and well-rounded space… I could never have prepared myself for what came next.
It was moving week… our Beverly, Chicago neighbors expressed their support as we loaded up trailers full of items. It included standard photography equipment as well as furniture I'd hand-painted and refurbished, unpackaged decor that made it feel like christmas morning, and all of the beautiful props that my clients are familiar with and love. We (shoutout to my fam) overhauled that unit from an empty space to a dream come to life in a few short days. Then it hit me. I looked around. I could never have prepared myself for the moment of confusion, wonder, amazement, and pride. Fellow small business owners, did you experience this? It was as if I was waiting for the woman responsible for this place to come waltzing through the door because surely I, Lauren, don’t have a small business with a location that came together JUST AS I ENVISIONED!!! Except I do... It may not look like much to some, but to me it means so much. As moms and as asults in general, we often lose parts of ourselves. This was me taking those parts back. I think it’s important as a mom, as a woman, and as a human to continue doing the things we love and take care of our own heart's desires as much as we take care of everyone else's. I hope my toddler... or someone.. sees my examples of following your heart and soul and does the same. I hope in life that he chases and finds the joy, the fulfillment, the adventure, and the faith in himself and the universe that comes with the territory of this sort of experience.
Anyways, I have a pretty cool lifestyle and portraiture photography studio on the south side of Chicago now that is the home of Lauren Alyssa Photography Chicago as well as BODY & SOUL Boudoir Chicago. Two businesses born from the same heart under one roof. The whole building is undergoing a glow up and becoming home too SO MANY great women owned businesses. You should definitely come check it out sometime and share this incredible studio and photography opportunity with friends.
2501 W. 103rd Street, Lower level, Chicago, IL 60655 | By Appointment
LAURENALYSSASTUDIOS.COM | BODYSOULBOUDOIR.COM
