If you asked my husband to describe my organizational skills, he’d chuckle lovingly and tell you I don’t organize like most people. I’d have to agree. Most of the time, in fact, if you see me behind the scenes I’ll be covered with dog hair, stray hairs spraying out of my braid, my bangs every which way, muttering to myself while standing in front of an overloaded table or sitting at a cluttered desk. (Tidiness is truly not one of my virtues.) It may surprise you to know, however, that in my cluttered mind I’m intensely detail oriented.

I’ll get a concept in my mind and hunt down the pillar elements that give foundation to the idea. Then, I’ll allow the space for the other elements to happen organically - as art should be. In my own mind, this process works well. On the outside, however, this process more than likely looks like disheveled clutter. I’m partial, sure, but I think it’s a beautiful mess.

Just like in my own mess, I love to get a raw look behind the brands I work with. I like to see their turning wheels and the structures (or lack there of) that work best for them. I like to see how the business owner’s brain works.

It’s in this observation behind the scenes that I get to jump into the inner workings of a small business. I get to examine the cogs, study the blue prints of why there were places where they were and how they connect to everything else. Every detail has its reason, after all, and every element has its story. A story I love to tell through beautiful brand photographs - organized chaos and all.

A peek behind the scenes of me as I prepare for a branding session. | Winston Salem Brand Photographer | Jasper & Fern

You may have heard me change my tune a bit when it comes to self care. Previously, I posted a quote on Instagram that says "Self care is more than chocolates and bubble baths" and it started an interesting dialogue. There was a comment on my post said in jest, however, it instigated me to reflect. It's not that I've changed my mindset about self care. I've just grown my definition of it and, with that reflection, I've decided there was a lot more I wanted to say on the subject. 

We're often told that self care is taking "me time" and enjoying bubble baths with a glass of wine or having a spa day and eating chocolates. I believe full-heartedly in the pampering side of self care. In fact, if I could be writing this from my bath tub filled with steaming water, bubbles to my chin, soaking in my lavender salts with a wine glass in hand, well, I wouldn't turn that opportunity down. Here's the thing though, even though the pampering type of self care is predominately what's out in the market, that self care isn't a solution. It's a delicious dessert at the end of a hearty meal but it's not the main course.

So, what does that mean "self care" actually is? 

Recently, I've grown to realize that self care is taking action and making decisions that better your life and/or help you become the best version of yourself. Like all things, that means different actions for different people. For me, part of that means taking time to get outside and hike in the quiet of a mountain side, it means exploring, delving into new details and stories. It means structuring where I invest my time so I can give people the best of me. I tend to want to do everything. Fact is, I can't. I have limited energy and limited mental capacity. If I spread myself too thin or don’t recharge out in the backcountry, I'm not only wearing myself down but I'm not giving the best of me to those who truly need my investment.

Over the next few month’s you’ll likely see a few changes in my business; changes that may seem odd but that, in the end, will help me better serve you - my clients. I’m excited to see how this process evolves! I have a good feeling about where I’m heading and how I’m going to show up for you.

You all are the best. (Seriously) Thank you for your love and support! I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Hugs,

Alyson