The Heart Behind Bella Raye
If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be working every day doing something that feels more like a gift than a job, I would have laughed and told you, “I wish.”
But guess what?
I am.
Every day, every session, every special memory is a gift. A career that I would do for enjoyment, simply for the pure fact that it really does fill my cup.
It’s funny when I tell people that seeing their joy and connections brings me joy.
Not just when you’re in front of my camera, but when you catch me in front of my computer, editing and laughing at the joy. Or, quite honestly, catching me crying over something that I know will be a memory you won’t forget.
For real though, I had a return client who has been coming to me for years for their Back to School photos. I’ve watched her kiddos grow over the years, and this year in particular, I photographed some portraits of her older son.
WOW.
This little kid who started with me was all grown up, and I actually teared up.
When you take the time to slow down and edit someone else’s memories, it sure does show you how fast those years fly by.
So yes, it is easy to say my heart is in this.
My heart is with you when you are in front of my lens and even after.
But what really pushed my path into this?
I worked in veterinary medicine for over 18 years. So what was the metamorphosis?
Many years ago, when I was 17 and knew everything, when nothing was scary and I was ready to dive into growing a life and writing my story, I was ready to follow anyone down any path.
Being accepted.
That seemed so important.
Looking back now, I cringe at the people I allowed to share my energy and the people I allowed to hold importance in my story.
I was blessed to be guided to a person who really helped shift my path onto such an important pivot. A man named Frank.
I could talk about him all day, every day. And one day, he deserves to be spoken about more than just a brief mention in a short blog about how I got to where I am today.
One day, I will share what a special man he was to the world, not just to me.
Frank had an innate ability to guide you toward the intuition you were ignoring, or point you toward what really mattered. As long as I knew him, he told me that I needed to find a job I loved doing. A job that I could do every day and never be worn down by.
Not to say it couldn’t make you weary or tired, but more that it shouldn’t drain you.
“Find something you love to do, and you will never work a day in your life.”
I used to laugh at that. Roll my eyes.
It seemed impossible.
Find something I enjoy? Sure. But something I love? That will never get me through this life.
Work so you can enjoy life, but it was always still work.
The only thing that brings me sadness on this journey is that I lost Frank before I found my love.
I never got to go to him and say, “I really get it now. You were right. Thank you for showing me what I needed to see to believe in this.”
I’ve found it.
I found what feels like I haven’t worked in years.
I connect. I find joy. I capture joy, sadness, tears and laughter. I share, I grow, I flourish.
It is MAGIC.
So where do I go now?
I have a studio. I am growing the best clientele and connections every year. What else can I do that makes this more me? More of what I want in my life?
I started with photographing pets. It felt good. It felt comfortable in my realm.
Then I became a mom, and that was very revealing. It showed me just how much those tiny moments mean, how quickly they go, and that led me into motherhood and family photography.
I transformed a lot in becoming a mother. In that transformation, I saw where I needed, or at least wanted, to heal.
That led me into women’s empowerment sessions.
I love being able to be your mirror. To show you the magic that is deep inside you. Maybe it’s hidden. Maybe it’s forgotten. Maybe it’s been stifled in an effort to fit.
These sessions are the fire in my gut.
Creative. Freeing. Magical to watch and be a part of.
All of this led me, progressively over the years, to knowing I needed a space to offer a safe place to be seen.
But more than that, I wanted a space for women to reconnect with themselves, with one another, and with the community that women need throughout all stages of life.
For the past three years, I have felt this pull to do more. To grow. To be bigger.
What an uncomfortable space that has been for me.
To feel seen. To put myself out there.
But I knew it was coming.
For years, I said this adorable little church would be it. My studio would be in this space, and when I was ready to make that move, it would be available.
A month before this manifestation came to fruition, I put out some feelers to find a space.
I was heard.
Just not in the way I was expecting.
There she was.
My church.
Up for rent.
I wasn’t ready.
Was I?
But instead of doubting myself, instead of playing small, avoiding being seen, or letting fear win...
I did it.
I saw it up for rent on the Friday and signed a lease by the Monday.
I was in.
And it was FREEING.
So here we are, caught up to the present, and here is where I get to share my vision, my hopes and my dreams.
This space is exactly what I need.
It feels like me. It is filled with my love, creativity and femininity.
But that is just the start of her story.
I want this space to be that for more than just me.
I want this to be something that supports women.
A space to work while still being able to dedicate your time to your kids. Something affordable, but also pretty and warm.
So I built a treatment room that can be rented and used for one, two or three days a week. No huge commitment. Just a place to work and add to your family without being drained or spread too thin.
I wanted to add another space where a special woman in my life can grow her dream business.
So I added a space to do that too.
Photo printing?
We have it.
Small, local and right here in town. A place to get your high quality images printed.
Or a talented makeup artist striving to break some of the old chains holding her back.
Yup, you guessed it.
She helped me deeply in bringing this dream to life, and I can’t wait to watch her do the same in this space.
Finally, and most importantly to me, a space to build community.
Somewhere for women to come together and laugh, learn, cry and heal.
An event that is doable. Something that isn’t too long, too late or too expensive.
I see you, moms.
So expect monthly Ladies’ Nights.
Always on a Friday. After dinner, but before bedtime.
I can’t wait to watch this grow into something special. Something that people look forward to in this community.
You want to see something? Let me know.
You have a women centered event you’ve been dying to find a space to hold?
Let me know.
I know what is meant to be will come for this space, and I know it will be beautiful.
So I leave you with this.
I hope this is a reflection of what this space is to me and what I hope it will become.
And this is just the beginning.
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