“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.” – Chinese Proverb
In (what feels like) a previous lifetime and for far too long I worked in retail management. As I’ve grown older and further removed from running a sales floor I consistently realize how beneficial the experience was for me. Working retail was fantastically hard work. But it was hard work that taught me more than I expected about branding, marketing, business and working with people as both clients and employees. But, more often than not, it taught me how frustrated I could get when my hands were tied by rules and policies that were created in a board room thousands of miles away. Surely, surely, being in business and earning money would sit better with my soul if I could be the one deciding the terms.
So I did lots of thinking in those early months while planning this business. I also did lots of watching, reading about, and internet stalking other photographers the same way a high school freshman might watch the senior class. Who did I want to be as a business owner? What did I want my role to be amongst my peers? What did I want my business to say about me as an individual? One thing I decided quite quickly was that I wanted to find a way to give back. Then, during one of those early weeks of planning and information gathering I came across and organization called Red Thread Sessions which runs a directory of photographers who have committed to providing discounted sessions to families that have recently adopted. I instantly loved their mission.
Though I cannot exactly tell you why, adoption has always held a special place of interest and admiration for me. Perhaps it’s because, growing up, I had friends that were adopted and now, as an adult, I have friends who have adopted children of their own. Or perhaps it’s because I have an unapologetic love for elegant, mutually beneficial solutions. And, seriously, what is more elegant, beautiful and inspired than matching a child that needs a family with a family that wants a child? Either way, here was an organization I could enthusiastically support. I bookmarked their page and made a note to apply once my business was established and I could meet their application requirements.
Early this year I applied and was accepted only to find out a couple weeks later that the founders/organizers needed to step down after running Red Thread Sessions for some years and that they were looking to pass the organization on to new hands. For a few days I religiously visited their Facebook announcement to see if there was any chatter before I tentatively emailed and inquired about responsibilities and workload involved in running Red Thread Sessions.
So now I am helping run this wonderful organization along side the equally as wonderful Sarah Mariel. It’s a thrilling prospect for me as it allows me to be even more hands on and consistent in volunteering my time. Sarah and I have spent the past couple months updating the website, doing some general house keeping, and learning the ropes. We are both so excited to continue to spread the word about Red Thread Sessions and it’s mission to celebrate adoption. We just reopened the application process for photographers earlier this month so if you, or anyone you know might be interested in applying check out our requirements and application process here. And if you are connected with anyone who has recently adopted or is in the process of adopting please make sure to pass along the Red Thread Sessions website.
