Milestones: My Office – Under Construction

There are those milestones in life that when you reach them provide an ultimate sense of accomplishment & pride. These milestones are proof that dreams do come true and that anything can happen if you put your mind to it.

Becoming Catherine Guidry Photography, LLC was one such milestone; and this time, signing my office lease is another. It’s kind of hard to believe that so much has changed since I finished architecture school. I am finally situated doing something that I’m unbelievably passionate about, and I am SO thankful for every ounce of trust, love, and support, that my family, my friends, and my clients have given to me.

The feeling is overwhelming and I’m SO thankful. And I’ve realized how much of a geek I am (and apparently extremely picky) about the smallest things:

• Beth and I are now familiar with every paint sample in Home Depot.
• It took me 4 days to make the decision on the “perfect” desk, including having Brad pretend to be my client.
• I’ve changed my concept for lighting twice.
• It took me over two weeks to pick the canvases for display.
• We’ve probably digitally rearranged the space 50 times thanks to renderings & sketchup.
• We painted the same walls a different color after the 1st coat.
• I’ve learned that there are a million shades of red and the perfect shade is the one in my curtains.  🙂

I definitely cannot go without crediting SO much to a few people throughout this process:

My friend Beth Rountree: She’s an incredible interior designer and has been instrumental to this office. She’s been there EVERY step of the way from picking out the paint colors to laying out the space. I honestly could not say I could have done this without her!! She’s painted, gone to office depot, home depot, bed bath & beyond, JCPenney’s and any other place you can imagine JUST to help me. I’m so thankful to have SUCH an amazing friend….and gemini sister. 🙂

My dad: he moved my furniture and spent over 5 hours helping me put the first coat of paint on the walls, on his weekend off! He always takes time out of his day when I have a question, even if it’s to bug him about how his clients feel when they sit at his 2.5′ desk. lol..

My mom: I know she thinks I never give her enough credit, so here it is! You’ve given me your opinion on every step of the way. Even though sometimes I don’t take in and I trust my own instincts, you’ve allowed me to do that, too. You are my “go to” when I need an opinion and I love your advice. Thank you for always looking out for me.

Brad: Although I seem like I’ve got it all together, it’s really not true. I can be extremely indecisive and at times overwhelmed. You’ve kept me sane, assisted with tiny decisions and big decisions, and always help me when I need it. You gave me the encouragement to take this step and to always follow my goals and my heart.

Annika, what can I say, you’ll even skype with me all the way from Houston to exchange ideas!!!

My Clients: I’ve said it and I’ll say it again. I’m so thankful to work with each of you; not just because I am able to document you or your love or even just because I love photography and can explore that creative avenue by working with you. But because I am walking away a better person having known each of you and developing those relationships. So thank you for that.

The second I walked out of the City Club office with my set of keys, I took the image at the top. It was official, I now have my own office!! Like…with my name on the door and a place for my clients to feel special, and comfortable. A place for me to be inspired and creative. Beth and I went through quite the process picking out the color pallete, and what you see above is what we decided on:

• Red Pepper
• Charcoal
• Artists Canvas

Since we started, it’s been SUCH an exciting place to be. And I know this isn’t nearly as fun for everyone else, so it means THAT much more that they’ve been there for me. 🙂 I can’t wait to post the FINAL images of the office when it’s finished, but until then….