Okay, I’ll admit that at first, I just wanted a pineapple in my logo because it was cute, a symbol of southern hospitality, and it was a nod to my southern roots! There wasn't too much thought behind it. If you know me, you might know that I like for things to have meaning! I’m a very sentimental person. For example, I much rather decorate my home with knickknacks that are hand me downs than the latest and greatest at Home Goods. (Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE Home Goods, but that’s another thought for another time!)
Because I wanted to make sure there was a heartfelt meaning behind my choice, I asked myself, “How can I make this pineapple fit into my idea of what it means to run a business or the heart behind my business?”
And then I saw this quote…
I found it on a She Reads Truth graphic, and it caught my eye. I had never thought of hospitality in that sense. My mama is from Alabama, and she’s an amazing example of a hospitable woman! She’s a wonderful host, and her home always feels welcoming! Truly, I hope I can be half the hostess my mama is one day :) But, that was my (limited) idea of hospitality. Hospitality = inviting people into your home. I had never thought of it as a matter of the heart.
When I started reading more into the idea of ‘hospitality’, I saw another quote that said something along the lines of “No one was more hospitable than Jesus.” Jesus didn’t turn anyone away, everyone was welcome at his table, and he loved and served others so, so well. And that’s when the lightbulb went off. You see, starting my business was a leap of faith. I felt like I was being called to start a photography business, but I didn’t know what that looked like or how I would even make it happen. I prayed and prayed about it, and eventually, I made the leap and started Ashley Powell Photography. Ever since then, I’ve been praying for my business and about my business and that no matter what I do, I do it for God’s glory. Looking back on this past year and half of business, I am just amazed at what God has done. I’ve met incredible boss ladies, I’ve had clients that have been amazing cheerleaders for my business, and I feel like I’ve grown more than ever in my faith. Seriously, I get teary just thinking about it all. I’m SO grateful.
Whew, anyway, I started noticing at the conferences I’ve attended that there was an underlying ‘theme’ of servanthood. Almost every speaker I heard mentioned something about loving and serving clients well. They said that if you do that, no matter what kind of business you have, you’re doing something right.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the ‘nitty gritty’ of a small creative business— how many likes you’ve gotten on an Instagram or Facebook post, whether or not you used the hashtags to your best advantage, whether or not you posted on your blog enough that month (which, by the way, is something terrible about, but I’m going to be better!), whether your bookings are up or down, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. And while these things are important, I’d argue that they’re most definitely not the most important things. The most important thing is loving and serving others well…whether it be through our businesses, at the grocery store, sitting in traffic, or interacting with each other on social media.
So, back to the pineapple. That little pineapple, for me, is a constant reminder of how Jesus loves us…how He served others. And it’s a reminder of how even on the most frustrating, difficult days, I want to serve and love my clients well, because that’s what they deserve!
My prayer for my business is that no matter what season I’m in, I will love and serve others well and bring glory to Him in the process.