This past weekend I had the opportunity to photograph an event hosted by Bumble Bizz at Kendra Scott at Easton. The event was called "Trailblazers - Women in Business," and featured mimosas, networking, shopping, giveaways and four kick-ass boss babe speakers. It was such an honor to not only photograph these women, but also to hear their stories about overcoming hardships and their definition of success. From personal trainers to local bloggers; from dental students to even Miss Ohio herself, these women have seen it all and trailblazed the entire way.

Being a woman in business myself, their stories really resonated with me. I appreciated their vulnerability because let's be honest, the world needs more of it. So many people pretend to have it all together on the outside and they don't let people know their story full of struggles and hardships... when in reality, THAT'S what makes you so successful. If you were able to overcome struggles and hardships to get where you are in your business, doesn't that make you more valuable compared to someone who just had everything easy the whole way?

The quote that most resonated with me was from online personal trainer, Devon Moretti (@devondaymoretti). She said:

"YOU NEED TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY

AND EMOTIONALLY IN ORDER TO BE THE BEST PERSON FOR YOUR BUSINESS."

That struck me hard, considering I'm in the midst of transforming my lifestyle into something that make me physically healthier. At the beginning, it was just to be happier with my weight and body. What I'm realizing is my body is a vessel; it gives me the ability to shoot 10-hour weddings non-stop, and to work 8 hours in front of a computer screen editing with my 20/20 eyes. While those don't seem like a lot of "work," if I'm not in my best shape, being the best version of me, my business suffers, my client suffers, and then I suffer.

The event was inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. I hope you enjoy these photos (and the details in them!), and even more so I hope you take advantage of local networks like Bumble to find your next date, BFF or even job! This app has so much more than I realized and I can tell you the people that come from it are AH-MAZING.

Also, if you've never been into Kendra Scott before, do it. Like now. I had no idea what beautiful jewelry and stuff that she had! Such beautiful products and I love everything about the brand.