One Chapter Closing… A New One Begins.
Dear Lux Rae Loft Community friends,
It's been quite a journey since the beginning. From the challenges of opening amidst covid lockdowns, school closures, and a surprise premature baby delivery, 2020 tested us in ways we never imagined. Back then, as I signed a nerve-racking lease for Lux Rae Loft, I wondered if this dream of mine would ever become a reality.
But here we are, almost 4 years later, and this community has grown beyond my wildest dreams. I am immensely grateful for each and every one of you who has supported this business and made it thrive.
Yet, 2023 brought unexpected challenges for my family. We faced serious health concerns, hospital stays, and a lot of uncertainty. In August, I made the difficult decision to relocate with my extended family for the support we needed. While I've been traveling back to Washington, I realized that it was becoming increasingly difficult to give the studio and all of you the level of support you deserve.
That's why, after much consideration, I made the choice to sell the studio. It wasn't an easy decision, but sometimes the best thing for our loved ones is to prioritize their well-being. I want you to know that the timing couldn't have been more perfect as the perfect buyer came forward. Rest assured, you are all in excellent hands.
I want to express my deep gratitude for being part of my dream. The memories we've created and the success we've achieved together will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Now let me introduce you to our fabulous new owner!!
You may have heard about Amanda, who is the secret superstar of our latest e-mail campaign. She took her photography business to the next level and hit the impressive 6-figure mark within her first year! But that's not all she has in store for you. Amanda has some incredible programs and classes planned for 2024 that you won't want to miss.
However, there's more to Amanda than just her business success. I had the pleasure of getting to know her when she joined our studio membership in early 2023. At first, I assumed she was a beginner in both her business and her photography skills. I couldn't have been more wrong. Amanda's work is truly mind-blowing, and she's a master at Photoshop. Just take a look at these stunning test photos she took while preparing new backgrounds and client wardrobe outfits. And yes, they're all self-portraits!
Not only is Amanda immensely talented, but she's also a wonderful friend. She's kind, helpful, resourceful, and always up for a good laugh. You're in the best of hands with her. But enough from me, let's hear from Amanda herself. Take it away, Amanda!
Hello Lux Rae Community!
I'm Amanda Chantee and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be (attempting to) stepping into Teryn's shoes. Taking over from Teryn is an honor. Throughout this transition process, I have tried but can never properly convey my deep gratitude for the many ways in which she has encouraged and continues to encourage me. Teryn has been a consistent supporter, a business mentor, cheerleader when I was doubting myself and most importantly, a friend. I have learned a lot from Teryn and I cannot wait to continue to build upon the incredible foundation she’s laid for this community.
My journey to Lux Rae Loft has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After spending a decade as a stay-at-home parent, I was suddenly a single mom. Re-entering the workforce was a well-researched event that took an unexpected turn due to a health diagnosis. In a blink, the firm, the job, it was gone before the onboarding process had even completed. In navigating those challenges, my passion for photography became my beacon in 2022. It was my love of photography, digital art and the immense power of Photoshop that led me to editing for other photographers, supporting other artists through managing their social media as well as working as a remote personal assistant. It was back in December of 2021 that I first visited Lux Rae Loft as the client of a local photographer (we love a Holiday mini!) that I thought to myself, maybe, just maybe I can step out from behind the computer and make a living off of my art too. I will never regret that decision. While I was hustling for everyone else in 2022, that beautiful rental studio stayed in my heart... when I saw memberships were opening RIGHT WHEN I NEEDED CHANGE, it felt like the universe was sending a giant neon sign into my inbox. Through initial trial and error, and then with intentional mentorships and education I sought out, I was able to craft my Lux Rae Studio Membership into my beautiful safe haven for my business to thrive. Those studio walls have seen it all from me. My frustration, my self doubting anxiety ridden mentoring sessions, my pride, and even my massive deluge of grateful tears locked in the bathroom after closing my very first five figure transaction as a business owner right under the sign “Your Space to Create”. Lux Rae Loft is Teryn's creation, but it has seamlessly become a part of the very fiber of my business, and I'm thrilled to continue its success.
What's in store for 2024? I can't wait to share it with you all!
A bit about me—some may recognize me as the near silent wallflower during content days. I'm a hopeless romantic who doesn't shoot weddings anymore but I will hold one partners hand while helping them craft the most gorgeous-epic-to-be-talked-about-for-generations surprise proposal, I yearrrrrrn for these sessions! (Someday I’ll share a blog post about the time I got a sprinter van with an acapella group, and a very nervous guy and his completely unaware soon-to-be-fiance allllll the way out to Lake Takhlakh… epic epic epic. Yes we were all in the same van, no she had no clue, yes he lied and said we were all on a guided tour. Hi, I’m your guide and I’m just pulling out all of the facts I can remember about trees and birds and volcanic peaks as we made that long drive. Lol) I’m a booknerd through and through, forever and always lost in pages. A nature enthusiast yearning daily to be immersed in the PNW wilderness, a mother/step-mother to six beautiful souls, a numbers and finance geek and a true crime junkie. Most importantly, your hype girl, supporter, sounding board, resource, and accountability gal to propel your business to new heights.
I'm thrilled to be part of this community and can't wait to create, collaborate, and grow together. Here's to an amazing journey ahead!