Have you ever woken up and realized that your life is the dream you've been creating all along?
Today is one of those days for me. They happen periodically, sometimes quite often, but today it hit me. My studio, and the business that I run from it, has been in existence for almost 3 years. Actually, 2 years and 10 1/2 months, to be exact. 

What a whirlwind of a ride I've been on since November of 2016! I had no idea what would transpire over time, or how long I would have my studio in Jerome, Arizona. I happened upon it by chance, and what a great leap of faith it was for me to take it, without a concrete business plan or a sense of what would come. All I knew was, once I wandered into that space, I had to be there. I didn't know what for, I just knew I needed to be there.

With just a desk, chair and computer, I got to work doing what I did best - writing, and developing websites, marketing & social media promos for clients. Within weeks, the photographers, whom I've worked with, started to come up the mountain to Jerome, after I sent them photos of the huge wall of windows and natural light - a photographer's paradise. 

The monthly photography workshops started just a few months later. Today, with over a year and a half worth of workshops under our belts (me and the instructor, one of my photographers), an incredible reputation gradually grew, offering unique photographic opportunities with amazing professional models. 

Since that time, a lot has happened. Last October the monthly art shows began. Shortly later, musicians were paired with the artists, creating monthly events that have only grown in attendance and popularity. 

Classes, workshops, events, meetings and services have come and gone, evolved and transformed over time, opening up what's to come in this next year.

I still write, and there are several books in the works. Blogging and short stories (and soon, an online magazine for artists) are my thing, and I love it all. I still model, and have several big shoots coming up before the end of 2018. 

Here's the scoop:  I've partnered with an entertainment company, promoting music events and parties (raves). Our first independent show will be on Saturday, October 20th, just in time for Halloween. I am beyond thrilled to be organizing and arranging something this huge. It calls to my passions, a combination of art, music, visual and technical skills, writing press releases, meeting all the players, arranging the event details, photography and videography, creating marketing material and promoting. I couldn't ask for something better than this. It's like putting together a party on a gigantic scale.

What's coming next? January, 2019 - LOOK OUT! Zushka Transformed.

Watch the video on this Blog, see the cast of characters, the usual suspects (including yours truly), and follow me by subscribing to my blog.

Original Blog on Red Bench Photo Studio:  BLOG

I am truly grateful for everyone's support and encouragement.
Thank you!

Zushka

Seven Canadians walked into my studio one day.... no, this isn't the beginning of a joke. They wandered in because the door was open. My studio isn't just where I work, it doubles as a photography studio and an art gallery. I offered them coffee and cookies while the mom of the group discovered my book, which I sell on a little table near the door.

"Is this a true story?" she asked. "Yes, it is. Let me tell you about it." From there, I told them about my life. I had a captive audience in my studio, and soon we became friends. They spent an hour with me, when the dad said "are you a motivational speaker?" 

"No, but that's a good idea." I quickly wrote it on the blackboard on the wall behind my desk. 

I was inspired, my adrenaline was running. I contacted my editor who put me in contact with someone who organizes community talks at a local church. I had a title and an idea. But then something miraculous happened.

My recovery took an unexpected turn when a model named Abby asked me to do a photo shoot with her. Everything I thought I was going to say at the talk changed after that shoot. 

I invite you to watch the video and see what I mean. This is the beginning of something big for me. I'm preparing and practicing for a TEDx Talk coming up at the end of the year.

Video courtesy of Mark Short of fotographfx.com