What I Learned From a Look Back to Last Year

Every year, I do a look-back to see what worked in my business—and where I can grow.

When I did a deep dive into last year, a few things became very clear:

• I’m finally beginning to step into my authentic power (it only took 45 years of life and 10 years in business 🙃).

• I’m standing out in my market more than I ever have before.

• I’m on a slow—but steady—upward trajectory (note to self: stop stressing).

I attribute most of this to the intentional way I’ve been showing up for myself and my clients.

Below are the things that worked, the things that didn’t, and—because I don’t just believe in visioning but in aligned action—what I’m doing differently as I move forward.

WHAT WORKED

1. My Birthday Giveaway (July)

10/10. Hands down, one of the best online events I’ve ever done in my business.

There was incredible engagement on Instagram, and it turned into one of my biggest months to date. This one’s officially becoming an annual tradition.

I partnered with three different service providers in 2025, and the visibility and engagement were a win for everyone involved.
If you’re interested in donating your services for this year’s giveaway, send me an email (hello@melissaraelynnphotography.com) with:
“I’d love to donate my services for your Birthday Giveaway this year!”
I’ll be in touch.

2. Designing Experiences More Around My Clients’ Needs

Part 2 to this is also speaking directly to that client—much more intentionally—in my marketing.

If you’re thinking, “Wait, Melissa, weren’t you already doing this?”—you’re partly right. But the truth is, my business and services are always evolving.

Once I land on an experience I believe will have a real impact, I commit to it fully—and then I refine as I go. Even when something is working, I look for ways to make it better. I believe this is a big reason I’ve stayed successful in this industry for so long: I’m not afraid to try new things, and I’m not afraid to improve them.

Coming soon:

• A powerful new experience designed for keynote speakers, authors, and industry leaders (and those stepping into those roles)

• A brand-new creative portrait experience for women over 40—more on that below 👀

3. My Email Newsletter

This one will always be my baby.

I’ve grown this newsletter from just a handful of subscribers eight years ago, and I still believe email is one of the most powerful ways to educate and connect—something social media simply can’t replace.

Email is not dead and I believe it will never truly be replaced. And with an average 52% open rate (which is insane in the marketing world), the data backs that up.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK (AND WHAT I’M DOING ABOUT IT)

1. Being Available to Everyone, All the Time

I love the people I serve—but my boundaries slowly eroded in 2025, especially during my busiest months.

There are certain times of day and days of the week when my energy is at its best. Other times? I’m forcing momentum when my tank is empty. That’s not sustainable—and it’s not why I built my own business.

Some seasons are meant for more rest. Some parts of the day need to be sacred—for me and for my family.
Moving forward, I’m reinstating clear boundaries around availability for sessions, calls, and email.

2. Being Online Too Much

I’ve heard this from so many fellow business owners—and I feel it too.

In 2026, I’m intentionally moving toward a more analog life: more in-person creative moments, more curiosity, more reading books, more play. And yes—stronger boundaries around how and when I’m online. More on my analog ventures soon.

I love my business clients, and business branding work does offer creativity in its own way—but I want more.

More head-to-heart connection
More creative collaboration with humans craving depth
More intentional lighting, mood, and artistry
More authentic moments captured

That’s why I’m introducing The Becoming Series.

Becoming is an act of defiance against the idea that you must have a destination to be worthy of documentation.

Plus, how painfully easy it is to be like everybody else!

This session calls you. now, so you don’t have to wait for a massive milestone to be photographed.
You don’t have to be “finished.”

You’re allowed to be seen—beautifully—right here, in the becoming.

If this resonates—if you’re in a season of becoming rather than arriving—I would love to photograph you in my downtown San Antonio photo studio, and give you an unbelievable makeover.
The Becoming Portrait Experience is now open (spaces are limited), and the series will culminate in an interactive gallery night to view their images at the end of the year, where the women who participated will gather, connect, and witness themselves (and each other) reflected back in a powerful, tangible way. This isn’t just a photoshoot—it’s a shared moment in time, honored and celebrated.

You can learn more and sign up for a Becoming Portrait Experience at the link below. I can’t wait to see who feels called to step into this with me.

https://melissaraelynnphotography.com/becoming-portraits

Stay inspired,

M