Being a business owner leaves little to no time to escape from the daily tasks, piles of emails, social media, and all the other important parts of running a successful business. As a professional photographer, I have realized that I spend more of my time in the business itself, than behind the camera. At times, I feel my creativity has to be put on hold, so that I can take care of the ‘practical’ side of my business. Well, I also realized I’m not willing to sacrifice my creative nature and appetite to grow as a photographer. I found a solution that works for me. I’m in the process of training myself to “take time away”. Take time to recharge my batteries. Yes, I will fight the feelings of guilt. I will understand that the emails will be there tomorrow and I will continue to set up strategies to maximize my productivity and time when I am “in the office”. But, on my “time off ” I will continue to practice and grow as a photographer. I will document where I go, how I enjoy my time and my experiences.

When Leslie, the inspiring editor of Vertical Magazine announced a Get Vertical Getaway to the Tradewinds resort in Ana Maria Island, I didn’t think twice and jumped at the opportunity. Leslie is awesome to work with and I consider her a dear and trusted friend. I knew whatever she was up to, it was going to be amazing! The getaway was a relaxing, inspiring, and the ultimate pampering experience! I was lucky to be one of the first to register, and receive a brand new Chevy Equinox from GM in the Southeast to drive to Ana Maria Island and back. Their customer service was beyond excellent. They brought the car to my front door, with a gorgeous welcome basket waiting in the vehicle and they picked it up the evening I returned home. If I had not just purchased a new vehicle in the beginning of this year, I would have totally contemplated purchasing from them. They were fantastic!

Sponsored by Working Women of Tampa Bay, the getaway kicked off with a beach chill out event where I met the other fabulous ladies, including my roommate for the weekend. After that, we headed to our beautiful cottages to change and hit the lovely shoppes at Pine Avenue. I bought the cutest little bag at Bella by the Sea, fell in love with everything at Pink & Navy, and had the yummiest cheese, sangria, and olive oil samples I’ve ever tasted at Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost. Rhonda of Really Relish was a sweetheart and I can’t wait to go back and visit these fine shoppes very soon! We worked up an appetite after all that walking and shopping and had dinner at Gulf Drive Cafe . If you are ever in the area, stop by and try the grilled homemade blue crab cake sandwich, absolutely delish!

We spent the rest of the evening lounging by the pool and chatting about our businesses, goals, experiences, and future. It was such a blessing connecting with these women. I left Ana Maria Island the next day with buckets of inspiration, but not before the most amazing breakfast I’ve ever had! Seriously, the Island Creperie is a MUST if you are in the area. I had the “Big French Breakfast”…WOW.

Thank you Leslie and everyone who made this experience possible. Thank you for the opportunity to get to know more about my community, meet fabulous women, and get recharged and inspired! Much love to all of you. Looking forward to the next getaway in October, and to hear of all the continued success for each of these talented women!

Enjoy a few of the images from my experience!