Saturday, March 2, 2013

Full Circle Exchange

photo commissioned by Full Circle Exchange

photo commissioned by Full Circle Exchange
When I started this blog in 2007 I knew I wanted it to be bright and primarily focus on photos. It was mostly photos of my children back then.  Over the years, I've tried to elevate the photography on my blog little by little.  It's something I've always loved to do.  With each new thing I learn, I become more and more passionate about photography.  Now I'm doing some freelance photography work. That's right! I'm getting paid to take photographs.
I received my first contract as a photographer a few weeks back.  Maybe you recall the photo journalism style piece I did for Salem's last year?  The story was published in the embassy newsletter and the owner liked the photography so much she asked me to be in charge of the product photography as well as the design the Spring 2013 Look Book (it's just a cooler version of a catalog).  It's an amazing project for a number of reasons.  She's given me almost full creative freedom with the photos and the design work, as well as complete flexibility with my working hours.  The job has been exciting and challenging.
photo commissioned by Full Circle Exchange
My work with Salem's has led to additional work with Full Circle Exchange.  Have you heard of it?  It's a non-profit organization that works with small businesses in developing countries. They purchase the products and sell them to retailers and on their own website.  It's a wonderful way to empower small businesses who are struggling in Ethiopia and around the globe.  This kind of exposure is priceless.  Salem's has a partnership with Full Circle Exchange.  Over the last few weeks I've watched the artisans at Salem's weave and finish seven hundred scarves for Full Circle! Some will be sold at Walmart.com!  I'm now Full Circle's photographer in Ethiopia.  You can see the photos of the scarves on their website as well as some of the women and the products on their Facebook page.
photo commissioned by Full Circle Exchange (this is Rosa-one of the beautiful hardworking women I've had the opportunity to meet at Salem's.

10 comments:

The Gunning Family said...

You are an impressive young woman! So happy for all of you and the exciting things happening in your lives!

Emily said...

This makes me so happy for you!

Nomads By Nature said...

This is uplifting - not only with the photography work you do, but the happiness you bring others including your girls. You exude happy! And those cupcakes look really really yummy. Seriously yummy.

Anonymous said...

Wow Sara! I just popped over to your blog after "running" into you on facebook comments of a mutual friend. Congrats on the success of your business and photography project. Your energy and drive is so inspiring!

Bfiles said...

congratulations Sara! Wow, I used to wonder how you did it with 3 kids...then with Ladytroupe sweets...now you have added another amazing job. You are an inspiration. I wish you could bottle your energy and send me some!

Heather P. said...

Congratulations dear friend! I am so excited for this new creative venture for you. What a perfect fit, doing things you love. I wish you the best!

Sara said...

Everyone's excitement for me is so nice and maybe a little too much for me to take in. Thank you so much for all these wonderful words of encouragement. I have no idea what the future holds for me but for right now I'm happy. I hope the same for every single one of you!

Emily Joy said...

Sis- I am so stinking proud of you!!! You are anamazing mom, photograher, and caterer! I wish i could be there to enjoy it first-hand, i am excited to see where are your effort and talent takes you! Love you!

Sadie said...

How fortunate you are to be able to combine all your loves into quality work and home lives! It's rare, and you make it look easy (though I know it isn't!).

Blogger said...

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