It wasn't a typo...yes, I meant to say collaborating, 2017. Here's why I'm recalling the year this way...

Reflecting on 2017 over these last few days, has truly been surreal. (I'm big in the natural scene. Meditation, smudging and yoga tend to speak the most to me; the last year those have been my escapes.) While there are many noteable things about 2017, the one thing that stands out most, are the new collaborations. Thank you to all of the partnerships, friendships and opportunities!

In simply being who I am; outgoing, enthusiastic and caring--I found home in community. I'd been searching to find connections (like I've found this past year) since exiting my alma mater, Marquette University. In 2017, over every season, new adventures were had through the opportunities to share my gift of photography. In seasons of love, grief and charity.

Looking back, there are many experiences I will start the year off writing about (to help anyone I can to feel inspiration in trials in life). While this November took an unexpected turn, where 20 minutes to the end-of-day on a seemingly 'regular' workday, my life changed; I was let go from a company I loved. However, through that experience, I finally chased after my dreams for my root of who I am and express my artistic side. I put my business, and my love of my talents first. Channeling the height of my year, with winning a Google contest in August, which resulted in landing a spot on Google's Instagram, I felt empowered. (It still seems surreal to even type these words.) It's our experiences that shape us after all! Let's be sure to share more in 2018.

As I look forward to this new start--I'm ready to: hold more wedding dresses, dry more tears, and share more laughs over coffee or wine in 2018. I can't wait to make new memories and write these next chapters. I hope to inspire others to fully pursue their dreams. I'd love to grow in my sharing of this through this blog in 2018 and I can't wait to see the doors that will fly open with it. Cheers to making even more collaborations in the coming year! Let's make 2018 even better than last year!

See you next year, friends!

-AKP

August 2017: Won #smallthanks Google contest and was featured on their Instagram. (See image third from the right, above.)

Maria Panno, CEO of Infinite Warrior, Inc. and I at the Northbrook JCrew 2017 pop-up event, 'Holiday By You.'