In my lifetime I have had the privilege to meet many families that work together in a family business. They work side by side, loving every minute of being together. NOT!
I laugh as I think about the next few articles I’m about to right because I know all too well what the real side of working with a family member is “really” like.
There are many joys and celebrations. Many accomplishments and rewards can be shared over time. But there can also be some serious disagreements, tension and frustrations. Through it all though the one constant that always rises to the top is the love and strength of a family bond. There is nothing like it in the whole wide world.
Nearly everyone I know who owns their own business, deep down inside, wants to have a business that their children would want to be a part of. At the very least they want their children to be able to learn from the experiences of having your own business – being your own boss.
The first family I’d like to share a story about is the Hobbs family fromGreatBridge. This is a photography family and they are all dear friends to me. Bruce (the dad) and Jeannie (his daughter) are the two member of the family I will reflect upon.
You see I’ve known them for nearly 25 years. If it weren’t for Bruce, I probably would not be where I am today. I remember the very first time I met Bruce. He was like a long lost friend that I had known my entire life. We simply hit it off like best buddies and together we developed a friendship that would rival many others over the years. I worked with Bruce in his studio and watch his dream come true. We talked for hours about what he envisioned his studio to look like one day and how he was looking forward to his daughter, Jeannie, being a part of it with him.
I still remember a picture of Jeannie that he showed me many times (it’s on her facebook page today) of her as a little girl holding a camera. It still makes me smile when I look at it. 
Jeannie eventually came to work with Bruce and I watch his little girl grow into the talented photographer that Bruce always knew she would be. I watched her work side by side with her daddy for years. Jeannie became my sons Godmother and she even lived with us for a short time. She was like a sister to me and a special Aunt to my son.
Bruce encouraged me when it came time to open my own studio and he was always there for me whenever I needed him. Friends like that are a once in a lifetime gift from God.
Over the years, I watch Bruce and Jeannie build quite a photography presence in the Great Bridge area and create some amazingly beautiful work for their clients. Jeannie learned so much from her daddy and Bruce (even though Jeannie may not know it) always told me how proud he was of his little girl and how much he learned from her every day.
I saw the dream that Bruce had describes to me many years earlier – become a reality. The studio and grounds that he had carried an image of in his head and heart for so long developed and unfolded right before their eyes. Amazing!
I’ve seen them share in many phenomenal accomplishments over the years and I’ve also seen them deal with the inevitable struggles that come with working close with the people you love. We have all laughed over some silly things that have happened at their studio and we have also cried many tears.
I’ve seen Jeannie rise to the occasion many times and confront head on all the struggles life has thrown at her, even one of the hardest challenges of all– the passing of her father.
I know with all my heart that Bruce was and still is so proud of his little girl. And so am I.
Jeannie now has two children of her own. I wonder if there is a budding photographer/artist within either of them. Hmmm, I suppose we will have to wait and see.
In honor of the first family in business in my series of articles : Here is a wonderful photograph of Bruce and Jeannie and Dolores (wife/mother). You see, even my photographer friends realize the value and importance of having a portrait created.This image was created for the business. (They have a son, Keith, who is not in the business so consequently does not appear in this particular image)
Families working together - series
Ok – So do I have your attention now? I know the picture is not of a family but my little friend is here to announce a new series of articles. They will be about families in the work place. I think you’ll enjoy them. Perhaps they will bring a tear or even a smile on your face but I know they’ll be entertaining.
Over the next few weeks I will be writing about families working together. This may not be exactly what you think it is. But I promise it will be interesting.
Why families?
I remember when I was a little girl, my mother owned her very own hair salon. This was a rare thing for a woman back in the 60’s. My mother didn’t have the luxury of staying at home. She was a single mom and it was a very different world back then.
There were no daycare centers and most women were stay at home moms raising their children. When my mother had to work (6 days and evenings a week) and I was not in school, she would bring me to her salon. I learned so many things there. I learned how to deal with people – all people, happy ones and unhappy ones. I learn how to have a sympathetic ear if someone just needed to be heard. I learned how to shampoo hair and sweep floors and take out trash. Oh yes, it was no free ride or all fun and games. My mother made it a point of keep me busy and I was a welcomed addition to her business. Even at the age of 8, I remember her customers asking for me to shampoo them and how they gave me a huge tip (usually 25 cents – which bought a lot back them) and I remember feeling important and useful in the world and “very grown up”. I loved it. Having the opportunity to just be near my mother was the best.
Occasionally today I see families working together in their business. It touches my heart when the kids are young, just trying to help out. When I see one who has grown up in the family business and managed to stay in the business – it makes me smile.
Years ago I met the Hobbs family. They are wonderful photographers and dear friends in theGreatBridge area ofChesapeake.
One day I noticed a remarkable family working together – the McConnell’s from JoJacks Café from the Churchland section ofPortsmouth.
Recently I met Drs. Jeff and Clay Weisberg, Father and son dentist from the Western Branch area ofPortsmouth. It was a sheer joy to see them together.
I’d like to share my observation of these three families with you in my next couple of blog posts.
In the meantime, tell me about your family business and how you manage to teach your kids and work together and how it is a blessing to you. I can’t wait to hear your story.
Over the next few weeks I will be writing about families working together. This may not be exactly what you think it is. But I promise it will be interesting.
Why families?
I remember when I was a little girl, my mother owned her very own hair salon. This was a rare thing for a woman back in the 60’s. My mother didn’t have the luxury of staying at home. She was a single mom and it was a very different world than today.
There were no daycare centers and most women were stay at home moms raising their children. When my mother had to work (6 days and evenings a week) and I was not in school, she would bring me to her salon. I learned so many things there. I learned how to deal with people – all people, happy ones and unhappy ones. I learn how to have a sympathetic ear is someone just needed to be heard. I learned how to shampoo hair and sweep floors and take out trash. Oh yes, it was no free ride of fun and games. My mother made it a point of keep me busy and I was a welcomed addition to her business. Even at the age of 8, I remember her customers asking for me to shampoo them and how they gave me a huge tip (usually 25 cents – which bought a lot back them) and I remember feeling important and useful in the world and “very grown up”. I loved it. Having the opportunity to just be near my mother was the best.
Occasionally today I see families working together in their business. It touches my heart when the kids are young, just trying to help out. When I see one who has grown up in the family business and managed to stay in the business – it makes me smile.
Years ago I met the Hobbs family. they are wonderful photographers and friends in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake.
One day I noticed a remarkable family working together – the McConnell’s from JoJacks Café from the Churchland section of Portsmouth.
Recently I met Drs. Jeff and Clay Weisberg, Father and son dentist from the Western Branch area of Portsmouth. It was a sheer joy to see them together.
I’d like to share my observation of these three families with you in my next couple of blog posts.
In the meantime, tell me about your family business and how you manage to teach your kids and work together and how it is a blessing to you. I can’t wait to hear your story.
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Swarovski crystal elements
Jeweled Line of Portraits
Cathy is always coming up with something new and exciting for her clients. Recently she developed a “Jeweled line” of portraits that is beautiful and exclusive to her studio.
What is a “Jeweled line” portrait? After Cathy creates the portrait she personally handles all the artistic finishing including adding Swarovski Crystal Elements jewels to the surface of the canvas print. You really have to see it to appreciate it. When the light in your home bounces off these crystals it is amazing.
It is handcrafted and customized portraits like this that has made Cathy’s photographic art as must have to all those looking for exquisite timeless personal art for the home.
We currently have two of these portraits on display at the studio. Cathy would love to create a unique piece of art work for you. Why not be the first in your circle of friends to have such a unique portrait in your home? Give us a call to find out the details. It’s very exciting and we know it is going to be a “must have” for every family in Tidewater.
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Family portraits are something most people only think about doing when its almost too late. I’ve heard every excuse there is. Heck, I’ve used those same excuses myself on occasion.
Have you ever used any of these excuses yourself?
- I think I’ll wait until I loose 20 pounds
- my kids needs to get their braces off
- my husband hates being photographed
- my child is not good with having their pictures taken
- maybe when the weather gets better
- we’re too busy to take the time
- I’ll wait until Christmas and use them for gifts
Yes, I’ve heard it all and from my 20+ years doing this and being a mother and wife myself I can tell you from personal experience that there is not time like the present. So may things can happen and you’ll look around one day and say “where did the time go?” Now, I’m old and gray and I don’t want my children to remember me this way.”
There really are no excuses –family is important to you, we know that and in years to come they will be so glad you took the time to get everyone together to have a beautiful portrait made of the entire family.
Trust the experts to help you choose the right clothing to help everyone look their best (slimmest, youngest, and coolest). Choosing the right colors can also help create a true work of art for your home that blends well in your décor. Let them help you decide on the perfect location and time of day to gather for the session. Take advantage of the beautiful weather we have now but if you have to reschedule due to weather – that’s okay too. It’ll be worth the time and effort you set aside to make this happen for your family. Your children will look back on this as a memorable and fun time. And you’ll look at the portrait with love and admiration for those in the image for many years to come.
One of our favorite places for family portraits is Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The gardens usually charge a fee to allow you to use the grounds for your portraits but we have a special deal for you that you’re going to love. With your paid session fee to Cathy Benton Photography for a family portrait session (to be done at Norfolk Botanical Gardens) you will receive a one years family membership to the gardens as our gift to you. There are so many fun things for the kids to do there. It’s also a wonderfully peaceful place to go just for a walk. I personally find the plants and flowers that I want to have in my yard and find out the name of them (with the identifying markers around them). By seeing the area (shady or sunny) I can know what will work best in my yard. It simply is a nice place to spend time and your portraits will be so beautiful in this surrounding.
Don’t wait any longer. This is important! Have that family portrait session done now. I’ve heard so many horror stories about people waiting too late and really regretting not having done one. Our experts can help guide you through the process. It will be relatively painless but well worth your time, effort and investment.
Call us today (757-484-1777) for information on how you can have that priceless family portrait made and receive your gift membership to Norfolk Botanical Gardens as well.
Or contact Cathy via email (cathy@cathybenton.com) Don’t wait any longer. Remember, It’s Later Than You Think!
