April 1st began a series that will allow me to be transparent about the people that have influenced my personal and professional growth.  When I look at where I have achieved success, I can honestly say that I never did it alone.  There was always someone there that believed in me, motivated me, encouraged me, or pushed me to continue.  This series is dedicated to those people!

“If you admire somebody, you should go ahead and tell them. People never get the flowers while they can still smell them.” ― Kanye West

DAY 13: RANDI BLAKENEY (DIVINE DESIGNS BY RANDI)

Day 13 of Watermarks on my Soul is dedicated to a very special friend and business owner- Randi Blakeney of Divine Designs by Randi. Like myself, Randi works a full-time job and runs a business on nights and weekends, but in addition to that she is a wife and a mother, but she makes time for it all! I’ve known Randi since we were little.  We grew up in the same hometown and attended the same summer camps.  We attended different primary schools but ended up at the same college.  Randi is one of my closest friends and when I’ve evaluated my friendships over the years, I realize that people that push me to be better are the ones that I remain close to today- Randi fits perfectly into that category.  In each endeavor of my life, Randi has been there to show her support- when I was acting, designing websites, and now photography- Randi was along for the ride asking about my next projects and how things were going.  She has always taken an active interest in the lives of people she cares about.

When Randi launched her jewelry company, I knew I wanted to be just as supportive of her that she has been of me.  I no longer design websites, but I designed hers because I wanted to invest in her success.  She has always been extremely talented with her hands from styling hair, to doing nails, to now custom designing handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  To check out some of her recent work, click here.

Randi and I have collaborated on a few projects in the past and we will work together again this Summer as she takes a deeper dive into wedding jewelry and custom bridal belts…stay tuned!  Below are photos of a custom necklace that she designed for one of my past clients.

From Randi, I’ve learned that it’s okay to work hard, but I should also make time for myself and enjoy life to keep from becoming burnt out.  I’ve made it a point to travel more and build more time into my schedule for me and the goals that I have outside of photography.  One of my goals has been to travel outside of the country each year because there is so much out there to experience, so I am currently making plans for my next trip.  With Randi, I love that with a little notice we can plan a girls’ getaway to the beach or anywhere that has great shopping.

Randi, thanks for being a listening ear, for supporting my projects, and for being a sincere person!  I can’t wait to see you and your jewelry in the pages of O magazine or in my favorite clothing store.  Let’s continue to work together to take our businesses higher and higher.  The sky’s the limit! In the spirit of the Golden Girl’s theme song- “Thank you for being a friend”!

• Watermarks on my Soul : The Why
• Watermarks on my Soul : Day 1 – My Parents
• Watermarks on my Soul : Day 2- Rae Images
• Watermarks on my Soul : Day 3 – Quad and Keisha Smith
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 4- Laura Huntley Photography
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 5- Mark Baskin
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 6 – Andre Dalton
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 7 – Leroy Walker, Jr.
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 8 – The Champions
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 9- The Woolfolks
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 10- Abby Grace
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 11- Lacoya Heggie
• Watermarks on my Soul: Day 12- The Gaines Family