What Exactly is T Photos Boutique?
I get asked this a lot.
As I sit in bed with my laptop this Sunday morning, my husband next to me scribbling away effortlessly, writing the next chapter of his book— I search for just a few good words to help people better understand the goals for my business model. He is at a place in his latest novel where it all flows; he knows where he’s headed, no hesitations.
My journey with photography has been a little different.
Ever since I was 7 years old and was presented with a yellow Cabbage Patch camera with 110mm film—I fell in love with taking photos.
When my oldest child left for college, I made it official and T Photos was born. The joke for the first year was that my new supplies had taken over their spot at the dining room table. Possibly true, but not intentional—T Photos just began to consume my brain and soul. Every waking moment that I wasn’t teaching high school math, I was either out shooting new locations or developing ways to reach new customers.
And I definitely have had some interesting ways of connecting with people. Shoutout to Michele Lawson, the owner of Hair and Co in Red Bank: after I emailed her saying that I noticed her bare walls and would love to help her fill them up she met with me after hours one night to look at my portfolio. She was the first to buy a large framed print of mine. More importantly, a wonderful business relationship and friendship continues to this day.
I spent a day bagging groceries in the Little Silver ACME just so that I could speak to all the shoppers and give them flyers and coupons for my new website.
I handed out free stickers one Saturday morning outside of Starbucks.
I created a 50-Mile NJ Hike challenge for myself, which consisted of walking from Cape May to Atlantic City with only my backpack and camera. This hike, which involved raising money for unhoused people became a life changing event for me. I was impacted by both the journey and the people who supported me along the way.
After mile 50
My brother, the successful businessman, constantly harps on me – “You need a theme; you need a theme!”
I kept telling him that when it hit me, I’d know. I love all forms of photography from beach and landscape to serious documentary, as well as portraits of people and animals. I spend most summers capturing kids surfing down the shore, because I love finding their smiles amidst their struggles. This is not always an easy task, but was my mission at the time and is now very representative of my overarching theme.
So, almost five years later, T Photos has evolved into T Photos Boutique—a shift into providing home décor, gifts and more—all created from my photography. The tagline “Bringing Paradise to your Door” is indeed the goal. Creating art to make you smile, lift your mood, and brighten your home or work space are all a part of it. In a world that is often very dark and unsettling, —creating products that bring beauty and happiness into our daily lives—is what I strive for. My boutique, both online and at the physical location that will soon be at 86 Broad Street in Red Bank (June 15th – Sept 15th 2021), seeks to provide products that are designed with the customer in mind. Forms of this could be wall art, greeting cards, stickers, mini-mood boosters, the Timeless Collection (1 of a kind pieces of art), postcards, candles (with a unique twist), refurbished framed photos, portrait sessions, and more. Have an idea for a special project or custom order? I’d love to hear it.
If this is your first time to the site, stay and explore. If you haven’t gotten a chance to RSVP to the grand opening event on Saturday June 19th – do so HERE
I look forward to making you smile. 😊
