Our home in Chicago is more than just a living space; it’s a hub of creativity, love, and entrepreneurship – the heart of TK Photography. My husband, Thomas, and I have woven a life where our professional dreams and family existence aren’t just coexisting; they’re interdependent. Our children, Griffin and Adair, have been part of this journey from their earliest moments. The studio isn’t just a place of work; for them, it’s where playtime and ‘helping mommy and daddy’ merge into their form of normal.
This life we’ve built is an ongoing story about the seamless fusion of family values, business lessons, and the everyday experiences that shape us. It’s a tale that began with Griffin already a part of our plans, even before his birth, as I stepped into my role at TK Photography full-time. Adair’s entrance into our world came when our business had found its footing, her baby years spent amidst the laughter and clatter that filled our studio.
Our Children’s Early Involvement
Our business journey started with Griffin, who was with me in spirit as I embraced my full-time role while pregnant. Adair, arriving four months later, joined a scene rich with established business routines, her early years intermingled with the day-to-day life of our photography studio. They’ve grown up here, learning to walk among tripods and lights, their childhoods framed by the click of the shutter and the backdrop of our shared dreams.
I remember when Griffin, just four years old, worked alongside Thomas on the new studio floor. It was a father-son project that laid down more than tiles; it laid down future expectations, dreams, and a tangible sense of belonging. More recently, they’ve begun contemplating their future roles in our business – Griffin eager to share responsibilities, and Adair, the artist of our family, keen on contributing creatively while also pursuing her passions.
Lessons Learned Together
Through our family business, Griffin and Adair have learned about resilience and creativity in the face of challenges, like navigating the rough waters of a pandemic. They’ve witnessed what it takes to breathe life into an idea – the planning, the interactions with vendors, and the reality of limitations. These aren’t just business lessons; they’re life lessons that are shaping their young minds to understand the value of hard work and the beauty of seeing a project come to fruition.
This exposure has given them an appreciation for money and the labor behind each dollar earned. They’ve started to dream up their own ventures, understanding that our collaborative family efforts can make almost anything possible. It’s fascinating to see their entrepreneurial spirit take flight, inspired by the world they’ve grown up in.
The Dance of Work and Family
Incorporating our children into the business is like a dance, sometimes graceful, other times a bit chaotic. On good days, we find harmony in our work and family life, managing to juggle client calls with field trips. Yet, there are times when this balance is elusive, and we find ourselves prioritizing one over the other. But it’s within this imperfect dance that we find our family’s rhythm, a unique melody that defines our existence.
The rewards of this lifestyle are as rich as they are varied. Our children have been privy to experiences that most only dream of – exclusive events, unique insights into the city’s cultural happenings, and forming bonds with other families who share our lifestyle. These aren’t just perks; they’re the threads that weave the rich tapestry of our lives.
Our Unconventional Rhythm
The notion of ‘balance’ is quite misleading when it comes to our family life. It’s more about a mosaic of work, play, and shared experiences. Communication is the cornerstone of our life, ensuring that every decision, every sacrifice, is made with collective agreement and understanding. We live by a rhythm rather than a routine, a principle that respects the fluid nature of our days.
Our methods might seem unconventional, but they work for us. We share our schedules, our plans, and our dreams through family meetings and shared calendars. As Griffin and Adair grow older, they’ve become active participants in planning our family’s time, learning the importance of commitment and the joy of spontaneity.
Their Future, Their Choice
As parents, Thomas and I hope to see Griffin and Adair take on more significant roles within TK Photography as they grow, but we hold their freedom of choice sacred. Their aspirations are theirs to shape, and we stand by to support whatever paths they choose to explore. Whether they step into leadership roles within our business or venture into new territories, the lessons they’ve learned here will guide them.
Our life is a living lesson that when a family works together, anything is possible. Griffin and Adair have grown up believing that every dream has a path to realization, a belief we’ve nurtured through exposure to every facet of our business.
