Every Story Starts Somewhere
Like most people, I’ve had times in my life when I couldn’t see where I fit in this world. I couldn’t figure out what my purpose was. I lacked nothing — I was surrounded by friends and loved ones, and my family was close and supportive. I married a man who loves me unconditionally, and together we’ve raised two children we adore and are proud of.
But still, that question — “why?” — took years for me to answer.
My Journey to Finding My “Why”
Growing up as a ballet dancer made my childhood a little different from that of my friends. There was a quiet curiosity about the discipline, commitment, and sacrifice it required — and, of course, the occasional early dismissal from school.
When I joined a professional ballet company at just 16, after my sophomore year of high school, that curiosity only deepened. At the time, I believed my path and purpose were closely tied to dance. Looking back, I imagine many young dancers may have felt the same way, though we never really talked about it.
Years of dancing, teaching, choreographing, and even serving as the interim artistic director of a professional company at 25 brought incredible experiences and opportunities. But deep down, I still didn’t feel I was making a uniquely valuable contribution to the world.
I transitioned into musical theatre, performing across the country and even on Broadway. I was grateful for the success and the friendships I made along the way. But I still wondered: what legacy was I creating? I loved performing, but I didn’t feel like I was changing anyone’s life in a lasting way.
Discovering a New Passion
After retiring from the stage, now married and a mother, I started teaching ballet and exploring other interests. My uncle introduced me to Creative Memories scrapbooking, and I signed up as a consultant.
I treasured my photos and recognized the importance of preserving memories, but I wasn’t comfortable selling or promoting my services. My side business never grew — but my passion for capturing and preserving memories did.
As my teaching schedule filled up, I fell even more in love with teaching. For the first time, I had the chance to work consistently with students long enough to see results. I came to cherish those “a-ha” moments when something finally clicked for them.
We built relationships only time and trust can create. I got to know my students in ways no one else did, watching them grow — from joyful, uninhibited children into confident, determined young adults.
And along the way, I realized something profound: I was learning from them, too. Every breakthrough, every challenge, every relationship was a two-way street.
Connecting Purpose to Photo Management
It took nearly five decades before I understood my life’s purpose — and how every step of my journey prepared me for it.
As I began losing mentors who had shaped me, I started reflecting on how we all leave pieces of ourselves with others — in ways we may never fully understand. That’s when my passion for photo management deepened.
Organizing and digitizing photos isn’t my reason for living. But preserving the stories and relationships those photos represent? That lights me up.
Our achievements may be forgotten. Our successes will be measured differently by those who come after us. But the relationships we build — the way we show up for others — are what truly matter.
And photos are the most powerful way to remember those relationships, those stories, and those moments that define us.
Why Preserving Photos Matters for Your Legacy
Someday, our lives will be reduced to names and dates on a family tree. But photos — when organized, preserved, and shared — tell stories that documents alone never can.
They connect us to the people who came before us and help us understand our place in the world. They show us that we are all living meaningful, complicated lives worth remembering — for more than just our accomplishments or mistakes.
I want my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to understand my “why” when they look at my photos and the stories behind them. And I want the same for you — for your photos to show the story of your life and the legacy you’ve created.
Start Preserving Your Story
Your life’s purpose matters. Your story matters. And your photos matter.
Whether you want to start organizing your collection yourself or you’d like help from a professional photo manager, take that first step. Your future generations will thank you.