We were lucky to catch up with Bobbi Petersen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bobbi, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Courage and adaptability further bolster my resilience. Embracing change and facing fears, as evidenced by my decision to leave my old company and start anew, demonstrate my ability to confront and manage uncertainty. This bravery allows me to take calculated risks, knowing that potential rewards outweigh the fears. Moreover, my desire for a great personal life balance indicates that my resilience encompasses both professional success and overall well-being. Striving for balance helps me maintain my mental and emotional health, ensuring resilience in both personal and professional arenas.
Daily commitment to hard work underscores the importance of consistency in building resilience. This commitment ensures continuous forward movement, even when progress feels slow or difficult. Establishing a routine and maintaining discipline provide stability and predictability, essential in the unpredictable world of business. Together, these elements create a comprehensive foundation for my resilience, enabling me to navigate the challenges of building a new business while striving for professional success and personal fulfillment. My resilience not only helps me overcome obstacles but also drives me to continually reach new heights, ensuring a rewarding journey.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a photographer who co-founded Twig & Olive Photography alongside two business partners almost 10 years ago. At the end of 2023, I made the decision to leave the company for personal and professional reasons and embarked on a solo journey. Shortly after my departure, I was given the opportunity to take over another photography studio, Abbots Lane. This allowed me to continue to work and market with a full portfolio. This new venture, combined with the launch of my corporate business, Photography for Lawyers, has empowered me to continue building my empire.
Additionally, I launched Guilded Grey Events, a business that specializes in hosting small weddings and elopements on our 35-acre property in Madison, Wisconsin. This new venture allows me to blend my passion for photography with events, creating memorable experiences for couples on their special day.
In addition to my photography and event venue, I recently accepted the position of Executive Director for the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. This role not only provides valuable connections to enhance my corporate photography business but also allows me to utilize my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from UW-Platteville.
In addition to all of the above, I run a successful jewelry design business, Guilded Grey Jewelry. This business serves as a creative outlet that I absolutely love, allowing me to express my artistic vision through unique and handcrafted pieces. I have clients from all over the world who appreciate the intricate designs and personal touches that go into each creation. Working with my hands brings me immense satisfaction as I meticulously craft each piece with attention to detail and passion. This venture not only complements my other businesses but also enriches my life by providing a space for creativity and personal expression. Whether it’s designing custom pieces for special occasions or exploring new trends and techniques, Guilded Grey Jewelry is a testament to my dedication to craftsmanship and my love for the art of jewelry making.
I love having many irons in the fire. The variety of projects and responsibilities keeps me energized and motivated. I thrive on being busy and working; it gives me purpose and drives me to achieve my goals. Balancing multiple ventures, from running a photography studio and a corporate business to managing a small venue and serving as an executive director, challenges me to continually grow and adapt. This dynamic lifestyle allows me to apply my skills in different areas, meet diverse people, and stay engaged in my passions. The constant activity not only fuels my creativity but also ensures that I am always pushing forward, learning new things, and making meaningful contributions to each of my endeavors.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Adaptability:
Impact: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot when necessary has been crucial. Whether it was leaving Twig & Olive Photography, taking over Abbots Lane, or launching new ventures like Guilded Grey Events and Photography for Lawyers, being flexible and open to change allowed me to seize opportunities and overcome challenges, even when the change was paralyzingly terrifying.
Advice: To develop adaptability, embrace change rather than resist it. Stay curious and open-minded, constantly seeking new experiences and learning from them. Practice problem-solving and critical thinking to become more comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.
Networking:
Networking with wedding professionals and other vendors early on in my career has been instrumental in making my transition to solo work seamless. Establishing these relationships from the beginning allowed me to build a strong support system within the industry. When I decided to embark on my own, these connections proved invaluable. Other vendors have been genuinely excited for me and have embraced my new business and brand with open arms, offering their support and encouragement.
These early connections provided me with a foundation of trust and collaboration. Vendors I had worked with previously were not only familiar with my work and professionalism but also enthusiastic about continuing our partnership. This network of industry professionals has helped to spread the word about my new ventures, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success.
The camaraderie and mutual respect among my peers have also led to new opportunities and referrals. By maintaining strong, positive relationships with other wedding professionals, I have been able to tap into their networks and expertise, further enhancing my own business growth. Their support has reaffirmed the importance of community and collaboration in the wedding industry.
For those early in their careers, I cannot emphasize enough the value of networking. Building and nurturing relationships with other professionals in your field can open doors, provide essential support, and contribute significantly to your success. Be proactive in connecting with others, offer your help, and be genuinely interested in their work. These efforts will pay off in the long run, creating a robust network that will support you through various stages of your career.
Advice: Start networking early and make it a continuous effort. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with peers and mentors. Cultivate genuine relationships by offering help and support to others, and don’t be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself to new people.
Strong Work Ethic:
Impact: A strong work ethic has driven me to balance multiple ventures successfully. Whether it’s my photography businesses, running a venue, or jewelry design, my dedication and commitment to hard work have been fundamental to my achievements.
Advice: Cultivate a strong work ethic by setting clear goals and staying disciplined. Prioritize your tasks, manage your time effectively, and stay focused on your objectives. Find what motivates you and use that as fuel to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
For those early in their journey, remember that growth and success come from continuously developing these qualities. Stay adaptable, build meaningful connections, and maintain a relentless drive to achieve your goals.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth and improvement has been in diversifying and expanding my entrepreneurial ventures. I’ve successfully transitioned from being a co-founder of Twig & Olive Photography to launching and managing multiple new businesses. This includes taking over Abbots Lane photography studio, starting Photography for Lawyers, launching Guilded Grey Events specializing in small weddings and elopements, and establishing Guilded Grey Jewelry as a successful creative outlet.
This period of growth has required me to expand my skills in business management, marketing, and strategic planning. I’ve learned to effectively juggle multiple responsibilities and businesses, leveraging my strengths in creativity, organization, and leadership. Each new venture has presented unique challenges and opportunities, allowing me to further develop my adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
Moreover, my role as Executive Director for the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys has provided valuable insights and connections that have enhanced my corporate photography business and overall professional network.
Reflecting on this growth, I’ve become more confident in my ability to innovate and thrive in diverse business environments. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, persistence, and staying true to my vision while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. This period of expansion has been a transformative journey, shaping me into a more versatile and accomplished entrepreneur ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bobbipetersen.com
- Instagram: Guilded Grey Photography: https://www.instagram.com/abbotslane Guilded Grey Jewelry: https://www.instagram.com/guildedgrey/
- Facebook: Guilded Grey Photography: https://www.facebook.com/Abbotslanephotography Guilded Grey Jewelry: https://www.facebook.com/GuildedGrey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiknar/
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