Covid impact in my business

I am going to be honest, when we started quarantine in April, I was the most happy and positive family member around my house - my family was anxious, especially my college son. I dove into my photography and took advantage of my time to adopt new marketing techniques, build up my web presence, and learn new skills, I was basically breathing photography 24/7.
Months passed and I caught up with many goals, what now? This pandemic has been tough on business and being a photographer I can feel the impact. The first semester is the busiest for me, I have various business events/group headshots, but 2020 really disappointed.
So, I decided to get creative! All I have is TIME so I started few projects, because if I don’t I am literally going to go crazy!

Living room project:

First I searched for weeks until I found exactly what I was envisioning for my living room: a set of 5 large 5.5’’ deep Hexagon Shelves. Here is the Etsy link in case you would like to check out: https://www.etsy.com/listing/603330760/set-of-5-large-55-deep-hexagon-shelves?ref=user_profile&frs=1 (PS: at the end of blog I have a list of pros and cons for this product)
Upon arrival I felt in love with the shelves, they were very well wrapped and no damages were found. Right away I noticed the raw wood color and decided that staining would give a richer look to it.

Painting/Staining shelves

First, I covered my work space with newspaper and made sure to wear gloves. I didn’t have to sand the shelves, it was pretty smooth. To stain the wood, I used “Old Masters Professional Fast Dry Wood Stain” Provincial 60504. This wood stain was really pretty, not to dark and not to light, just perfect! Instead of using a brush I found that staining with a piece of fabric is much easier, you can just use an old white shirt from your husband 🤣.

After the staining process was done I started to wonder… These shelves came with screws that would go directly to the drywall. It didn’t seem like a good idea to me because I knew my flower planters were a bit heavy and I would hate for the shelves and plants to fall. A trip to Lowe’s was all I needed! I purchased anchors specifically for my drywalls. Lowes link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-10-Pack-1-5-in-x-0-19-in-Blue-Steel-Light-Duty-All-Purpose-Anchor-with-Screws/1000103123. I also had to purchase small D-ring hangers because the shelves had none: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-Pack-D-Ring-Small-Picture-Hangers/3029191. D rings needed to be placed in the corners of the top hexagons.

Installing Shelves

Time to figure out how I wanted the shelves to be hung on the wall, It was time to add my personality to it. I did something that made it easier. I placed all in the floor and rearrange all shelves. This way I could have an idea of the final look on the wall. With that in mind, I also had to be mindful of space between shelves, that was the hardest part! You definitely need a level: https://www.lowes.com/pd/KAPRO-9-in-Magnetic-Torpedo-Level/1000179331.
Finally! I was ready to hang the honeycomb shelves!

… the last and more fun part of the project, adding the plants!!!

I just love to sit at my living room and enjoy the peacefulness now… These shelves are amazing and I would recommend it. It definitely ties the room together, and gives it a more “homey” look. I just wish it came with the D rings already attached to it. If you would like to purchased these shelves here is the Etsy link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/603330760/set-of-5-large-55-deep-hexagon-shelves?ref=user_profile&frs=1

My advice to other photographers is to stay positive! The pandemic has been tough on business, but I started to see an uptick in bookings for events and that is awesome!!!

How about you? What have you done to keep busy and mentally stable? Comment below, I would LOVE to know how you are doing :)