As I look back on 2024, the journey has been extraordinary, marked by professional triumphs, personal milestones, and the profound joy of making a difference in the lives of others. At Odette Photo+Art, I’ve embraced challenges, achieved significant milestones, and continued shaping the narratives of individuals and brands through personal branding and restoration.
A Life-Changing Journey: Bringing Family Closer
This year, my most heartfelt achievement was bringing my family from Cuba to the United States. Ensuring a brighter future for Ilen Maria and creating opportunities for a better present for them has been a labor of love. It brings me enormous joy and pride.
Creative Bonds: Meeting Photographer Bestie Sandra Moya
A highlight of 2024 was meeting Sandra Moya, a fellow photographer whose talent I deeply admire. This connection has enriched my professional network and fostered a great friendship rooted in shared passions for storytelling through the lens.
Literary Growth: Reading 13 Books
Books have been a source of inspiration and knowledge. Among the 13 titles I completed this year, titles like Cues, The Compound Effect, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and Essentialism stand out. They fueled my love for excellence. Each page turned was a step forward in personal and professional growth.
Sharing Insights: Podcast Features
I had the privilege of being interviewed on two episodes of The Entrepreneurial Truth. These conversations delved into entrepreneurship, creativity, and the significance of preserving legacies through photography and photo restoration.
Capturing Memories: 28 Portrait Sessions
This year, I successfully photographed 28 personal brand and family portrait sessions. Each session was an opportunity to capture stories, preserve memories, and create images that clients will treasure for generations. From professional headshots to intimate family moments, I poured my heart into every frame.
Restoring the Past: 82 Photo Restorations
My passion for photo restoration flourished with 82 projects completed in 2024. Restoring these visual histories was both a challenge and a privilege, reinforcing the importance of preserving family legacies.
I am now starting a monumental family restoration project featuring 400 images, and I'm very excited about it.
Environmental Commitment: 175 Trees Planted
When you buy a portrait from Odette Photo+Art, you make a difference.
As part of my partnership with One Tree Planted, I celebrated an impactful milestone—175 trees planted this year, aligning with my mission to make a positive environmental impact. I donate to plant one tree with each branding photo, family portrait, and restoration project.
So, you have all contributed to this initiative, and I am truly grateful.
Consistent Storytelling: 24 Blogs Written
Consistency is key to my brand’s narrative. This year, I wrote 24 insightful blogs, sharing expertise in photography, restoration, and business growth. Each piece was crafted to inform, inspire, and connect with my audience.
Investing in Growth: Business Coaching Milestones
2024 marked significant investments in personal and professional growth. I joined amazing business coaching programs:
- Booked Solid with Ben Hartley,
- Level UP with Megan DiPiero
- Group Coaching with Next Level University
- Business Coaching with Alan Lazaros.
These experiences provided invaluable insights, strategies, and community support to elevate my business.
Destination Photography: A Wedding in Colombia and a Day in Panama
This year’s adventures included photographing my best friend’s wedding in Colombia. Capturing such a momentous occasion was an honor and a joy. Additionally, a memorable day in Panama added another layer to the year’s rich experiences.
Areas for Improvement: Social Media and LinkedIn
As much as I’ve grown in other areas, I know I need to get better at social media and become more active on LinkedIn. These platforms offer incredible opportunities for connection and visibility, and I want to make them a bigger part of my strategy in 2025.
I need Alan and Gozde to keep me in line and help me stay accountable.
My Vision for 2025
As I step into 2025, my focus remains on delivering unparalleled service in brand photography, family portraits, and photo restoration. I aim to continue nurturing connections, investing in growth, and contributing to my community and the environment. Embracing the Kaizen philosophy of becoming 1% better every day will guide my actions and decisions, ensuring continuous improvement and growth in all aspects of life.
