About 2 weeks ago I had a ribbon cutting for my photography business at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. As a military spouse, I've opened my business in a few different parts of the country, but never got involved with my local chamber. I am so happy I decided to get involved here in Prattville!! What a difference joining the Chamber has made for my business and for me personally. The Chamber offers learning experiences, networking events and other types of activities that benefit small businesses and the local community- not to mention the added benefit of general socialization (which I found I really needed, as running a home business can be very isolating)! 

When Anne from the Chamber told me I should have a ribbon cutting for my business, my first reaction was to say "No, that's okay- I'm don't have a studio or store front." Anne assured me that was not necessary and that many home or internet based business have their ribbon cutting at the Chamber. This whole idea really got me thinking and made me realize I need to change my mindset about my own business. I've been running around thinking my business is "less than" simply because I run it from my home. Wow! That belief could definitely have a negative effect on my business!! Don't you think? As technology advances the amount of home businesses that have opened in the last 20 years has skyrocketed! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration website, home based businesses account for more than half of all U.S. businesses!!! Wow!! That is a lot!! Not only that, but businesses such as Apple Computer, Hershey's, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Ford Motor Company all started in someone's home!! (article can be found here- https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/how-start-business/business-types/home-based-businesses) Now that to me as a small home-based business owner, I find amazing and very, very encouraging information!!

So, I really want to give a heart-felt thank you to the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce for being committed to helping small businesses thrive here in Prattville!!! Keep doing what you are doing- I really believe becoming a member has changed my outlook on my business and is most certainly helping my business grow!! For more information on Prattville's local Chamber, click here: http://www.prattvillechamber.com/

And, of course here are some pictures captured from the event. A huge thank you to Melody at the Chamber for the great photos and for helping me get everything ready that day!!