Celebrating 15 Years in Business: Facing Fear, Paddling Through, and Saying Yes Anyway

“Fear doesn’t prevent death. It prevents life.”

— Naguib Mahfouz

This year marks 15 years of running my business full-time.

That’s not just a milestone—it’s a moment I feel deep in my bones. A breath of gratitude. A wave of reflection. And an acknowledgment that this creative life, this business I’ve built, has asked me time and time again to step forward—especially when fear shows up.

And believe me, fear has shown up. Again and again.

Let me take you back real quick. I started my business in 2006, fresh out of college. But I didn’t go full-time right away. I eventually began working with an incredible photographer in Brooklyn, where I was the studio manager. I was also photographing as an affiliate for her. But that leap into full-time entrepreneurship? It wasn’t planned. I was fired from my position as studio manager, and that moment, although painful, became the invitation I didn’t know I needed. That was 2010.

At the time, I was living in Sunnyside, Queens, raising my daughter, Jess, as a single mom. Jess was in high school, and I remember standing in the supermarket looking at the price of butter, milk, and eggs, feeling that wave of fear hit my body. Could I really do this? Could I afford to chase a dream that felt so bold?

What I’ve come to know as a business owner is this: fear may show up, but it doesn’t get to make my decisions for me. I’ve learned how to feel it, breathe through it, and still believe in something more—something beyond what the world might imagine for me. And in doing that, I’ve had to find ways to support myself through the unknown, to keep dreaming, to keep building, and to keep showing up.

That same wave of fear still meets me, like when I’m standing at the edge of the ocean, learning to surf. For the past 10 years, my husband has been teaching me how to ride waves. Just this past weekend, we were at the beach with family, and I felt the cold water on my feet as I looked out toward the waves. My husband called out from deep in the ocean, “Come on babes, paddle!” So I pushed off. One wave after another hit me in the face. Water up my nose, eyes stinging, thoughts swirling. What if I can’t do this? What if something goes wrong?

And still—I paddled. I kept moving through that impact zone, the area where the waves come fast and hard. Eventually, I made it through, and I sat up on my board, just like my husband had taught me. I paused, looked around, and just said, “Thank you.” Thank you for this peace. Thank you for this strength. Thank you for this moment.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw the next wave coming. I started paddling again, this time towards the shoreline. My husband gave me a little push, and I stood up on that board. I caught the wave—and sure, when I watched the video later, it was the tiniest wave you’ve ever seen—but I was standing. I was moving. I was riding something I once feared.

Whether it was growing my business, living as a single teen mom in New York City, or finding the courage to keep pushing past my comfort zone to show up for my clients, I’ve done it all with a deep belief that I’m here for a reason. I’ve asked myself the hard questions. Why am I doing this? What do I have to give? And I continue to come back to this truth: I am here to serve, to create, to lead, and to capture stories with heart.

Over the years, I’ve been so fortunate to be named a Top Wedding Photographer in the World by Harper’s Bazaar and featured in places like the New York Times, Vogue, Brides, and Over The Moon. I’ve had the honor of photographing people like Serena Williams. I remember being with her German Shepherd while photographing her niece’s wedding dress, thinking—okay, deep breath, release the fear. Thankfully, I was raised with German Shepherds, but the moment stuck with me. It reminded me that fear never fully disappears—it simply shifts. And our job is to listen to its wisdom, to pause, and keep moving forward.

To every person who’s believed in me, hired me, referred me, mentored me, encouraged me, or cheered for me —thank you. This celebration is yours too. Your support has helped me grow into the woman, artist, and business owner I am today.

Fifteen years of creativity. Fifteen years of showing up. Fifteen years of learning to paddle, stand, and ride the wave, whatever size it may be. 

Here is my vlog about this incredible journey as a creative entrepreneur.

Together, we are just beginning a journey that will inspire so many!

With all my love and gratitude,

Judith Rae