Owning My Story: The Power of Choosing My Name

Growing up JennyShea was my nickname. I hated it. Something about shortening my name to Jenny made me feel small and unheard. On the other hand, I have always loved Shea, my middle name. My coworker and I were talking about me rebranding my photography business, and I briefly mentioned using my name but I dismissed the thought.

But I went home later that night, and as I struggled coming up with something modern & catchy, I circled back to my name. I wrote it down and as uncomfortable as it made me feel, I knew something about it just felt right. I realized choosing 'Jenny' would symbolize facing that uncomfortable feeling I've been working through for years. Figuratively, it would be walking right into the den of lions.

It wasn’t easy. Every time I thought about it, a part of me still felt that old resistance—the part of me that hated being called "Jenny" as a child, the part that wanted to remain hidden in the comfort of my middle name, Shea. But I realized that by embracing "Jenny," I was not just embracing a name—I was embracing the woman I have become over the years.

Running my own photography business has always been about capturing raw moments, real emotions, and stories that are authentic. So, it made sense that my business needed to reflect that authenticity too. If I wanted my work to feel personal, I had to start with myself. Choosing "Jenny" was my way of showing up fully, with all the discomfort, growth, and courage it took to get here. This is part of my story.

When I think about my journey as a photographer, I see it in stages. There was the start, when I was too shy to put myself out there. Then, the phase when I had to push through imposter syndrome, wondering if I was good enough. And now, this new chapter—where I’m finally saying, "This is me." I am learning to be ok with not pleasing everyone. I'm doing what I love and I am proving it is good enough just because I love it.

It’s the same way with any creative process: you have to step into the unknown, face your fears, and find comfort in vulnerability. Whether it's picking a name or taking a chance on something new, it's always about growing and finding strength in the things that scare you.

I’m excited for what comes next. Choosing to rebrand with my name feels like stepping into a new era, where I am no longer afraid to claim my space and my story. It’s not just about a business—it’s about me owning my story, my identity, and everything I’ve learned along the way. This is a fresh start. And I’m ready.

Invested.

I made up my mind to jump in with two feet. Yes, I absolutely love photography but spending that kind of money as a mother is hard. I believe some call it "mom guilt." Just think of what I could buy for my children with the money it takes to invest in a small business.

But that's what this is, right? A business, and I want to succeed. I need to succeed for myself, for my children and for my family. So that I may invest that much more into their lives.

So, I will work hard for this. I will do what it takes to succeed. I will drink in all the tips and tricks, so that I become better. I want you to enjoy this journey with me too. Not only am I in the beginning stages, but you are here with me too, and for that I am thankful. The fact that you read this far means you are somewhat invested and I appreciate it more than you know!

Do it anyway.

Here we go. I've made the investment in my photography business. I'm excited. I've got my website and social media ready, I've branded my name, and well, now what. What if no one likes my work? What if I never get a booking? What if I fail?

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Lately, I have told myself to slow down and breathe more times than I can count. I've been sure of a few things in my life. First of all, my salvation. I am a Christian and will refer to my relationship with Jesus quite a bit. Secondly, my first job. I knew I would be a waitress at a little BBQ restaurant in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, years before I was old enough to work. I believe God was manifesting it in my heart because, amazingly enough, that is where I met my husband. Third, I knew I would marry him one day. Before we even dated, I knew David was the one knitted perfectly for my life. And fourth, I know this photography business is part of God's plan for me. You see, I worry A LOT about what people think, and those questions in my mind all boil down to what if no one thinks I am good enough.

Then came peace. Peace in my heart, stating, "Even if no one thinks you are good enough, do it anyway."

It's amazing how God can change your perspective into something so clear. Jesus was treated as if He would never be good enough to be the Messiah, but if you are a child of God, you can be oh so thankful he did it anyways!

Even though it was scary. Even though He was mocked. Even though He went through physical torture, He did it anyway. Is this not a remarkable mindset? Not only for me but also to pass along to our children in the years to come. I know my business is nothing compared to what Jesus went through on Earth, but isn't it amazing when God steps in as comfort? He knows what we go through. He has felt the anxiety of what is to come, but even so, God says, "Do it anyway!"