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.