a tale of two businesses

For a long time now I have been promising big changes and hinting at a name change. I thought I would explain what’s going on with a little story time. What can I say, I’ve been reading a lot of children’s books these days….

Once there was a boy named John who got a guitar for his 6th birthday.

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He sat on the stoop and played that guitar with such passion that by the end of the day, almost all of the strings had broken on that guitar and he didn’t even notice. He loved music and everything in his being wanted to play music and play with all his heart.

He grew to be a young man who chose his instrument, a euphonium. Playing that euphonium paid a large part of his journey through college and continued to shape his musical growth.

He then took many different paths that finally led him to realizing that it wasn’t just playing music, or teaching music, that he really wanted to do. He really wanted to write music. Music that told stories and brought images to life.

He left the security (and creativity stifling boredom) of an 8-5 job to create his in-home studio, Metta Audio. (yea for John!)

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He felt amazed and blessed that he could write music on his own schedule and be home with his family.

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John also enjoyed photography on the side and his wife Betsy shared that love with him. Betsy, in her own way, loved telling stories and sharing them with the world. As she began to tell the story of their life with their new son, people started to take notice of their photography.

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One day, Betsy came to John and said, “There are people who want us to take the same kind of photos for them that we take of our own family. Are you in?”

Even though he had his own business that kept him very busy and was growing, he selflessly didn’t even question whether he had the time or energy for his wife’s passion. Betsy & John Photography was born.

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Every time Betsy and John blinked their eyes their little business grew and grew and they learned more and more. The photography business grew to the point that Betsy started shooting on her own and started to come into her own.

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Betsy was flourishing and invigorated that after years of searching for what she was meant to do, she had finally discovered it. She too was amazed that she could pursue her dreams but still able to be home for her family.

After time, it was clear that John was torn. He loved writing music and that’s really what he wanted to do all the time. He found that he had less and less time to write music. He loved capturing the beauty of people with Betsy and loved working on something together with her, but it became too much to balance.

So at the end of last year, Betsy and John decided that John would focus on Metta Audio.

Betsy & John Photography, though it will always hold a special place in their hearts, will become Betsy’s business of her own. She will change the name to reflect that, but to her, it will always be a venture based on their passion for doing something you love and sharing it with the world. (Something they hope to instill in their son someday.)

John would like to think he’s also off the hook for doing the taxes, invoices and late night tech support for Betsy’s photography business, but John loves Betsy and knows if she were to do these things on her own he would have to check her into a mental institute.

This story has a very happy ending as John already feels energized and writing more music than ever as he approaches this year without any distractions.

Look at how happy John is!

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(Except when Betsy or Miles barges into his office to say hello, which he doesn’t seem to mind too much.)

Betsy is excited to step out and really own her work and see how much she can grow as an artist this year. It’s already shown some surprising challenges, but she’s excited for the opportunity to grow and see what the next turn has in store for her and her family.

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Oh, and of course, Betsy, John and their little guy Miles, who was the cutie in the photos that got people to take notice, all lived happily ever after.

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Thank you for hanging around for story time today! If you would like to learn more about what John does over in his side of the house at Metta Audio, check out John’s blog by clicking here. He posts music he’s working on often and he loves to hear feedback from musicians and music lovers alike.

Stay tuned this week! Now that you know the “why” behind the changes yet to come it’s just about time to make those changes HAPPEN! Things are taking longer than expected, so I’ll be in transition with the new name for a bit as I wait for the final logo, but hang in there. It’s still me behind the camera!

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18 comments
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  • Jennifer CreedFebruary 24, 2009 - 3:46 am

    You guys are so cute! My husband is a music major as well (so was I…but we don’t speak of that any more haha). So cool to see what other people are doing. Best of luck to both of you this year, I’m sure you will both be fabulous!

  • Meredith WilliamsFebruary 24, 2009 - 3:50 am

    What a sweet story! I can’t wait to hear the new name and see your new logo!!

  • JessicaFebruary 24, 2009 - 3:54 am

    Yay!!! Congrats Betsy good luck!

  • AbraFebruary 24, 2009 - 4:41 am

    Growing pains suck while they are happening but what you learn from them is invaluable. It’s nice to see you embracing it and not letting it hold you back. What a wonderful relationship the two of you have. So selfless. Reminds me of that short story ‘The Gift of the Magi” (or however you spell it). Can’t wait to see the changes.

  • ZakFebruary 24, 2009 - 4:51 am

    Now that’s a cool story! Can’t wait to see the new stuff. Checked out metta audio…very nice! 🙂 Added you to my reader…trying to bump CA up the list. 🙂

  • BetsyFebruary 24, 2009 - 5:12 am

    Thank you guys so much! The wait has been ridiculous, but good things come to those who wait so I’m working on being patient with myself. ; )

  • AmandaFebruary 24, 2009 - 1:58 pm

    That was just the cutest little story time ever! 😉 You and John are truly creative souls and I find it very inspiring. Good luck with everything as you finalize your transition. =)

  • MelissaFebruary 24, 2009 - 2:14 pm

    Can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

  • Jess (studio3z)February 24, 2009 - 2:34 pm

    you guys are adorable. I can’t wait to see your new “stuff” coming!!! 🙂 it is so cool that you both are able to have jobs that are dreams fulfilled. Such a rare thing. Love you guys!!

  • KateFebruary 24, 2009 - 3:19 pm

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! Congrats to you guys! Can’t wait to see what 2009 brings to each of you! Best wishes!

  • SarahFebruary 24, 2009 - 3:36 pm

    I loved story time. I’m sure you guys will continue to have much success. I can’t believe how much Miles has grown.

  • MichelleFebruary 24, 2009 - 3:47 pm

    Thanks for catching us up (us new stalkers). 😉 It’s fun to watch an evolution and inspiring, too. 🙂

    I’ll be waiting patiently for the next installment. 🙂

  • DoodleBunz/DB ImpressionsFebruary 24, 2009 - 4:11 pm

    What a fun way to tell your story! Best wishes, I’m sure there’s wonderful things in both your futures (and in Miles’ future as well)!

  • SaraFebruary 24, 2009 - 7:43 pm

    your story is adorable! I love that picture of you and Neilah, it’s too cute! Audrey was talking about music class this weekend and she said she wanted to see Betsy, Miles, and Miles’ daddy…too funny!

  • Kellie hFebruary 25, 2009 - 4:31 am

    wow much to come in 2009…it will be a great year for you I can tell! …somewhat bittersweet it seems from your sweet post. best wishes Betsy!

  • Captured by JessFebruary 25, 2009 - 4:48 am

    What an exciting time! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see the new changes and your gorgeous work in 2009. Yay!

  • VanessaFebruary 25, 2009 - 9:26 pm

    Hi Betsy, I’ve been stalking your blog for awhile and thought I would finally comment. 🙂 There are many similarites between our families: I also do photography, my husband is a musician (we met in high school marching band) and we’re also from Indiana (Scottsburg). We love John’s marching band music, and your photos are wonderful. We have no kids yet, but your adorable Miles makes me want one more and more. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing all you do. 🙂

  • Maya LaurentFebruary 26, 2009 - 2:02 am

    You crack me up how you told this! Great things will happen this year for you two!!