My name is Sakhon Nhek, and I am the photographer and creator of this Mompreneur Monday blog series. My birthday is this week, and as some friends have been encouraging me to share my story as a Mompreneur too, I thought this would be a good time to do it!
I often get asked why I decided to start this project/business opportunity. As a mother of an active three-year-old and a serial entrepreneur, I noticed how being a both a mom and entrepreneur is sometimes glorified and at other times minimized, but rarely is the portrayal realistic. And so this blog is meant to share real stories of real moms who also run their own businesses. Moreover, it is natural for me to relate to other women who have businesses and are moms. They are my ‘tribe,’ if you will, and I wanted to give these women a platform to share their stories and connect with people who could really be inspired by them, as I have, while also finding ways to network as a business owner myself.
People also wonder why I became a professional photographer. I always wanted to pursue something in the arts since I was young, and over time I have dabbled in various mediums of artistic expression, including floral design, jewelry design, and interior design. When my studies with interior design came to a completion, I decided I was over the cold winters and moved to California to continue my studies.
My love for floral design encouraged me to study horticulture, but after taking classes and working at a nursery, I realized it was not the right fit. When I unexpectedly came across a fine arts photography program at Sac State that offered me a unique opportunity to study under some widely acclaimed fine art photographers I jumped at the chance. A few years later I finished my B.A in Photography and set out on the professional road once again.
Now, I feel humbled that others enjoy my art. It brings me so much joy to see how much my clients will treasure these captured memories. I remember as a young girl how much I loved looking at photographs of family members from previous generations or my parents’ youth, and I like to remind people that their photographs as not just for us, but for our descendants as well. Are we all not insatiably curious about from who, where, and whence we have come?
Besides being drawn to the arts, I have also had an equally strong desire to be self-employed – and to have a family. But the truth is, I never really had an idea of how it would all work out. I certainly can say that becoming a mom really pushed me to work harder at developing a thriving business since the stakes are so much higher now. Student debt, a high cost of living, and a husband who studied philosophy and religion add to the challenges. Lol!
Admittedly it is tough to balance the challenges of both motherhood and being an entrepreneur. While having my own business allows scheduling flexibility that I appreciate as the mom of an active toddler, it also creates a certain pressure to produce since my income is not regular and no one else is signing my paycheck. And so I feel like I have dual responsibilities – developing an adequate stream of income while shouldering all the demands of motherhood. Well, I shouldn’t say all, because I have an incredibly supportive husband and a network of great friends on whom I can rely. No one can go it alone, and spending time with other moms where we can share activities, stories, laughter, and support from one another is crucial. As a result, I have become very active in my local mom’s group here in Napa, and I have developed wonderful, caring, supportive friendships for which I am incredibly grateful.
I also find that balance involves self-care, and photographic hikes and time in nature are therapeutically necessary for me – as is more vigorous forms of exercise. Since I do not really enjoy working out at a gym, I have discovered dancing to be both the easiest and most enjoyable way to let out stress and move my body. And so, if I am not at Zumba class you might find me at Jazzercise down the street. Even so, there are just some days that need to start with caffeine and end with a good cocktail!
Finally, a shout out to all the other Mompreneurs out there like me who may have sometimes struggled to embrace our femininity fearing it would make us seem weak. What I have found, however, is that surrounding myself with women who are kind, loving, intelligent, and successful has helped me to tap into the incredible creative power of the feminine. I am inspired by people who strive to do what they love, acknowledge their humanity with a sense of humor and humility, and yet never stop trying to grow and be better version of themselves. To me, the journey is everything!
www.sakhonnhek.com
Facebook: Sakhon Nhek Photography
Instagram: Sakhon Nhek