Hi Reader,

It’s me again - your Island Girl, Bonnie, the one who can't stop travelling and photographing everything in sight. Just following up on my newsletter from yesterday.

As an artist, I create because it’s who I am. I can’t picture myself doing anything else. This lifestyle can be isolating--sometimes it feels that way - but I don’t think it has to be.

You’ll hear me (and others) say: art is about the community we build. As a person, I thrive off my connection with others…especially when it means I can help other people to tap into their own inner artist.

Photography is one of the harder types of art to describe. It is, by the standards of many, not art, yet it is also accessible to anyone. My island location is small - there are no camera clubs, no camera shops, no tutors, no way to get validation or know how I'm doing...

Ever get that feeling? You know the one. It might hit you mid-morning when you're staring at your screen, or maybe late at night when things are quiet. It's that little whisper(or sometimes, a not-so-little nudge) suggesting there could be... more.

More impact, maybe. More freedom. More creativity. More control over your time and your future. More of that feeling you get when you know you're building something truly meaningful, something that aligns with who you are and what you want to contribute.

It's a universal human desire, isn't it? The drive to grow, to improve, to move beyond our current limitations and reach for the next level. Whether you're just sketching out your very first idea on a napkin, wondering how to turn a passion into anything resembling an income...

Or perhaps you've built something solid, something you're proud of, but now you feel like you're constantly juggling, trying to keep all the plates spinning, dreaming of smoother systems and more breathing room...

Or maybe you've conquered those initial mountains, you've got experience under your belt, but you're looking at the horizon, thinking about leverage, scale, and building a legacy that doesn't require you to be chained to your desk 24/7…

That feeling of wanting more manifests differently for each of us, but the core desire is often the same: Transformation. It's about moving from Point A (wherever you are now, with all its unique challenges and frustrations) to Point B (a place where those challenges are overcome, and new possibilities open up).

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this journey - not just my own, but the journeys of countless others I've connected with. What does it really take to bridge that gap? What are the shifts in mindset, the practical strategies, the essential tools that unlock that next level, regardless of your starting point?

It's not about finding some magic bullet (spoiler: they don't exist!). It's about understanding the fundamental principles of using that art, building a sustainable online presence or, even, achieving financial independence and applying them in a way that works for you.

It’s about moving beyond just wishing for more and starting to build the pathway to actually achieve it. It's about gaining clarity, building momentum, and creating a system that supports your growth rather than hinders it.

Over the next few days, I want to share some insights and stories with you – things I've learned (often the hard way!) about navigating this path to transformation. We'll explore some of the common roadblocks that pop up and, more importantly, how to start dismantling them.

Think of it as laying the groundwork, preparing the soil before planting the seeds for that "more" you're seeking.

Keep an eye on your inbox tomorrow. We're going to dive a bit deeper into what that transformation could actually look like in practice.

Until then, maybe take a moment to reflect on what "more" means to you right now.

And, for those of you who are more hands on and "git er dun", is it okay to remind you that I have a really good offer before the Grow Together Giveaway ends on July 20th? My stunning 16 month calendar for 2025 and 2026 featuring my photos is on sale for $17!

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Talk again soon! If you enjoyed my 3 calendar freebies, I would sure appreciate a review. This is all new to me and putting it all out there is sort of scary. I've been selling physical photos and greeting cards for awhile but I am hoping that others outside of my island will enjoy my photography too!

Bonnie

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