Why I Started Prairie Willow Co
If you’ve spent any time on my website, you’ve probably learned that I offer photography and website design.
But Prairie Willow Co is about so much more than building websites or taking photographs.
At its heart, Prairie Willow Co was built from a love of storytelling.
Because stories matter.
The stories of families.
The stories of businesses.
The stories of the people behind the brands they’re building.
And like many entrepreneurs, my own story is a big part of why this business exists today.
Where It All Started
My journey with photography began long before I ever considered turning it into a business.
I’ve always been drawn to preserving moments.
The little things.
The milestones.
The memories that often feel ordinary in the moment but become priceless over time.
What started as a passion eventually grew into a business.
For years, I had the privilege of photographing families, graduates, couples, businesses, and some of life’s most meaningful moments.
I fell in love with the idea that photographs allow us to hold onto memories that would otherwise slip away with time.
But along the way, I discovered something else I loved.
Helping businesses tell their stories.
Finding A New Creative Passion
As I worked with more entrepreneurs and small business owners, I noticed something.
Many incredible businesses didn’t have a website that reflected the quality of their work.
They were passionate.
Talented.
Hardworking.
But their online presence often didn’t tell that story.
I began helping businesses with websites, branding, content, and online strategy.
What started as a few projects quickly became another creative outlet that I genuinely loved.
I realized that website design wasn’t all that different from photography.
Both involve storytelling.
Both help create connection.
Both help people see the heart behind a business.
The Inspiration Behind Prairie Willow Co
Prairie Willow Co was created as a place where creativity and connection could come together.
A place where businesses could receive more than just a website.
A place where families could receive more than just photographs.
I wanted to create something that felt rooted in who I am and where I come from.
Living in Saskatchewan has taught me to appreciate community, authenticity, and the beauty found in everyday life.
The prairie landscape has a quiet strength to it.
The willow bends but doesn’t break.
Together, they felt like the perfect representation of the values I wanted my business to reflect.
Motherhood Changed Everything
If there’s one thing that has shaped me more than anything else, it’s becoming a mother.
Motherhood has taught me patience.
Perspective.
Resilience.
It has reminded me how quickly time passes and why preserving memories matters so much.
As a mom of four, I understand just how fast the seasons of life move.
One minute you’re rocking a newborn to sleep.
The next you’re watching your child head off to school, graduate, or discover who they’re becoming.
Those experiences have influenced both my photography and the way I approach business.
Because behind every business owner is a person.
A family.
A dream.
A story worth sharing.
Building Through Loss
In 2019, I lost my dad to cancer.
Losing someone you love changes you.
It changes how you see time.
It changes what you value.
It changes the way you look at memories.
His loss became one of the reasons photography became even more meaningful to me.
Because photographs become treasures when the people in them are no longer here.
They preserve smiles, laughter, and moments we wish we could hold onto forever.
His memory continues to inspire the way I live, work, and serve others.
It’s also one of the reasons community, connection, and legacy are so important to me.
Why I Love Helping Small Businesses
One of my favorite parts of Prairie Willow Co is working with fellow entrepreneurs.
Especially small business owners.
I know how much courage it takes to start something from scratch.
I know what it feels like to pour your heart into a dream.
I know the excitement, uncertainty, and determination that comes with building something of your own.
Helping businesses create a professional online presence isn’t just about websites.
It’s about helping people feel proud of what they’ve built.
It’s about helping them be seen.
It’s about creating tools that help their businesses grow.
And I genuinely love being part of that journey.
More Than A Business
Prairie Willow Co has evolved over the years, just as I have.
It’s grown through different seasons of life, different goals, and different dreams.
But one thing has never changed.
My desire to help people tell their stories.
Whether that’s through a family photograph hanging on a wall, a branding session that captures the heart of a business, or a website that helps an entrepreneur reach new clients, the goal remains the same.
Connection.
Because at the end of the day, the things that matter most aren’t perfect images or beautiful websites.
They’re the people behind them.
Final Thoughts
Prairie Willow Co was built on creativity, connection, and a genuine love for helping people tell their stories.
It’s a reflection of where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and the people who have shaped me along the way.
So whether you’re here because you’re looking for a website, branding photos, family photographs, or simply curious about the story behind the business, I’m so glad you’re here.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
