I hung up the phone and sat at my computer. For a moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of stress, nerves, and anxiety. And I cried.
My mom (always in the best of intentions of course) simply asked about the upcoming creativeLIVE audition. What time? Where? Was I ready? …. and I hung up the phone and let it out. Brad got up and walked over, assuring me that everything was going to be ok.
I finished my presentation and spent the next few days preparing.
Yesterday morning, the morning of the audition, I woke up. After having spent the night before backing up the files from Sunday’s lovely wedding for Kelley + Josh, and packing for Las Vegas, I had gone to sleep on an empty stomach with very little sleep. 6:00AM rolled around rather quickly and I woke up feeling nauseated and defeated.
For the first time in my entire life….I really wasn’t sure if I could do it. I can honestly say that even after playing in a state championship game in softball, speaking to thousands on the national mall in D.C., and defending my thesis to a roomfull of professional architects and builders…I have NEVER been so nervous.
I forced myself to eat a nutrition bar and headed out the door. In the course of my flights to Vegas, a bit of sleep and 6 pepto-bismols never worked so well! I arrived in Las Vegas about 1 hr prior to my presentation and had a seat to watch the last two presenters speak on their topics.
I had texted my best friend that I wasn’t sure I could do it. Could I really stand before a room full of talented creatives, and an internet full as well…to present on how to create an excellent client experience?
I mean, Jasmine Star was hosting and Sue Bryce was judging for crying out loud! Oh! And did I mention that the entire creativeLIVE staff was there?
Jasmine welcomed me…and without hesitation I began. I can honestly say that the past 2-3 weeks have been a whirlwind. In addition to photographing engagements, bridals, and weddings, I was preparing for one of the biggest opportunities of my life.
The judges gave incredible insight and although I did not technically “WIN” a creativeLIVE seminar, I did learn so much from this experience: I pushed myself to a place that I had never been before. I met a room full of wonderful people that I feel proud to have met and I received valuable critique from established professionals that I respect.
WOW. I don’t know where to begin in saying thank you…but all I can say is that I TRULY, SINCERELY, without a DOUBT appreciate the outstanding outpour of love from my friends, family, clients…and even people that I have never met. If anything, this experience has taught me the value of relationships and the power of a support system.
So, to each of you: thank you. Thank you for your support and for believing in me. (Thanks to Chrissy for these next two screenshots)
Kenna mentioned that she liked my Southern accent…and this was my response? Complete shock! I had no idea I even HAD an accent!
I just love these two and their fun personalities! Thanks to Amelia for not only coming to the presentation but for taking fun photos like this one!
After watching so many creativeLIVE seminars, it was really neat to meet Susan + Kenna in person!
The crew at creativeLIVE is phenomenal. There is so much work going on behind-the-scenes to make this happen.
 I also had the honor of meeting Sue Bryce. And she gave excellent advice to everyone during the critiques.
Congratulations to Arica Dorff on winning her very on creativeLIVE seminar!
This is the entire crew at the auditions….I still can’t believe I stood up in front of this many people!
Thank you to creativeLIVE for hosting this awesome event! I am thankful to have been a part of it!
So proud of you !!!! Go Catherine GO!!
Seriously you were amazing and I am baffled about how brave you were and graceful you were. I honestly choked up watching you, because I would have melted with gratitude at Sue Bryce’s praise {and recommendations- I don’t like the word criticism} because she was so right on. You are so impressive and you are going to grow so so much because of this! I’d love to watch a class on Client Service right here on your own website or blog! Please please please teach me about the charms of the South in business! You’re adorable.
I actually just watched the spotlight, which is how I found your website. You were totally one of my favourites and I wrote lots of notes from your 30 min presentation. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing you with your own course on cL soon. Keep up the fab work Catherine 🙂
Thank you Wani for stopping by the blog. Speaking on the cL spotlight was an incredible learning experience and I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Keep in touch!