If you are new to this site, a big WELCOME! If you got here by way of my former blog, then thanks so much for stopping by!

I am extremely excited to announce the launch of my new brand, Tic Tac Toe Photography, and new blog site! It has been over a year in the making,  but I am happy to say it is finally done and I am excited to get this baby off the ground!

Every business naturally benefits from a regular dose of tidying and dusting, but sometimes a more substantial spring cleaning or even remodeling needs to be considered. So I did just that. And, I focused heavily on what I really wanted to do with this business. The name change is just a small part of the result, but – since it’s my face to the outside world – it’s clearly the most noticeable difference.

When I started this business in 2008, I was merely just giving this a good try. I wasn’t overly concerned with branding or marketing. Clients came to me through referrals for the most part and I focused on my photography skills rather than on a long-term business plan. A few years later, I realized that going with my own name as my business name was probably not the best choice. Unfortunately, most people are not sure how to pronounce or spell my name. Once you know me, it’s rather easy. It’s Hy-kuh. But for prospective clients, it can be an  intimidating endeavor. Just come with me to Starbucks one day and see what name ends up on my latte cup! The last thing you want to do is create trepidation with your prospects. My business is built on intimacy and trust, and having a name that creates angst at the outset just doesn’t get it done. Having a name that was easy to find and even easier to remember was essential.

Throughout these years I have been extremely blessed to have a strong, supportive client base. In fact, many of my clients turned into friends and as I watch their families grow I am reminded why I got into this in the first place. Doing something I am truly passionate about – people + photography –  and sharing my vision with families in the Austin area. Creating memories for them that they cherish for a lifetime and supporting my own family by growing this business and producing a stable income.

I decided I needed to work on marketing my business and growing a stronger brand. I ‘ve contemplated a new name for years, but never came up with something to which I was truly willling to commit. In other cases, when I did come up with something that represented my style, I’d find that the name already existed. (There are about a million photography businesses out there, you know!).

So, what’s in a name anyway?? My kids love playing Tic Tac Toe. Most kids’ menu include a couple of tic tac toe cross hatches on them. Playscapes often feature a Vanna White-style board. And, a trip to the beach offers the ultimate in all-day gaming. Tic Tac Toe is such an integral part of childhood, and has been for centuries. An earlier variant of the game was actually played in Ancient Rome.

One day while playing another game of Tic Tac Toe with my daughter, it hit me. This simple game – which requires nothing more than pencil and paper or a stick and sand – represents exactly what I’m trying to do with my photography. It represents childhood. It’s no frills. It’s classic and modern at the same time. It never goes out of style. When I Googled “Tic Tac Toe Photography” and found that it was NOT taken I immediately jumped on it and bought the domain name. And from there, the re-branding efforts began. It takes a lot more time and energy than you would think to change a business name, design a new logo, new look, new website, new business card, etc. Not to mention the business legalities that come along with it. Let’s just say I won’t be doing this every few years!

But at the heart of it all, I am excited to see where this will take me.

At the heart of it all, I am as committed as ever to make this business successful.

At the heart of it all, is still ME giving it my all!

So let the new adventure begin!

And, since no post should go without a picture, I think this one sums it up nicely. Ready. Superhero Style.