Saying Yes to the Tigard Chamber of Commerce and Working with an Advertising Magazine

When I started my photography business in 2017, I didn’t know the future, the outcome or the journey.

After leaving a strict religion and learning to create the life I want, I opened my heart to possibilities and opportunities. I guess I’m more of a “go with the flow” type of person in certain situations. I like to plan and know what’s going on, but I’m also open to new opportunities.

I was part of a mom networking group for a few years and it was definitely a stepping stone in my business. There were people I connected with who are still a part of my life and I’m forever grateful.

After I stepped away from the mom group I felt scared and unsure of what was to come, but I knew if I kept my heart open I would move forward in a positive way.

A couple months into 2022 I received a message from a friend/business owner asking if I would be interested in finding out more about the Tigard Chamber of Commerce. To be honest, I had no idea what a Chamber was or what they did.

I met a member for coffee, chatted about things and opportunities within the Chamber. I said I would think about it. I did a little resarch and weighed the pros and cons and my final answer was “yes”. In my heart I didn’t know what to expect but I was open.

I attended my first meeting at the Tigard Chamber in April 2022. I walked in, nervous as heck, saw familiar faces and listened.

As I stood there I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and a renewing energy. I looked around the room and noticed a mix of men and women. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a room full of business women. I also enjoy having some testosterone in the room. We need all types of business owners to make this life exciting! I left the meeting excited, renewed, energized and ready to move forward in my business.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in the year following that meeting, but I was open.

After 6 months of attending meetings, introducing myself to new people and visiting several businesses, I was approached by a guy named Bill.

Bill asked if I would be interested in coming on board as a photographer for Advantage Magazine. I said I might be interested and would have to think about it.

I’m someone who needs to process things in my brain before I hit the gas pedal. It eases my mind and I want my heart and gut to guide me.

I thought about it and eventually said “yes”. I’ve heard some “not so good” things about advertising magazines, but sometimes I need to experience things and situations first-hand before I make any judgement…again I was open.

One of the biggest things that helped me say “yes” to working with the advertising magazine was…”it’s something I’ve never experienced and it could lead to other opportunities down the road”.

Some jobs may not pay as much as I want, but when I look at the big picture and possible opportunities down the line, the money is last on my mind.

Since working wirth Advantage Magazine I’ve met so many wonderful people who are also trying to make it the best life possible by owning a business and helping people.

I’ve lived in the Beaverton/Tigard area for over 30 years and within the last 6 months I’ve visited so many local businesses and it’s been such an eye-opening experience.

As a business owner I want to be open to new opportunities in this life. I know I said this a lot in this blog post, but it’s important to me to be open and to share my experiences with you that you may be inspired to try new things.

Connection is important to me and it’s something I feel we all need as human beings.

Sincerely,

Malaina Kinne

Owner/Photographer

For more information about the Tigard Chamber of Commerce, click here.

For more information about the Community Advantage Magazine, click here.

Check out the business photography portfolio here.