In September of 2015, I took a trip to Scotland, and it was the first place in the world where everything down to my very bones felt like I belonged. Like I was supposed to be there. It was in Scotland, standing on the top of a hill after a hike, that I looked out over a nearby loch and decided to rebrand my photography business as Loch Evergreen Photo & Film. The new name was launched in January 2016, and was a turning point for my company.

My brand was previously known as “Melissa Love Photography”, a common choice for most photographers and artists, but I needed a name that was a constant reminder to me - that pulled me back to my original intentions every time I read it or heard it. I wanted to take my name out of the equation because I didn’t want it to be all about me (and if we’re being honest, having the last name “Love” makes “Melissa Love Photography” look like bad English). I also wanted it to be about the art. Up until my trip to Scotland, I was frequently trying to mimic the light, airy feel that many of the photographers I looked up to were shooting. It just wasn’t me. When I saw the dark, moody skies in Scotland and got to experiment with deep colours and shadows, I realized I often didn’t fall in love with my own art because I wasn’t shooting how I was meant to. I wasn’t focusing on the art, I was focusing on the expectations or aspirations of others.

Who knew so much could influence a name change in a business.

I first began my work as a professional photographer in July of 2012 as a side hobby and a way of helping myself through university. It has since grown into a steady job and passion of mine, and has lead me to finding my truly deep passion of entrepreneurship and marketing. This path has also recently lead me into a part-time communications job outside of my business, which I absolutely love, and it has taught me so much already in such a short time. A part of me wishes I had discovered Communications years ago, but I know it’s my years in university and all of my jobs leading up to now, along with the experience of building my own businesses, that prepared me for this journey.

Follow along as I delve deeper into my purpose, and hopefully assist you in finding yours.