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Lessons Learned in 2024: Gratitude & Growing My Luxury Portrait Business

Writer's picture: Deseri RiceDeseri Rice

Whew, 2024 was a ride. A year of learning, unlearning, and stepping into the kind of abundance I used to only dream about. From landing my first high-ticket client to investing in myself like never before, this year taught me that faith, mindset, and action are the ultimate power trio. But if there was one major theme woven throughout it all, it was gratitude. So let’s get into it—because these lessons? They changed everything.


Manifestation is Real—But So is the Work


Afro Unicorn CEO, April Showers in pink dress smiles while sitting with a stuffed unicorn toy. She has a long braid and wears gold jewelry. Gray background.

2024 started off strong when I landed my first high-ticket client—the powerhouse that is Afro Unicorn CEO, April Showers. I didn’t just hope for it; I got specific with my prayers, shifted into an abundance mindset, and stayed ready. When the opportunity came, I wasn’t second-guessing—I was stepping up.


What I learned? You can manifest all day, but faith without action won’t take you far. You have to believe, prepare, and move like the opportunity is already yours. Because it is.



Abundance Starts in Your Mind First


This year, I decided to stop saying “I don’t have” and start saying “I already have.” That small shift changed everything.


I won’t lie—I was still living paycheck to paycheck, still figuring things out. But instead of dwelling on lack, I leaned into gratitude. And somehow, the blessings kept rolling in. It showed me that abundance isn’t just about money—it’s about seeing what’s already in front of you and making it work for you.


And let me tell you, keeping that mindset? Harder than it sounds. It’s so easy to fall off track with gratitude journaling, prayer, and speaking abundance over your life. Life gets busy, stress creeps in, and suddenly, that scarcity mindset tries to make a comeback. But the real magic happens when you stay locked in—when gratitude becomes a daily practice, not just a reaction to good things happening.


This year, I’m working my way back to that steady practice, because the more I gave thanks, the more I received. It’s not a coincidence—it’s alignment.


Deseri Rice in green patterned outfit poses in front of "Bokeh Academy Photo Summit" sign on white wall, exuding a joyful mood.

Bet on Yourself—Even When It’s Scary


The biggest investment I made in 2024? Myself.


I attended my first photography conference, The Bokeh Summit, and it was hands down the highlight of my year. I walked into a room full of insanely talented photographers, pushed my self-doubt to the side, and let myself belong. Learning from legends like Sal Cincotta, Andre Brown, Leslie Andrews, and Felicia Reed reignited something in me.


The lesson? You’ll never regret betting on yourself, even when it feels like a risk. Especially when it feels like a risk. Growth lives right outside your comfort zone, and I promise you—it’s worth the leap.


Celebrate the Spaces You Once Prayed For


This was my first full year in my dream apartment—the one I literally prayed for. And let me tell you, it hit different when I realized I was living in what I once asked for.


Too often, we move the goalposts on our dreams and forget to pause and celebrate. We’re so focused on the next goal, the next level, that we forget to sit in gratitude for what we’ve already received. This year, I learned to slow down and actually enjoy the answered prayers. Because what’s the point of building a dream if you never take a moment to appreciate it?


Reignite Your Passion—Often


For a while, I felt like I was just going through the motions in my business. But after attending The Bokeh Summit, something shifted. Learning new strategies, seeing what’s possible, and surrounding myself with creative energy reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.


Now? I’m more excited than ever about offering my clients a luxury, transformative experience that truly reflects my passion. Sometimes, all it takes is a little reminder of why you do what you do.


And that passion? It needs to be fueled regularly. Don’t wait until burnout to fall back in love with your craft. Schedule the time, make the investments, and keep that spark alive.


Final Thoughts


2024 was proof that being intentional, investing in yourself, and believing in your own abundance works. It reminded me that growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and knowing that you already have everything you need to succeed. And most of all, it reminded me that gratitude is the key to unlocking even more blessings.


So as we step into 2025, my goal is to stay rooted in that gratitude practice. To keep giving thanks, even before the blessings come. To trust that everything I want is already making its way to me.


If you take anything from this, let it be this: Move like it’s already yours. Because it is.


Here’s to carrying these lessons into 2025 and making even bigger moves. Let’s get it.


With love,

Des

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