Begin: Linda Ha Events

Photograph by Vicki Grafton Photography

Growing up with a love for creating through DIY projects and scrapbooking, Linda realized that she was onto something. Soon her projects and scrapbooks evolved into wedding design and styling after taking a leap of faith on a one-on-one opportunity. Now, with a little more ground underneath her, she challenges herself to think outside of the box. Her desire is to be a little unconventional in order to bring new, innovative ideas to the wedding industry.

Describe the first time you had this 'begin' moment.

Back in 2015, Emme Wynn of Shop Gossamer had written about an one-on-one opportunity to learn about wedding styling and florals for Laura Gordon's Workshop. It was a chance to see how an editorial shoot was planned and put one together from beginning to end. I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous and wondered if this was something I would want to jump into. So I asked my sister for advice- whether I should take the leap since it was investing time and money. She told me to go for it. What's the worst that can happen? If I did not think it was a right fit, at least I gave it a try. I decided to take the leap and try out the one-on-one workshop. During the one-on-one workshop, I was introduced to composition, style, and working in various environments. This has led me to want to create imagery that is not only artistic, but also meaningful and timeless.

Photograph by Vicki Grafton Photography

Photograph by Vicki Grafton Photography

How did you balance all that you were experiencing in life when you began?

I work full time as a Federal Government Contractor during the day, so balancing the creative side business along with working a full time job is certainly a challenge. I spend a good portion of my time deciding what projects and weddings to take on, so I don't quickly burn myself out. If I could, I would take on all the projects and weddings that come my way, but I just can't. A way to balance is taking on projects that are intentional and meaningful to me. When I feel overwhelmed or hitting a creative block, I like to spend time outdoors. Before getting Bear (our Goldendoodle), my husband and I would find places that we haven't been before to hike. It's a chance to get lost and explore a new environment. Now that we have Bear, it encourages being outdoors even more. Sometimes you just have to step away and not think about creating. Being outdoors helps me calm down and clear my head to just be in the moment with nature, Bear, and Robert. As a result, it inspires and energizes me to create.

Photograph by Allen Tsai Photography

Amidst feeling excited, what was difficult as you began?

When I first began, there was excitement and a lot of self-doubt rolled up together. There were days where I felt I had such amazing design concepts. There were other days where I struggled with the thought that I wasn't creative enough or ideas weren't original- that other creatives around me were doing so well. I also found finding the time to commit to the creative business was challenging. With working during the day time, then coming home and working through the night for the side business along with being a dog mom, household tasks, or finding time with Robert, there were times where I wish there were more hours in a day.

Photograph by Vicki Grafton Photography

Photograph by Vicki Grafton Photography

Do you still have the 'beginning' feelings?

I still have these 'beginning' feelings every single day. Whether it's creating design concepts for couples or an editorial, majority of the time there is a sense of doubt/sense of unsureness. I feel that I am extra hard on myself because I hold myself at the highest standard to produce and create exceptional design. There are days where I asked myself, "Where do I even start?" or "How am I going to pull this off?"

Photograph by Vicki Grafton Photography

What has it looked like on your journey from your beginning moment to now?

My journey from the beginning moment to now has been a giant rollercoaster. There have been a lot of ups and downs during this journey. Over time, I was learning more about what my style and aesthetic is and figuring out what approach works for me. You could say it was a lot of trial and error.

Photograph by Shannon Moffit Photography

Is there any piece of advice you could give to someone who has just begun?

For someone who is just beginning, my piece of advice is that it is never too late to start. Give yourself a chance to dig deep and discover that untapped creativity. As Danielle Doby once said, "Find what ignites worlds within you. Now, more than ever, the world needs more of our light. Discover what sparks it, and people who wholeheartedly believe in it, and use it to go out and change something."

PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY

STORY DETAILS

Content Creating + Art Direction by Linda Ha Events

Photographs by Vicki Grafton Photography

Photographs by Allen Tsai Photography

Photographs by Shannon Moffit