You could be an American Express commercial.

"Congratulations Tiffany, small business owner, you could be an American Express Commercial"

It is official. I am a commercial. Let me rewind. About six months ago, I was miserable with my life, I hated my job, I hated the people I worked with, I hated my living situation, I hated everything. And then one day, I made the decision that I was going to pursue my happiness. I was not going to sacrifice my happiness for money, and all that nonsense that comes along with it. So I quit my job, and started to freelance as an assistant here in Chicago. I figured I had made enough connections, that it would work. Well, it did, kinda...and now we are here.

I have been successfully working in the photography industry as a self employed freelance assistant, and enjoying every minute of it. I have never been more happy in my life in YEARS. I work when I want to work, I don't work when I don't want to. I meet fabulous people that have the same interests, motivation, passion, and love for the industry every day. All the while learning new things about the industry and growing as an individual. I am able to pay my bills, and still live the same lifestyle that I am acustome to. Tiffany is a happy camper.

So the other day, I realized that I hit the 6 month trial period marker. I secretly told myself that if I can make it 6 months, you succeeded. I made it. So now what?

I had to think long and hard to myself, what my next move was going to be. I weighed my options...

1. The Ringling Bros. are hiring a Chef.........run away with the circus.
2. My friend is going to teach English in Korea.......run away to Korea.
3. Ask the bank for money......DIVE into DEBT.......run away with your career...and happiness.


So I chose the bank. I figured that if I can make it 6 months in the worst economy since the GREAT DEPRESSION, I can make it another 6. I decided that I am going to get a small business loan from the bank and get some new equipment, and expand my commercial one picture at a time.

The reason why I am a commercial, is because I have spent ALL day working on my business proposal to present to the bank, in the attempt to get the loan. And 15 pages later, Tiffany O'Neill Photography is an American Express commercial.

And if this doesn't work....the circus is still an option.