The Day Jasmine Star FIXed Me

I was breathing fast and starting to sweat. Almost like the time I spent 20 minutes running around downtown Boston for a haircut appointment (after traveling an hour to get there and getting off at the totally wrong subway stop – hence the running), it was so hot that summer day plus I was lost – but I was also determined not to be late and risk them saying, “Sorry, Tristica has moved to her next appointment for today. Would you like to reschedule?” I made it on time to my appointment, but I refused to look at myself in the mirror because clearly I looked like a hot mess since five different people asked me if I was feeling ok or if I needed some cold water.

But this time was different. I wasn’t sweating because I was worried, I was sweating because one of my photography idols was standing. right. there. And she looked gorrrrgeous. Jasmine Star was beaming under the lights taking pictures with other fans who were just as excited to meet her. The line was creeping me closer and closer and my anticipation was growing by the second.

And then someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I love your dress! Jasmine and I saw you from the bus windows and -” (this is the part where I cut her off, sucked in a deep breath and said…) “ASHLEY! Oh my God!” There stood another photography idol right in front of me, complementing ME on my dress! Not gonna lie, I did purposely wear my gold sequin cocktail dress (side note: I knew I’d be the most dressed up person there – I mean it was a talk, not New Year’s Eve – but I also knew that both Ashley and Jasmine looove sparkly pretty things so I figured I’d at least stand out. JACKPOT! It worked! Oh and Ashley was touring with Jasmine helping out the crew which is how I knew she’d be there). I have been following Ashley for a while and I have fallen in love with her sweet southern charm, her impeccable style, her open heart and, of course, her amazing photography. From that moment on, I don’t remember what I said to either her or Jasmine, all I know is that I was in heaven.

My new friend, Vail Fucci, was kind enough to be the sanity to my insanity and she snapped a bunch of pictures of me as I talked to Jasmine, however I literally cannot remember what I was talking to her about for all of that time. I know I told her I was sweating out of sheer excitement to see her (what is wrong with me?), gushing at how much I love her, and laughing at the fact that she said my dress made Ashley change her outfit – beyond that, I have no clue. It was only after I left her side that I remembered I hadn’t had her sign my copy of “Exposed” so yes, I was that girl who got in line TWICE. Ohhhhhh boy, I have no shame.

Above photos courtesy of Vail Fucci

Above photo courtesy of The Fix crew

Funny thing about this photo? Oscar asked me if I met JD (Jasmine’s awesome husband) and I told him no. I said that I did see him but I didn’t talk to him and was bummed about it. Oh no, Sarah, you did meet him, you just forgot about THAT too.

Above photo courtesy of The Fix crew

The night was wonderful, I may or may not have told another photographer that I love her work while I was in the bathroom (seriously, I need to learn about shame) and I definitely met a bunch of great photographers who are not only excellent at what they do, but are people who I truly hope to stay in touch with and get to know better. And so what if I was so excited when driving home that I thought I was driving off a Bridge because my GPS goofed up and the little car icon that is supposed to be me was off the side of the bridge floating in the nothing-ness (true story, folks. For a brief moment I panicked thinking I was sailing off into thin air…while I was actually firmly planted on the highway…I know…) – I had the best night that I’ve had in a while and I am a better photographer because of it.

A group of about 25 of us had a cake made to look like Jasmine’s dog Polo – when surprised with it, she cried in happiness.

Above left photo courtesy of The Fix crew

Jasmine’s talk forever changed me and she has inspired me to grow this business even further and to run with the ideas that I have had brewing in the back of my mind for so long. She inspired me to make my dreams real and she inspired me to continue making strong bonds and friendships with other local photographers.

Thank you Jasmine, Ashely and the rest of the FIX crew for stopping into Boston and for being such a inspiring bunch of people. You have changed us, you FIXed us for the better and we are forever indebted to you for it.

xo,
Sweaty Sequined Sarah