feeling iconic
I retired my oversized sweats back into the closet, brushed my hair, and did a cute but quick beauty routine before heading to Outwest, a new local studio. As a new mom, the event gave me a reason to put my human suit on and get some autonomous time away, so it was a success regardless.
The occasion? “Icons” by Outwest, a gathering of local innovators, entrepreneurs, and community builders brought together to step into the spotlight.
Jenae, the studio owner, has been cooking up some yummy marketing initiatives like this to promote her second studio in Garden City. My marketing background turned me into a bit of a dork, and nerding out over her strategy in real time has been really satisfying.
The Icons event invited 15+ photographers to come into the space and photograph the icons simultaneously, paparazzi style. It’s truly such a brilliant move on Jenae’s part. The photographers and the icons get a wealth of fresh content, make tons of new connections, and the studio is at the heart of it all.
The days following these events are social media frenzies, with photographers supporting each other in the comments and everyone lifting up the icons, surely giving them a huge confidence boost. I love that part... women do and go through so much every single day. We deserve to have a day to feel extra beautiful, praised, and recognized.
Every single icon was a female powerhouse, from business owners to specialists spanning different industries.
Among them, a few just really loved my camera, and it loved. them. back.
Katilyn, a wellness girlie who started Dear Boise, was someone I had an immediate connection with! I’ve followed her online kind of passively for a while, but now that I’m paying more attention, I love her content. She is real, raw, & genuine, and watching her confidence shine in a room full of strong women was something amazing.
Another standout was Laticia, founder of No Filter Aesthetics. What a beam of sunlight. You know those people who just bring a palpable positivity with them? An obvious girls’ girl, which is a big green flag for me.
Speaking of green flags, Lupita, a local model, blew me away. I love when a model just locks in and takes direction like a pro.
Anyone who’s worked with me knows I am bossy behind the cam. I love making shapes and dramatic lines with the body & the environment, and I am going to coach you until I get it... respectfully.
Lupita absolutely brought her A-game, and some of the shots made it to my website and portfolio because... damn.
Outwest’s goal is to make this 5,000 sq. ft. space much more than a beautiful natural-light studio, which it is indeed. When construction concludes, there will be room for events, working and meeting spaces, and monthly memberships.
It will also become a photographer concierge service, with Jenae making recommendations from her large network to find the right photographer for each job. A creative community hub, if you will. The utility is endless and will continue to unfold.
At the Outwest Icons events, I came to take photos, but I ended up leaving with something much different.
Coming from hospitality, connection and community are the foundation for success in that field. Over the years, I developed endless connections and relationships, and they really filled my cup. My husband always says I know someone everywhere we go.
After leaving hospitality operations + starting to work from home, not surprisingly, my world narrowed. What I didn’t realize was how much I would miss that sense of community, and that’s exactly what I felt at these events & around Outwest in general.
It’s amazing what some friendly competition and an uplifting group of people can do for your mood (and your portfolio).
Outwest just announced their next Icons event for September 2026, which I am really looking forward to attending. I tend to keep my circle small and my ass at home, so I really appreciate these events for coaxing me out of my fortress and into this rich community.
Like I said, no one reads blogs anymore...
I guess except for you!
