Tracy Rowell

Present for things that are important - Family

Growing up in an entrepreneur’s household, Tracy Rowell knew once she graduated high school she would find a career she could build on her own. Marrying shortly after graduation, she and her husband, Van, decided to put roots down in Florence. Theirs started as a long-distance relationship -- Van being from Pamplico and Tracy growing up in Fayetteville, N.C., and Chattanooga, Tennessee – and they are celebrating 24 years together. Tracy started out after high school being successful in jobs she pursued. Once Tracy and Van started having kids, Tracy became successful at making a profit on eBay. Her entrepreneurial spirit shined through. “I felt so blessed because this was something I could do from home while our babies were little. But I can say, it’s not always easy working from home when you have crying babies, laundry, car lines, keeping up with everyday activities and someone is ALWAYS hungry. But nonetheless, still it was a blessing to be home with my babies.” And then an investment for her own interests sparked her next venture – when her middle son, Ace, was a baby. For 12 years now, Tracy is the owner of Reflection Images Photography Studio in downtown Florence. “I invested in a nice camera only because I wanted better pictures of our kids living everyday life. I quickly learned that I had a ‘good eye’ and started learning more about how to take pictures. I had this tug going on inside saying, ‘You already know you are good at business, why not see where this can go?’” Within about a year, Tracy had a solid photography business. She and her husband have been full time running the business for 11 years: “I have been in awe of where God and our hard work have taken us!”

Owning a business while raising three boys – now aged 19, 14, and 12 – provides its benefits. “I love the freedom that owning my own business allows me,” Rowell said. “I am able to decide when and how much I work so that I am present for things that are important to my family. You know with three boys there are lots and lots of sporting events!” At the same time, with the launch of the business there was some struggle with the worklife balance. To be at the family events, Tracy found herself staying up editing and working after the children went to bed. She said it affected her personal health and well-being that she had to learn to rearrange the workload to take care of herself, as well as the family and business. She said she also overcame some intense life situations by asking God what she was to learn from them. “I have had to learn to be present in each situation,” Tracy said. “When I’m working, I focus on my clients. When I’m spending time with my family, I have to focus on them!”

Tracy Rowell and her husband, Van, are pictured above with sons, Rocky, 19, Ace, 14 and Levi, 12. Her business, Reflection Images is located on Coit Street in Florence. Visit www.reflectionimages.com for more info.

One favorite moment in her photography career focuses on a bride and her grandmother. During the bridal session for a wedding, Tracy found out the grandmother would not be able to attend the granddaughter’s wedding. “After the bridal session,” Tracy said, “We were able to go to the facility where her grandmother was staying, and with help we were able to get her outside in the little courtyard area so that my bride could get some pictures with her grandmother. It was a precious and priceless moment.” When working with newborns, Tracy always has an assistant, which happens to be her husband. He provides the safety so she can take pictures. “Many times, my studio is the first place outside of home and doctor visits that my clients have been since having the baby. It can be a little overwhelming but exciting at the same time. I have so many favorite parts of this whole experience, but my very favorite is watching these moms see their pictures for the first time. … That tiny little hand wrapped around Dad’s finger and Mom snuggled up with her nose against the baby’s soft cheek – you can almost smell it!” But perhaps the most satisfying aspect of owning her own business comes from the family involvement. Their boys have been involved in the work from the start. “My favorite was when they were younger, they would tag along with me to family sessions and help make the kids laugh. Rocky, our oldest, started when he was about 6. When he got ‘too old,’ Ace stepped in and took over. Levi was only able to do it for a little while because the pandemic took away his opportunity.” And what mother wouldn’t love that? “I have LOVED having them watch our business grow and having them be such a big part of things!” Tracy said. “Over the years they have helped build sets, renovate studios, carry props, and so much more. … This past Christmas we did over 300 Santa sessions, and they were there to help make things run perfectly – like a well-oiled machine! … Our family has put in a tremendous amount of effort to make all this successful.

“To say I am proud of my boys is simply an understatement. I am guilty of telling each of them they are my favorite because, well, they are! I am overjoyed at watching them grow into young men.”