Introducing Rohana Olson and Comfort and Cashmere Images

March is Women's Month, and we are featuring women doing incredible work in Minnesota. This week we are thrilled to introduce you to Rohana Olson.

We first met Rohana at a retreat at Deep Portage in the fall of 2017. Amanda and Joella also knew Rohana from a group for local business owners in Duluth called the Rising Tide Society. We hit it off with Rohana and since then she's been photographing one retreat a year for us. She also photographed Amanda's little family after the birth of Oslo, and will be capturing many more family photos for Amanda's family in the future.
One great thing about the northland- female business owners work hard to connect, collaborate, and empower one another. We are grateful for this community of support!

Rohana, can you share with us a bit about the businesses you operate?  

I put my heart into helping families to sprinkle in beautiful photographs throughout their home and bring back times of joy, laughs, and loving on their family. I remind couples of the moment they began their legacy and to remember their love in times of hardship by turning the page in their wedding album to see the smiles across their face as they were officially married. I also encourage and educate business owners on how to run a life-giving business. 

**You can find Rohana’s work here! Comfort & Cashmere Images

What advice can you share with a family considering professional photography but afraid to make the leap? 

Just do it. The investment is so worth it! Our family can grow and change so much and time is fleeting. Cherish the moments, the memories, and the photographs. It might seem scary to make the investment, find a photographer whose work you love, save up for a session, then book it. Not only will photo day become a family memory but you’ll have photographs to cherish of your family for generations. Random fact, I carry three photos with me in my purse, one is of my grandparents, one is of my parents, and one is my little family. It brings a smile and a memory to my face every time I open up my wallet. 

What do you love most about your work? 

I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and being a part of so many important parts of their lives. One of my favorite parts of my business is being able to learn your story, your background, and watch your family grow. It’s so sweet when I get to be there for the proposal, engagement, wedding, and then they grow their family. I’m incredibly honored to be so involved with my clients and grateful that they let me into their family. 

Like all business owners, COVID likely threw a huge wrinkle into your operations in 2020. What is your biggest takeaway professionally from COVID?  

COVID has been tough, but my biggest takeaway was being grateful that I had a savings built up, incredible clients who I built strong relationships that were so gracious and flexible, and learned how important it is to be professionally flexible. Making changes, always leading with kindness, and having faith that you have a strong foundation to weather the storm.

What advice can you share about balancing life as an entrepreneur and as a mom? 

I think the biggest thing is setting boundaries. I do this in my work with block scheduling so I can be a steward of my schedule. I run my business so I can be present with my family which means, times to power down the computer and truly be present. Also, be gracious with yourself. Some days might not go as planned but just focus on being 1% better the next day, week, month, etc. 

How can we support you?

Come hang out with me over on Instagram @rohanaolson or join my newsletter where I send monthly encouragement, updates, blog posts, and details on how to make your photography experience stress free and full of memories. 

Anything else you want us to know? 

A huge thank you for having me! I love being able to photograph the yoga retreats! They are so much fun and love all the connections and friendships that are made year after year.