Pausing to reflect: One year at Photoroom
Time has a funny way of slipping through our fingers. In the hustle of daily life, weeks blend into months, and before we know it, we're marking anniversaries. That's why I'm writing this post—not just to share my experiences but to remind myself (and maybe you, too) of the importance of reflection. If we don't take a moment to look back, we might miss how far we've come.
It's been just over a year since I joined Photoroom, the world’s most popular AI photo editor. If I had to choose one word to describe the journey so far, I'd say… transformative.
L-R: Cato, Raph, Aisha, Lisa, and Larissa chilling at the Eiffel tower 😜
It's been a year of significant achievements. I joined the company to spearhead our content strategy, and working alongside Tine, our brilliant SEO manager and a team of excellent writers, we've built the Photoroom blog from the ground up. Today, it's a resource that garners millions of impressions monthly, providing valuable insights on AI photo editing and e-commerce to our audience. Another rewarding aspect of my work has been launching our customer stories program. Hearing directly from users about how Photoroom has impacted their businesses and inspired them to dream bigger has been incredibly fulfilling. It's a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
On a personal level, this past year has been equally life-changing. I've navigated the complexities of balancing relationships, responsibilities, and self-discovery. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but I'm learning to embrace the journey and enjoy my life. One of the highlights has been indulging my wanderlust. Since my last update, I've found myself in Berlin, Tenerife, Paris (multiple times for our beloved monthly gatherings at the Photoroom office), back to Guadalajara, San Francisco, Porto, and most recently, Lagos. Each destination has added something unique to my year, broadening my perspectives and enriching my experiences.
Like many others, I started the year reading David Heinemeier Hansson's article on committing to competence. His suggestion to dedicate just 10% of our workday to improving our skills resonated deeply with me. Throughout the year, I've found myself recommending this approach to colleagues and mentees alike.
For me, committing to competence has meant staying open to new tools and ways of working, especially in today's ever-shifting AI landscape. It's involved stepping out of my comfort zone, finding my voice in new mediums, and dedicating myself to constant testing and experimentation in every area of my work. This commitment has not only enhanced my role at Photoroom but has also fuelled the growth of my marketing community, Smarketers Hub.
In late 2023, we achieved a significant milestone—publishing Inside the Marketers’ Room, a book featuring insights from over 50 leading marketers worldwide. This resource has been instrumental in helping our audience gain clarity, prepare for the future, and build strong careers in a fast-paced, highly competitive world. But perhaps the most exciting development came this July when we held our first in-person community meet-up in Lagos. After years of virtual connections, meeting face-to-face with fellow marketers and my Smarketers Hub team was an incredible experience. It reinforced the power of community and the importance of real-world connections in our increasingly digital world.
I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. It's been another year of surprising myself, embracing new challenges, and witnessing firsthand how technology is reshaping the world and our lives.
Reflection is more than just remembering—it's about understanding our journey and using those insights to shape our future. I'm energized to continue improving my craft, sharing my knowledge with others, and contributing to this dynamic field.
To everyone who's been part of this journey—my team at Photoroom, the Smarketers Hub community, and you, dear reader—thank you. Here's to another year of curiosity, growth, and meaningful impact. 🥂
✨ Special shoutout to the AI tools that contributed to this article. ✨
