This year’s Back-to-School Mini Donation Drive at Flare Studio was honestly one of the most heart-filling things I’ve ever done. 💛

When I first dreamed up this idea, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a day of photos. My heart was really tugging at the thought of kiddos walking into school with confidence—knowing they had what they needed, and parents feeling like just a little bit of weight had been lifted off their shoulders during such a hectic season. I wanted to do something that reminded families they aren’t alone, and that this community shows up for each other.

Y’all… I could not have imagined how much love and generosity would pour in. Because of everyone who participated, we were able to provide over 30 fully stocked backpacks and bags stuffed to the brim with school supplies. ✏️📓 Watching little hands hold onto those bags, knowing they were walking out prepared for a fresh new school year, made me tear up more than once.

The turnout was beyond what I ever dreamed—over 50 littles signed up! The studio was absolutely buzzing with energy. Kids bouncing around, showing off their smiles (and their missing teeth 😆), parents hugging and chatting, and me snapping away at all the back-to-school cuteness. It was pure joy. The kind of day where you go home exhausted but smiling so big your cheeks hurt.

And because I wanted to give a little something back to those who donated, I ran a giveaway for a full session. It felt like the least I could do to say “thank you” for showing up with so much kindness. Seeing people give—not just because they had extras lying around, but because they truly wanted to help—was one of the biggest blessings of the day.

These minis weren’t just about adorable photos (though trust me, we got plenty of those ✨). They were about so much more:

• Helping kids step into the school year ready to take on the world.
• Giving parents a moment of relief during a season that can be financially heavy.
• Proving just how strong and giving this community is when we come together.
• Celebrating kindness, gratitude, and those small-but-mighty acts of love that ripple out further than we’ll ever know.

I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to the families who booked, the people who donated, and every single kiddo who brought their giggles, big smiles, and tiny personalities to Flare Studio that day. You made it magical.

📸 Here’s to carrying this sunshine into the school year ahead. To the kids who will walk into their classrooms feeling proud of their brand-new backpacks. To the parents who can breathe a little easier. And to every person who chose to give with their whole heart—you reminded me exactly why I love what I do.

And this? This is just the beginning. I already have ideas brewing for next year’s Back-to-School Minis, and I cannot wait to keep growing this event year after year. My dream is to make this tradition bigger and brighter each time, so we can reach even more families.

✨ Plus—I’m so excited to share that Flare Studio will also be hosting a Holiday Donation Drive later this year. We’ll be collecting coats to keep our kiddos warm and holiday meal donations to make sure every family can sit around the table with full bellies and even fuller hearts. Pairing this with holiday minis feels like the perfect way to keep spreading sunshine through every season.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you for letting me do what I love, and for reminding me that when we all show up, we really can make a difference. 💛