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In case you needed the reminder, this season is not about how to take more bubble baths to further your self care. We are digging into the important topics and Allison Tallman brings it. She’s helping to make nutrition simple and doable no matter how busy you find yourself. Listen in to hear her tips, tricks, advice, and more.    Allison realized she wanted to go into nutrition while she was in pre med in college. One of her absolute favorite classes was her nutrition class because it covered so much more than how to create a balanced plate. They went into the psychology behind food, why dieting as done in our culture today is bad, and so much more.    Fast-forward to five years ago and she knew she wanted to help more people on a larger scale. She started her business and began changing the lives of her clients and her audience. She truly believes that nutrition should be simple and doable for anyone.    Because you cannot power through your career, your business, and raising your babies if you aren’t taking care of the building blocks that make you, you.   We go into everything from why dieting and intermittent fasting are not the best solutions for busy, on-the-go females, why having a strong snack game can help you lose weight, and why balance not shame, blame, and guilt, is key.    If you’ve ever struggled with eating healthy or been battling it out with your scale, this is the episode you have to hear. Food is fuel. That is all. Listen in to learn more.   In This Episode: [02:11] Learn more about Allison and her journey to entrepreneurship.  [04:25] When did she decide to specialize in nutrition and become a nutritionist?  [07:13] What’s the difference between using a “diet” and focusing on balanced eating?  [09:39] Her approach to changing mindset around food and eating.  [11:50] How can busy women integrate her processes into their lives?  [14:38] What to do when you feel so busy that even one thing seems impossible. [15:40] Allison shares some of her nutrition hacks for busy women.  [17:50] Why breakfast is so important.  [19:36] One additional thing you can do if you find yourself skipping meals. [22:17] Having a solid snack-game is super important.  [23:53] Allison answers Jenn’s rapid-fire questions.  [27:20] Connect with Allison.   Links and Resources: Animal Image Makers 2023 Conference - Use Code: SUCCESS2023 for $50 off registration!   Connect with Allison: Nourished Routes Top 3 Snack Hacks Facebook | Pinterist | Instagram | TikTok Connect with Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram  @successbeyondthelenspodcast @jenn.bays Facebook | Picbabun   Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies   Consultation Connection Call  

I cannot say this enough, self-care is not bubble baths, massages, and alone time. Those things are great but they do not make up the entirety of what it means to care for yourself. Alexis Overstreet is a licensed psychotherapist who has transitioned into helping business owners connect with their bodies and create real self-care plans to bolster their lifestyles.  Alexis began her career in clinical practice and absolutely loved what she did, but as things started shifting just before the pandemic, she realized her purpose was shifting. Beyond the mental load of the stress of the pandemic was this overarching trend toward a true neglect of the self that she was seeing in her patients and in herself.  So much of our anxiety and our stress stems from our bodily reaction to outside stressors, but if our body is not being well cared for, then it cannot properly respond. Additionally, this modern world is full of stressors. We are constantly in a state of fight or flight and our bodies can no longer instinctively determine when we are in harm’s way or simply reacting to something happening in the world. All of these things have helped Alexis create a new way to approach health and wellness, by planning self-care as part of the overall lifestyle.  She shares so many amazing tips and advice for how to do this, but one of my favorites, and one that I didn’t realize impacted our overall mental health as much as it does, is hydration. Getting and staying properly hydrated makes a world of difference for our brains.  One way she recommends staying hydrated is having more than one water bottle on hand at all times. That way when one runs out, you always have a backup. And when you just can’t drink anymore water, remember that there are tons of foods out there that are naturally high in liquid.  Listen as she shares more about why she’s so passionate about true self-care and ways you can start implementing self-care planning in your own life. Which is your favorite tip or trick?  In This Episode: [02:00] Meet Alexis Overstreet and listen as she shares a bit about her story.  [04:50] How you can plan your self-care as a tool for your lifestyle.  [07:39] Self-care is so much more than the skin deep things that the marketing gurus would have you believe.  [08:52] What can business owners do when they have stressors and triggers in the middle of their day?  [11:02] Stress is an internal reaction, not an external situation.  [12:57] Alexis shares how she works with her clients to become more aware of their own stress and stressors.  [15:20] Just because you’ve found your dream job, you’ll still experience stress.  [18:20] What constitutes overall hydration?  [19:46] Learn what fascia is and why we need to pay attention to it in self-care.  [21:40] Ways you can address stress and stressors in the middle of the day. [24:43] Why having more than one water bottle around is one piece of self-care planning.  [27:22] Good foods to eat that increase your hydration.  [30:59] Take it easy on yourself. It’s hard work to run a business, so give yourself grace and know that health, wellness, and self-care is not all or nothing.  [32:39] Use the MELT system to help you release tension.  [33:24] One actionable tip to take away from this conversation is to pay attention to your body. [34:23] Alexis answers the three rapid fire questions for the day.  [39:31] Connect with Alexis.  Links and Resources: Animal Image Makers 2023 Conference - Use Code: SUCCESS2023 for $50 off registration! Connect with Alexis: Metaspace Wellness Instagram  Connect with Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast @jenn.bays Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

Lisa Asp has been making photographic art since 1995 but became a Certified Professional Photographer in 2010. In 2011 she decided that pet photography was what she really wanted to specialize in, and she hasn’t looked back. Listen as she shares her story, what she’s doing to help rescues in her area, and what makes the Animal Image Makers Conference the best in the industry.  Prior to specializing in pet photography, Lisa was truly a jack-of-all-trades photographer. She loved creating artistic photographs and sharing them with her clients. But she has always had a special place in her heart for animals. She started donating her time to professionally photograph pets at animal shelters and rescues and became instrumental in helping those animals find forever homes.  Little known fact, professionally photographed animals are significantly more likely to be adopted.  One of the other things Lisa loves is community and helping others in their own photography journeys. Which is how the Animal Image Makers Conference came to be. They started it in 2019 and almost sold out all of the tickets.  They have international speakers come in to share their knowledge and expertise, but most importantly of all, they’ve truly created a community for pet photographers to call home.  If you’ve been considering pet photography for your business, you will not want to miss out on all of the brilliant tips and tricks Lisa shares. Even if you’re NOT looking to add pet photography to your business, Lisa knows her stuff and the things she shares can be applied in so many ways.  Listen in to learn all about Lisa, the Animal Image Maker’s Conference, and what you need to do if you want to make pet photography your main offering.  In This Episode: [02:12] Learn about Lisa and how she found herself delving into pet photography and education.  [05:20] How did the Animal Image Makers Conference come about?  [09:18] Lisa shares her tips for starting and running a successful pet photography business.  [17:35] What kind of advice does she have for dealing with dogs who aren’t well-behaved?  [20:24] She’s even photographed a pot-bellied pig.  [24:53] Her advice for shifting into pet photography from other niches.  [27:28] Is it harder to work with rescues or shelters?  [30:00] One actionable tip to go out and start your pet photography business today.  [33:41] Lisa answers the rapid fire questions.  [36:56] Connect with Lisa.  Links and Resources: Animal Image Makers 2023 Conference - Use Code: SUCCESS2023 for $50 off registration! Connect with Lisa: Tangerine House of Design Animal Image Makers  No Bones About It Connect with Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast @jenn.bays Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

Have you ever found yourself spiraling in a pit of self-doubt? It happens. Trust me, I know. BUT there are definitely ways to get yourself out of that pit and back on track without completely derailing your business or health. Listen in to learn how! So first things first, if you’re able to, take a break. When I’m having a ‘bad brain day’ I find that I end up being way less productive than normal. Typically my thoughts keep circling, I can’t stay on task, and overall my anxiety keeps me from making positive steps forward.  On these days, I have to take a break. Sometimes a break looks like a 20 minute walk or a long lunch. Sometimes it looks like shutting down for the day and being done until the next day. Either way, it doesn’t make sense to push through a less than productive day knowing that the results are going to be sub-par and take way longer than normal.  Sometimes our brains just need to reset and taking a break is a great way to do that.  Once you’ve taken that break and gotten your head in a better space, take some time to reflect. Why did you have a spiral in the first place? What was the root cause of the bad day?  Getting to the root cause of the problem is the first step in taking strides toward not having that same issue occur again.  Last, keep what I call ‘happy notes’ around at all times. When you’re having a bad day one of the best things to do is go back and reread all the notes that satisfied clients, customers, and partners have sent you over the years. Sometimes you just need to be reminded that you are awesome and you know what you’re doing! Listen in to hear my top three tips on fighting self-doubt because it’s going to happen. Having the tools to come back better and stronger is the key to staying in the game! In This Episode: [01:41] As a business owner you will have to battle self-doubt at times.  [02:32] First, if you’re having a bad brain day, then you may just need to take a break.  [05:37] What it means to do a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 grounding technique.  [07:55] Abide by your hard stop in your business and do something just for you.  [09:34] Tip number two, take a look at what is causing your self-doubt.  [14:31] If your self-doubt doesn’t have a current root, dig deeper.  [19:01] When you first realize that you have anxiety, finding the root may be more difficult. In this case, work instead on getting out of that anxious moment.  [21:22] Tip number three, keep happy notes all around you to refer to on those bad days. [25:11] We’re humans and we’re going to make mistakes. That’s okay! Links and Resources: Animal Image Makers 2023 Conference - Use Code: SUCCESS2023 for $50 off registration! Connect with Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast @jenn.bays Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

One of the most important pieces of taking care of yourself is to literally take care of your body. And y’all, it does not have to be impossible. Listen as Alexis Hurley of Alexis Hurley Fit, LLC. shares how you can start making small changes in your daily life to reach those big health and fitness goals.  Believe it or not, Alexis was not always about the fitness. She even goes so far as to say that she was down right lazy. But it didn’t take long for her to realize that she needed to get back up and start doing something.  She’s been sharing her journey on Instagram for the last nine years, but when she had her little one, she started becoming very consistent in her posting. Then one week, she had several people reach out to her and tell her that what she was doing should be her career.  Now it is! She’s sharing all the juicy details behind the importance of starting small and building on those wins and why macro prepping is so much easier than meal prepping. So often we find ourselves writing out a huge list of the things we have to accomplish when it comes to our health and wellness that just starting seems like too much.  Alexis will help you put the list down and realize that small wins every day end up turning into huge wins over time. Listen in to learn more! In This Episode: [02:11] Listen as Alexis shares a bit about herself,her life, and why she’s excited to be in her 30’s. [05:02] How did she start her business and why a fitness business?  [08:15] It all happened quickly but it feels like she’s in the exact right place.  [10:08] Alexis shares her top three tips for making your health a priority this year and reaching your goals.  [13:40] Examples of specific goals to set that will help you reach your desired level of health and fitness.  [16:41] How to get started with a focus on nutrition and balanced eating.  [19:12] When did she realize that she had found the right path in starting her business?  [22:11] It is so much more impactful to be authentic rather than Insta-perfect and rigid.  [23:21] Alexis’s goal is that her clients understand how to build sustainable health rather than reaching a short term win.  [24:19] Her tips for eating better without spending hours in the kitchen. (Hint: it’s not meal prepping) [27:08] Is there any aspect of her business that she would have done differently?  [29:34] Alexis gives her best advice for when you should start your own health journey. [31:03] Lightning round with Alexis:  Fave business tool? Instagram Favorite Quote? 2 Timothy 1:7 Where would we hang out in Elizabethtown? Starbucks and Iced Coffee!  [36:07] Connect with Alexis. Links and Resources: Animal Image Makers 2023 Conference - Use Code: SUCCESS2023 for $50 off registration! Connect with Alexis: Alexis on Instagram Work with Alexis Connect with Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

I am so excited about this season. We’re doing things a little bit differently for the next few episodes, but I think it’s so important for us to consider as we come out of the holidays and start looking at this new year.    Season 5 is all about health and wellness.    I’m not going to be over here sharing with you my fluffy self-care practices, though they may make an appearance, I’m talking about real health and wellness. I’m going to have guests join me to talk about healthy eating, moving your body, taking care of your mental health, and helping you to figure out what the best version of YOU looks and feels like.    Because for me, health and wellness is not a number on a scale or a pair of jeans. It’s mental fortitude, a strong body that supports me in life, and practices that help balance my life and business.    If that sounds good to you, then buckle up because this is going to be an amazing season!   In This Episode: [02:11] Welcome to season 5 and all things health and wellness. [03:39] What it means to take care of myself.  [06:04] Start thinking about what a well-rounded version of YOU looks like. [08:14] Learn what I think of when I picture the best version of myself.  [08:55] What you can expect as we move into Season 5 of Success Beyond the Lens. [09:35] I share where I’m at with my health and wellness right now and why I started practicing gratitude again.  [13:36] Working out is integral for my mind and body.  [15:28] It’s important to acknowledge that each season of your life means different things for your health and wellness.  [18:20] Take this season to challenge yourself to rethink your own wellness.  [21:36] A messy house makes me feel like I’m being attacked when I walk into it.  [22:46] Right now, take time to figure out where you can start to find balance again.    Links and Resources: Animal Image Makers 2023 Conference - Use Code: SUCCESS2023 for $50 off registration! Creating Confidence with Cristin Goss Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram  @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun   Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies   Consultation Connection Call

Can you believe it? This was the MOST listened to episode of the podcast… EVER! Which is why we’re re-releasing it! Listen in and let me know what you think! Hiring an expert to help you with any aspect of your business is great, but only if you too know what it is they’re doing. This is especially true when it comes to the systems and software you’re using in your business. Listen in to learn why your systems are only as good as the knowledge you have of them.  I hear this complaint about various software all the time. So and so came in and set everything up but I have no idea how to use it. This is a problem! You should have an idea of how to use the software and use the system that’s been implemented.  If you’re setting up your systems yourself, take the time to dig into the resource libraries provided by the platform you’re using. They all have them. Many of them even have weekly webinars and various other ongoing resources you can attend to get better acquainted.  If you’re hiring an expert, be sure that they offer you the time to either sit down and show you how to use the platform and system OR that they provide you with videos walking you through various aspects.  Hands down, when your system breaks down, it’s almost 99% because of user error. There is usually some small step missed, or button unclicked. If you’ve never spent any time using the platform, you’ll never know when those things are missed.  Listen in to hear my tips for testing your systems, troubleshooting, and most importantly making sure you’re able to learn as much about your chosen platform from the expert you’ve chosen to hire.  The goal of these systems is to save you time and make you money, and every single one of them will do that for you. IF you take the time to learn how they work and what to do if something goes wrong.  Links and Resources: Want to listen to the original episode? Here’s the link! Consultation Connection Call Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

This episode with Natalie was so amazing. It was one of our TOP episodes for 2022. Listen in or listen again, this information never goes stale! If you haven’t already established your mission, vision and values for your business, you won’t want to skip this episode. Natalie Gingrich, CEO and founder of The Ops Authority, joins me to share why establishing these from the start of your business is so important and how to be sure you reflect on them both professionally and personally. Natalie spent over 15 years working at a fortune 150 company and while she loved her job, she needed time freedom and flexibility to spend more time with her family. Rather than continue on in the status quo, she took the leap and hasn’t often looked back.  One of the things propelling her into entrepreneurship was her intrinsic value based around her family. Her children were moving into some pretty exciting times in their lives and she didn’t want to miss it.  What came a little later for her was the mission behind her business and the vision to enact it. Natalie makes a great point that when you’re just starting your business, it’s important to dabble. Figure out what you like, what you don’t, and how you want to make an impact in the world.  Once you’ve found the clients or work that truly make working in and on your business a joy, then it’s time to start delving in and solidifying some of these key pieces. When done right, your mission, vision and values will act as guardrails for your business, keeping you in the lane you need to travel to reach your goals. Natalie is brilliant. Success Beyond the Lens was born through one of her masterminds and it was her pointing out my love for working with and for photographers that got me thinking about how to shift into working exclusively in this niche.  Listen in to see how you can start putting together your mission, vision and values, when you should review them, and why it’s important to simply get something down. Links and Resources: Want to listen to the original episode? Here’s the link! Consultation Connection Call Find Natalie: The Ops Authority The Ops Authority Podcast Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies

Ready to start making more money in your photography business? Listen or re-listen to this episode with Karinda K! She has all the tips and advice you need.  One thing that can make or break your photography business is your money mindset. That’s right. The stories you picked up from your parents and that you tell yourself about money absolutely impact how you operate your business. Listen as Karinda K shares all! Karinda is an amazing photographer who is now selling multi-4 and 5 figure photography packages, but she admits, she wasn’t always comfortable with it. In fact, for a long time she wouldn’t even accept credit cards because she was so fearful that her work was putting someone in debt.  That wasn’t her story. It was a story she’d heard from her parents since she was little and she took it on as her reality.  When she started digging into her stories she realized that money is a tool. It is not evil, it has no emotion. It is there to be used to create impact in the world, the industry, and the family. No more. No less.  Listen as Karinda delves into her own story and why this money piece is so important. She shares tips and strategies for re-writing your own money story as well as the first steps she has her clients take as they begin digging into their own money beliefs.  Have you ever struggled with certain money issues in your business and you just can’t seem to figure out why? It could be you have your own money blocks.  Links and Resources Want to listen to the original episode? Here’s the link! Consultation Connection Call Find Karinda: Master Your Mind & Money Pinterest | Instagram |Facebook | LinkedIn Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies  

Ez provided some fantastic tips and advice! That’s why we’re re-releasing their episode. Listen in to learn how you can attract more diverse clients to your photography business.  Are you ready to create a safe space within your business for the LGBTQIA people in your life and community, but unsure of the best way to share it? Listens as Ez Powers shares their thoughts and advice about photographing these amazing communities.  Ez has had a love of photography since they were 8 and their grandfather put a camera in their hand. They traveled together all over the country photographing state parks and beautiful landmarks. Ever since then a love and passion for photography has simmered in Ez’s heart.  When they were 15 they even went to Kenya and helped bring awareness and help to people who were without water. They have known for years that photographs and representation means something very important.  As they grew in their craft, they realized what about photography really drew them in. They have now created an unapologetically representative business. Beyond that, they also give back with every full service package.  Here’s the deal. You have to go beyond advocating for the LGBTQIA community. You have to understand them deeply and without any bias or subjectivity. Ez shares the power of using the right words and moving past acceptance and into understanding.  Keep reading for some amazing resources if you are not ready to go deeper with this community but know other photographers who are! You’ll definitely want to take notes during this one! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HSvbAQ5W5ghY9um76g-6E8_gb65KT5fU_qVzGoA7Y9Q/edit# Links and Resources: Want to listen to the original episode? Here’s the link! Consultation Connection Call Jeffrey Marsh - TikTok Evey Winters Transnormativity Suggested Google Searches on YouTube: Intro to Trans 101 Trans 101 Non-binary explained Non-offensive phrases you can use if you don’t feel ready to work with transgender clients but want to refer them out: “I am someone who is not super fluent in working with transgender people and I am actively working on that right now but I do not feel like I am qualified to give you the best experience you could possibly have with a photographer. I think that this person who I know has been working on themselves for a very long time and/or this person happens to be queer or trans might be a 100% full proof photographer for you.” “I’m happy to work with you if you are aware of those things that I am learning and going through but if you want a space that is all around ready for all aspects and doesn’t remind you of microaggressions then I would go to this person.” Find Ez: Ez Powers Photo Facebook | Instagram Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies  

It’s that time again. Time to recap the year as we head into… <> WHAT?! End of year recap in September? I promise there’s a reason for it and I’m sharing it all. Listen in to this very last Success Beyond the Lens episode for 2022 and learn what to expect for the business and podcast going forward!   As you know, moving into the fall and winter seasons, the photography world goes bananas. For many photographers, this is the busiest time of year, which means it’s also my busiest time of year.    What I have found is that trying to juggle it all while still providing the best level of service and attention to our clients is not productive. So this year, we’re pausing new episodes of the podcast before we hit the busy season and we’ll be back in January.    But that’s not what this episode is all about. No! You’re here to learn all about the ins and outs and ups and downs that we’ve faced so far in 2022.    To say that this year has been a year of growth would be an understatement. Not just a year of growth in revenue, but also a year of growth both personally and professionally for me.    This year I’ve truly gone from being in my business and doing the client work, to running my business, building a team, and helping to support them in providing fantastic service to our clients. If you’ve ever hired any team members ever, you know what a huge shift that is.    Listen as I share how this shift has impacted my work days as well as my personal life and why it’s amazing but also unsettling at the same time. If you’re experiencing growth in your business, know that discomfort is normal and it really is a catalyst for great things to come.    See you in 2023!   In This Episode: [01:04] I know it’s crazy to talk about doing a 2022 wrap up at the end of September. [01:47] Listen as I share why I’m doing it now instead of later. [02:43] Let’s chat about everything that’s happened in 2022. [06:16] I realized that I needed to make some changes to free up some space to run my business. [08:36] Now I have more time in my days than I’ve ever had in my business and it feels weird. [11:47] I’ve also made time to do things I like to do. [13:13] The hardest thing has been figuring out how to manage the new dynamics of my business. [17:24] “Make sure you are not making your business your life.” [19:00] I’ll see you in January.   Links and Resources: Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram  @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun   Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies   Consultation Connection Call

In the last episode, Jodie Brim shared the story behind her business and how she got to where she is today. We’re continuing the conversation with all the things she’s done to build in balance while growing. There will be seasons of hustle but you should not be hustling 100% of the time.  One of the very first things Jodie did when she was able was to outsource her household stuff. Everything from cleaning to laundry to cooking is done by others because she hasn’t had the time to run her business, be with her family and take care of the day to day drudgery.  I’ve talked about it before myself. Before I outsourced a single thing in my business, I outsourced my house cleaning. Sometimes taking care of your responsibilities at home is just the ticket for opening up the time and space you need during your day to make huge leaps in business.  Once she got her home situated, she began outsourcing her editing. Editing is so time consuming and for Jodie, while that part is necessary, spending time with her clients and preparing for shoots is more valuable than doing the nitty gritty of editing.  There are so many little steps that you can take while building your business to set yourself up for success, but Jodie's biggest tip, beyond even outsourcing, is to always know your numbers. If you don’t know your numbers you really have no clue what your business can and cannot afford.  Then when your numbers are straight, “always be marketing!”  Need more amazing tips? Listen to the second part of “The Incredible Story of Jodie Brim” and hear them all. You won’t be disappointed.    In This Episode: [00:52] Jodie shares some of the pivotal changes she’s implemented in her business.  [03:26] Outsource. Outsource. Outsource. [06:06] But not just in your business. Outsource things in your personal life too. [09:24] Which task should be outsourced first. [11:46] New things she is working on for the future. [17:14] How to recognize burnout and what to do to keep from getting to that point. [22:07] Her actionable tips for you. [24:45] Why her favorite bible verse is Psalms 37:4. [25:20] Her favorite business tool is Dubsado. [26:04] She says she would take me to Eastern Standard for a drink if I came to Winston-Salem. Links and Resources: How To Move From Corporate to Entrepreneurship with Jodie Brim Find Jodie: Jodie Brim Creative Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

There are very few people in my life that I admire and respect in the way that I do the Incredible Jodie Brim. She has built a rock solid business after leaving a very lucrative corporate career while also dealing with unbelievable hardship in her life. Listen in to hear all about how she’s done it and why her faith has been pivotal in surviving the hard times.  Jodie didn’t set out to be a photographer. She always loved photography however. In fact, she was one of those kids who walked around with her disposable camera documenting life and the world around her. But photography as a business?  Instead she went to school and got her Masters in Public Service. She originally wanted to work in government for a non-profit changing the world that way. Instead she went into corporate and she and her husband socked away the majority of their sizable income.  To say that they lived below their means would be an understatement as they were able to pay over $100,000 in debt in just one year. But they did it all for a reason. The goal was to create a foundation for the life they wanted to live together.  Now that life includes a wildly successful photography business for Jodie. But to say that it was easy would be utterly wrong. In 2015 her husband was diagnosed with an extremely rare auto-immune disorder that left him completely immobile.  They kept their faith strong and their spirits high however and now their lives have taken a much deserved turn. Listen to this first part of our conversation all about Jodie’s story, the birth of her business, and its evolution over the years.  Tune in to the next episode to learn all of Jodie’s advice for new photographers who are looking to build photography businesses of their own. In This Episode: [03:01] Welcome back to the show, Jodie! [04:44] She talks about starting her business and feeling confused and lost. [09:41] Why photography was the business for her. [12:20] Listen as she discusses what happened in 2015 that changed her life completely. [17:24] How she got a handle on her life two years after everything changed.  [19:15] Her faith pulled her through. [20:43] What a day in her life looked like when she was raising her daughter and going to the hospital everyday to be with her husband. [26:41] “Life can be hard at times but we can do hard things.” Links and Resources: How To Move From Corporate to Entrepreneurship with Jodie Brim Find Jodie: Jodie Brim Creative Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

For so many people, becoming an entrepreneur seems like a big, scary leap. For Johanna Hribal, it was the key to defeating anxiety and regaining her focus, confidence, and sanity. Listen as she shares why she left behind a career in teaching to start, grow, and scale her very own photography business.  Johanna wasn’t just teaching. She holds a Masters in Education and felt called to do the work. But when Covid struck her niggling nudges of anxiety turned into a full blown problem. At first she didn’t even realize her feelings of dread were anxiety related, but when she ended her contract, it was like a huge boulder being lifted from her shoulders.  She didn’t leave on a whim though. Johanna had been slowly but effectively building her photography business on the side of her teaching career. Now she’s able to do it full time, her way.  Her work weeks look very different from the way they did as a teacher. She schedules in time for herself and to get out into the world. Plus she has been able to truly live her life each and every day.  How has she done it? Through elevating her skills, working on her systems, and setting clear and attainable boundaries for herself and her clients.  Listen as Johanna shares her story and her advice for anyone nervous about stepping out on the entrepreneurial limb. It’s not easy. To this day she still feels guilt for leaving behind a profession that’s in need of amazing people. But she did what she had to do for herself, her life, and her family. In This Episode: [01:46] Welcome to the show, Johanna! [02:18] She shares her background and why she decided to start her own business. [06:20] Listen as Johanna talks about her favorite travel moments. [13:06] What she’s done to help alleviate her mental health issues. [19:12] Techniques she uses to help manage her anxiety. [22:17] Listen as Johanna discusses her boundaries and how she enforces them with clients. [28:53] One actionable tip for anyone who is contemplating making their hobby a career. [31:31] Dubsado and Calendly are her two favorite business tools. [31:55] “You can never have too much sky.” is her favorite quote. [32:41] She shares where she would take me for a drink if I were to visit Louisville. [33:48] Connect with Johanna. Links and Resources: Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job by John Acuff Find Johanna: Frames + Letters Photography Instagram Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “It’s too late for me to do that” or “I’m too old” then you’re going to want to listen in. Evie Richards-Cashmanis has started out in her fourth career and it may just be the best one yet. Listen in to hear all about her story and why she’s beating back the negative self-talk to pursue her passion.  Evie has been a hobby photographer since she was a young girl, but life and financial needs took her in a different direction. She’s never been afraid of a challenge though.  At the age of 50 she decided to go to school to become a pharmacist. She not only completed her degree but she also worked in the field for many years. During that time her love of photography intersected with a growing demand for her work.  She decided then to start studying her craft. After several years of doing any and all photography work, she began specializing.  At the age of 70 she stepped fully into building her photography business and has no intention of looking back. Does she have that little voice in her head telling her she can’t do this? Of course! But she’s surrounding herself with teachers and mentors that help to beat the demons back.  Evie is a true inspiration to keep pursuing your passions. Listen in to hear her tell it all. In This Episode: [01:33] Welcome to the show, Evie! [02:04] Evie shares how long she has been doing photography. [04:05] Learn what type of photography she specializes in and what it took to launch her business. [10:30] Her previous position allowed her to network and get side jobs for photography. [12:10] Evie discusses what frustrated her when starting her business. [14:57] Why she hired a business coach. [19:02] Evie talks about a job she was hired to do that ended up being much bigger than planned. [22:13] She shares some advice for the listeners. [24:50] Evie’s favorite business tools are her camera and HoneyBook. [25:18] If I was meeting Evie for a drink we would go to the beach and get frozen drinks. [26:02] Connect with Evie. Links and Resources: Find Evie: ERC Photography Instagram | Facebook Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

Not many people know this, but I have multiple personalities… Just kidding! What I have is a propensity to name the different sides of myself. For instance, when I’m super productive, Productive Polly comes out. For the longest time, my default mode of being has been mired in anxiety and a lack of confidence.  But it’s all changing! That fact, the fact that it’s all changing, was one of the reasons why I was so excited to get to chat with Cristin Goss. Cristin is the owner and founder of Goss Boss and she’s made it her mission to help women find their confidence and feel more comfortable in their skin.  Even when she hasn’t always been able to do the same.  For Cristin, the struggle to find confidence and self-acceptance all started when she was a child. She never looked like the other girls and she never felt as if she belonged. Just as she was finding herself and her place in the world, her entire life changed.  Those deeply profound life changes, along with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, started Cristin on the path of not only finding herself, but also loving herself.  Listen as Cristin shares her story and how her personal journey has so irrevocably impacted her business and growth. Cristin is so much fun to talk to and we’re both baring it all for this one, so get ready to have a lot of laughs and many moments of personal introspection.    In This Episode: [01:42] Welcome to the show, Cristin! [04:55] We chat about how much our businesses have grown and changed since we met. [06:51] Learning how to create confidence as a business owner has been a key in my business. [08:17] Cristin shares her journey of becoming a confident person in her business and personal life. [16:31] What happened when she made the decision to stop leaning into the negative thoughts in her head? [20:56] I share what I did to change the dialogue in my head. [24:30] Cristin discusses Katie Sturino and the practices she implemented. [27:11] Three key areas where her clients struggle in life and relationships, business and career and body image. [33:07] Things to get you back on track when you have a bad head day. [39:39] Connecting with others on a same or similar journey is extremely important. [43:24] Cristin shares some affirmations that are very meaningful to her. [45:12] She talks about where we would go in Pittsburgh for a drink.   Links and Resources: Katie Sturino Find Cristin: Cristin Goss Instagram Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

If you’ve been in business for long, you know that it’s not all cupcakes and rainbows. Every day isn’t about living your best life and singing in the rain. In fact, more often than not, your business grows and develops directly proportional to your own personal growth and development.  Mine has been no different.  In the episode preceding this one I shared all about the beginning of my story. But then in 2020 my business like so many others experienced a huge shift that I wasn’t necessarily ready for at the time.  The “panini” brought up a lot of personal baggage that I’d been holding onto for many many years and they highlighted behaviors that I’d held over from my corporate life. The same corporate behaviors that I created my business to escape.  Listen as I share where the business is today and why it was a couple of personal decisions that I made for myself that led to massive growth. This episode isn’t as fun and upbeat as some of my other episodes but it’s real, raw, and extremely honest. Which is all I hope to be for you as you’re building your own businesses! In This Episode: [03:01] When my business started to feel the pressure of Covid, I dove into the Honeybook and Dubsado setups to keep things afloat. [04:22] At this time I wasn’t physically or mentally in a good place. [05:08] I atribute a few different things that I did to where the business is today. [05:29] In the fall of 2020 I reached out to a therapist for help. [06:44] Six months later I hired a personal trainer. [08:07] The business went crazy in 2021 and we reached consecutive five figure months. [11:15] I would agonize over small things in every aspect of my life. [12:39] I don’t believe that the business would be where it is now if I hadn’t hired a therapist to face the scary boxes I had in place. [14:45] I challenged myself to take a kickboxing class and now I am an instructor. [16:30] With this podcast I want to have honest conversations that allow you to run a successful business. [19:04] You can do anything you put your mind to. [20:07] Thank you for listening! Links and Resources: Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies Consultation Connection Call

When it comes down to it, we’re all trying to tell our stories. For photographers, the goal is to tell their client’s story in a series of pictures, but what about the story behind their own business? This season I’m sharing the story behind my business and the businesses of other amazing photographers just like you!   Did you know that telling your own story is kind of hard? It’s hard to sit down in front of a mic and just start talking all about yourself. Especially if you’re not used to talking about yourself as a normal part of everyday life.    I found it to be almost impossible. In fact, I recorded part II of this little mini-series and realized that something was missing. So what did I do? I called in my amazing podcast manager Kayla Wells to help me share my story.   Listen in as we chat about how I got started, when I knew that I only wanted to work with photographers and how Covid (or the panorama) helped propel my business forward in ways I could have never imagined.    How did you start your business? Why did you start your business? It’s time to share your story.   In This Episode: [01:24] On this first episode of season 4, I am being interviewed by my Podcast Manager Kayla Wells. [02:18] I share how I got started in the virtual entrepreneurial world. [03:11] I started my own business so that I would have the flexibility of my time. [05:25] Listen as I talk about how I found out about the virtual world. [07:44] When I started out I did anything people would pay me to do like, shownotes, transcription, web design and graphics. [09:58] My first photography had me doing everything except taking photographs for her company. [11:18] I discuss the evolution of my company from doing anything to niching down to photographers. [13:58] My passion is helping photographers to grow their businesses, I share how I helped them find what worked for them. [18:48] I talk about the timeline to where I am today. [22:06] During the pandemic in 2020 I lost 80% of my business. [25:30] In October of 2020 I took two steps that literally changed everything. [30:18] I don’t know if I would have the business I have today if the pandemic hadn’t happened. [32:50] How enforcing my boundaries has allowed me to have “me” time, time with my family and grow my business. [38:57] It has allowed me time to work on a big project for the fall and improve the foundation of the business. [42:28] Now that you know where it all started, listen to part 2 to hear the changes I’ve made for the business going forward. Links and Resources: Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram  @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun   Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies   Consultation Connection Call

Hiring an expert to help you with any aspect of your business is great, but only if you too know what it is they’re doing. This is especially true when it comes to the systems and software you’re using in your business. Listen in to learn why your systems are only as good as the knowledge you have of them.  I hear this complaint about various software all the time. So and so came in and set everything up but I have no idea how to use it. This is a problem! You should have an idea of how to use the software and use the system that’s been implemented.  If you’re setting up your systems yourself, take the time to dig into the resource libraries provided by the platform you’re using. They all have them. Many of them even have weekly webinars and various other ongoing resources you can attend to get better acquainted.  If you’re hiring an expert, be sure that they offer you the time to either sit down and show you how to use the platform and system OR that they provide you with videos walking you through various aspects.  Hands down, when your system breaks down, it’s almost 99% because of user error. There is usually some small step missed, or button unclicked. If you’ve never spent any time using the platform, you’ll never know when those things are missed.  Listen in to hear my tips for testing your systems, troubleshooting, and most importantly making sure you’re able to learn as much about your chosen platform from the expert you’ve chosen to hire.  The goal of these systems is to save you time and make you money, and every single one of them will do that for you. IF you take the time to learn how they work and what to do if something goes wrong.    In This Episode: [02:24] Hiring an expert to get your system up and running is great, as long as you know how to operate it once it’s done. [04:15] If you learn by doing, create your lead contact form, fill it out and go through the workflows yourself. [07:20] If you learn by watching, the platforms have tons of resources out there to help you. [10:19] You need a basic knowledge of how to run your platform so you can be more successful with it. [12:56] I recommend spending a few hours running through your systems to see what they look like. [15:04] The more time you spend in these systems playing around the better you understand them. [15:44] Your homework. [19:41] I am so excited about season 4.   Links and Resources: Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies   Consultation Connection Call

Have you ever heard the saying that email is dead or dying? Every couple of years marketing gurus all over the place decide that email is just no longer working. Every couple years those same gurus are proven wrong. Listen as Liz Wilcox not only shares how to write a 20 minute newsletter but why it’s so important you start now.  Liz has done it all. In fact, she started her freelancing career on Craigslist of all places and in 2016 she found her way to blogging. What she quickly realized was that email marketing is what truly made her freelancer’s heart happy.  Now she helps turn bloggers into business owners by creating personality driven email copy that creates adoring fans and repeat customers.  Listen as Liz breaks down her 20 minute newsletter framework and shares exactly how you as a photographer can and should integrate email marketing into your business. Want a sneak peak at one myth we’re busting? (It’s not about when you send your newsletter… success is found in the way you handle your introduction in the welcome sequence!)  Intrigued? Listen in to hear it all!   In This Episode: [01:30] Welcome to the show, Liz! [03:14] How she developed the simple newsletter framework she uses. [05:00] The steps in creating the newsletter. [08:21] Listen as Liz recaps the three steps to creating a 20 minute newsletter. [09:01] “People don’t buy when you are selling, they buy when they are ready.” [10:37] How often you should put out a newsletter. [14:22] The importance of onboarding and getting clients your email welcome sequence. [16:38] Think about what your vision is for your clients, what do you want them to get out of the photos. [18:10] Share your values in your onboarding emails. [22:36] Questions you should ask yourself when writing emails and newsletters. [23:45] Where you can get her free email welcome sequence and newsletter examples. [25:15] What is a welcome sequence? [31:13] Her favorite business tools are Ecamm Live and Giphy.com. [33:59] She shares her favorite quotes. [35:45] We talk about where we would go and what we would drink if I went to Destin, Florida. [37:52] Find out where to hang out with Liz.   Links and Resources:   Find Liz: Liz Wilcox Instagram | Facebook   Find Jenn: Success Beyond The Lens @successbeyondthelens Instagram @successbeyondthelenspodcast Facebook | Picbabun Grab your Boundaries Resources Editable Welcome Packet Template Pinterest Freebies   Consultation Connection Call