Ep. 9 Designing Your Business and Life: Family, Flexibility, and Entrepreneurship with Kim Evans
Kim Evans shares her journey as a designer and entrepreneur in the wedding industry, from pioneering pop-up weddings to building a business alongside her husband, Gary. The conversation explores the balance between family life and entrepreneurship, the transition from client work to education and mentorship, and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way. At the core of Kim’s story is a reminder that thriving as an entrepreneur requires flexibility—and that true success is found in creating meaningful experiences for both clients and community.Website: www.garyandkimevans.comIG: @garyandkim.caTakeawaysKim and Gary have been in the wedding industry for nearly two decades.They emphasize the importance of celebrating small wins in life and business.Kim transitioned from floral design to photography to reduce overhead costs.Pop-up weddings fill a gap for couples seeking a unique, affordable wedding experience.They prioritize work-life balance and avoid hustle culture.Education and mentorship have become a significant focus for Kim and Gary.They believe success is subjective and should align with personal values.Creating memorable moments for clients is at the heart of their business.They encourage entrepreneurs to define their own version of success.Flexibility in scheduling is crucial for maintaining family life alongside business. KeywordsKim Evans, pop-up weddings, entrepreneurship, wedding industry, business partnership, education, mentorship, creative business, work-life balance, innovationChapters00:00 Introduction and Connection at ShutterFest02:52 Building a Business Together05:30 The Importance of Gratitude in Entrepreneurship08:10 Navigating Family Expectations and Career Choices10:53 Transitioning from Floral Design to Photography13:15 Roles and Responsibilities in the Business15:49 Innovative Pop-Up Weddings Concept18:27 Unique Wedding Experiences and Vendor Collaboration23:37 The Art of Building Rapport in Photography24:29 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Unique Experiences26:15 Creating Memorable Client Experiences26:58 Navigating the Challenges of Pop-Up Photography29:04 Transitioning into Education and Workshops31:48 Balancing Business and Family Life34:07 Embracing Change and Personal Growth35:44 The Importance of Creating Moments37:39 The Dynamics of a Strong Partnership42:09 Advice for Couple Entrepreneurs44:45 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
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Ep. 8 From Behind the Camera to Behind Their Brands with Noella Andres
Chloe Ramirez sits down with marketing expert Noella Andres to explore her journey from photography to marketing. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the creative industry, the importance of community, and the power of email marketing. Noella shares her experiences with boudoir photography, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the significance of setting personal boundaries. The discussion emphasizes the value of long-form content, client experience, and building confidence in marketing strategies, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their creative businesses.Noella's Website: TakeawaysNoella transitioned from photography to marketing due to personal needs.Boudoir photography highlighted the importance of empowering women.COVID-19 led to a surge in demand for marketing services.Taking a break in a flower shop helped Noella reconnect with herself.Community and connection are vital for creative professionals.Setting personal boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout.Email marketing is a powerful tool for photographers.Long-form content is gaining popularity over short-form content.Client experience should be prioritized in marketing strategies.Surrounding yourself with supportive peers boosts confidence.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections00:31 Noella's Journey into Photography02:48 Transitioning to Boudoir Photography05:43 The Shift to Marketing and Coaching08:37 The Flower Shop Experience10:07 Rediscovering Joy in Photography15:34 The Importance of Mental Breaks18:23 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care22:07 Finding Peace Through Decision-Making23:53 Recognizing Your Strengths in Marketing27:03 The Importance of Long-Term Goals29:43 Navigating Trends vs. Authentic Marketing30:55 The Power of Email Marketing33:56 The Shift Towards Long-Form Content37:41 Overcoming Mental Blocks in Storytelling40:34 Building Confidence as a Photographer44:34 Focusing on Client Experience for Success
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Ep. 7 How Marcie Reif Built Client Loyalty—and a Photography Studio That Lasts
SummaryIn this conversation, Marcie Reif shares her journey as a family and portrait photographer, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, understanding light, and building trust with clients. She discusses the challenges faced in the photography business, the significance of creating a positive experience for families, and her experiences in establishing a studio. Marcie also highlights the value of education in photography and her passion for empowering women through her Road Trippers Retreat. The conversation concludes with insights on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of celebrating achievements in the creative field.TakeawaysMentorship is crucial for growth in photography.Understanding light is essential for capturing great images.Building trust with clients enhances the photography experience.Creating a positive environment is key for family sessions.Self-doubt is a common challenge for photographers.Patience is necessary for business growth.Marketing strategies should be tailored to your audience.Networking with other photographers can provide support and inspiration.Celebrating achievements helps build confidence.Education and continuous learning are vital in photography.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Warm Connections01:13 The Heart of Family Photography06:31 Building Trust with Families15:31 Navigating Challenges with Kids19:22 Creating a Positive Experience for Families21:20 Creating a Comfortable Session Flow24:33 The Journey to Owning a Studio29:30 Building a Successful Photography Business33:52 Marketing Strategies for New Offers38:26 The Journey of Road Trippers Retreat43:38 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Visibility47:44 Celebrating Achievements: Becoming a Tamron Image Master53:46 Creating a Supportive Community for Women Photographers55:38 Advice for Aspiring Photographers: Embrace the Journey58:59 Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations59:52 The Importance of Mentorship in Personal GrowthLinksWebsite: www.marciereif.comRoadTrippers Retreat: https://marciereif.com/retreatsKeywordsphotography, mentorship, family photography, business growth, education, self-doubt, women in photography, photography retreat, studio photography, marketing strategies
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Ep. 6 Not Just a Mom with a Camera: How Elena S. Blair Built a Movement
In this episode of the Hot Girls Podcast, host Chloe Ramirez interviews her best friend, Elena S. Blair, a successful family photographer and community builder. They discuss Elena's journey from being a NICU nurse to discovering her passion for photography, the importance of family photography, and the creation of a supportive community for photographers. Elena shares insights on mindset, marketing strategies, and the significance of in-person retreats, emphasizing the power of collaboration over competition. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of pursuing one's passion and the importance of building a designer life.TakeawaysElena discovered her creativity later in life after becoming a photographer.The transition from nursing to photography was a significant leap for Elena.Family photography is a vital and often undervalued genre.Building a community for photographers is essential for support and growth.Elena's mastermind program was created to help photographers thrive.Mindset plays a crucial role in business success.Marketing strategies should focus on email lists and SEO rather than just social media.In-person retreats foster deeper connections among photographers.Balancing work and life is achievable with the right systems in place.Empowering women in business is a key focus for Elena.From Nurse to Photographer: Elena's JourneyThe Power of Community in Photography"I am unapologetically a mom with a camera.""I believe in community over competition.""The rising tide lifts all boats."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Friendship Dynamics02:59 The Journey to Creativity06:05 Transitioning from Nursing to Photography10:44 The Importance of Family Photography14:21 Building a Designer Life17:56 Creating Community During Isolation21:04 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Personal Success22:58 Creating a Supportive Community Through Masterminds25:21 Transformational Journeys in Business25:39 The Importance of Personal Growth and Mindset29:05 Navigating Guilt and Expectations as Women30:24 Streamlining Business Operations for Success33:11 Effective Marketing Strategies Beyond Social Media36:11 Building a Culture of Support and AbundanceLinksElena's Website: www.elenasblair.comThe Mastermind: https://elenasblair.com/the-elena-s-blair-mastermind
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E5. From $75 Weddings to Six Figures: Alora Rachelle's Journey
SummaryIn this episode of 'Hot Girls Photograph Love', Chloe Ramirez interviews Alora Rachelle, a successful wedding photographer turned educator. Alora shares her journey from charging $75 for her first wedding to scaling her business to over $500,000 a year. The conversation delves into the challenges women face in the photography industry, including imposter syndrome, burnout, and the importance of mindset. Alora emphasizes the need for women to advocate for themselves and their worth, and she discusses her transition to coaching other women photographers to achieve success without sacrificing their personal lives. The episode concludes with Alora introducing her new program aimed at empowering women in the wedding photography space.LinksAloha's Website: www.alorarachelle.comWedding Atelier Podcast: https://www.alorarachelle.com/podcastFree Training: https://www.alorarachelle.com/free-trainingTakeawaysAlora Rochelle transitioned from a wedding photographer to a business coach.Women often face imposter syndrome and need to advocate for themselves.Burnout is a common issue among photographers, especially women.Success can be defined in many ways beyond just financial metrics.Alora emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving success.She created a program to help women photographers scale their businesses.The impact of her work is more important than the money earned.Alora's journey highlights the importance of community and support among women.She encourages women to find their unique path in business.Alora's new program focuses on sustainable success for women photographers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Connection at WPPI03:24 Empowering Women in Business06:03 The Journey to Wedding Photography08:50 Finding Passion in Wedding Photography11:23 The Impact of Personal Loss on Photography14:02 Capturing Memories: The Importance of Documentary Style16:52 Burnout and Its Signs in Creative Work19:39 Defining Success and Personal Boundaries21:29 The Shift in Business Strategy Post-Pandemic25:44 Mindset and Self-Worth in Business29:24 The Power of Writing and Setting Goals31:10 Transitioning from Photography to Coaching33:55 The Impact of Mentorship and Community37:36 Creating a Female-Centric Business Model41:09 Launching the Wedding Atelier ProgramKeywordswedding photography, women empowerment, business coaching, mindset, burnout, success, photography education, entrepreneurship, Alora Rachelle, women photographers
A podcast for women photographers who are done playing small. Hosted by award winning photographer and photography industry educator Chloe Ramirez, this show is your permission slip to take up space, break the rules, and photograph with your whole damn heart. Expect honest conversations, creative fire, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel seen.
For the hot girls behind the lens, the artists, the rebels, the romantics.
New episodes drop every Tuesday. Let’s change the industry, one story at a time.
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