Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers

Joy Michelle, Coach for Photographers
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Called To Both® is the podcast for ambitious photographers and creative small business owners wanting better clients & diversified revenue, while also building a life you love! Finally, a fresh perspective on business and marketing from a mom who works less than 20 hours per week! On this podcast Joy Michelle talks about what it takes to pursue both Motherhood and entrepreneurship, balance these two worlds, and provide you with tools and lessons to help you thrive in both areas of life. While learning about business is so valuable—where is the business advice for women doing BOTH? At Called to Both, we truly don’t believe you have to choose between these two worlds tugging at your heart. You can be Called to Both. Called to Both Podcast will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired with new episodes each week, walking away with tangible yet simple steps to make your business and life work for you. Photographers, if you feel Called To Both you’re in the right place. Join us each week as we discuss time management, affiliate marketing, business strategy, marketing tips, and work life balance as if you were chatting one-on-one with your business coach.You can find show notes, links, and resources mentioned in each episode at https://calledtoboth.com Connect with Joy over on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joyymichelle/.

  1. 175: Stop Working Like a Photographer. Start Thinking Like a CEO.

    2D AGO

    175: Stop Working Like a Photographer. Start Thinking Like a CEO.

    There is one shift that will completely change the way you run your business—and it has nothing to do with strategy. In today’s episode, I’m diving into a powerful identity shift that I’ve been seeing come up again and again in my coaching conversations. It’s not about doing more, working harder, or tweaking your pricing—it’s about how you see yourself. I’m breaking down the difference between operating as a photographer who runs a business versus stepping into the role of a CEO who happens to be a photographer. This shift can unlock growth, clarity, and sustainability in ways that strategy alone never could. In this episode:  The key differences between a photographer mindset and a CEO mindset Why so many creatives hit a plateau and how to move past it What it actually looks like to operate like a CEO in your day-to-day business Find It Quickly 00:00 - Introducing the identity shift that changes everything01:56 - Are you thinking like a photographer or a CEO?03:00 - How each mindset approaches growth, pricing, and slow seasons04:54 - What it actually looks like to operate like a CEO07:08 - Why the rooms you’re in shape your growth10:00 - Questions to help you shift your mindset Mentioned in this Episode: DM for Rise Collective information: instagram.com/joyymichelle Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    13 min
  2. The Real Strategy Behind Audience Engagement That Actually Converts

    MAR 30

    The Real Strategy Behind Audience Engagement That Actually Converts

    How do I get my audience to respond to my content so it feels more like a dialogue and less like a one sided conversation? There’s a real reason we want our audience to respond, as it's an essential part of the sales process. In today's episode, I'm highlighting how you can get the responses you're looking for by training your audience to talk to you! This episode originally aired as episode 127 on December 23, 2024. In This Episode You'll: Explore the value of an audiences' response.Learn the key to training your audience to respond.Understand the key prompts that encourage your audience to talk to you.Find it quickly: 1:42 - The Importance of Audience Engagement 4:23 - Choosing the Right Platform for Engagement 6:46 - Creating Content that Invites Dialogue 9:07 - Handling Initial Quietness and Building Relationships 10:37 - Responding to Engagement and Being Active 13:45 - Understanding Different Audience Types Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 45: Pushing Past Perfectionism in Your Content, Business, and Beyond More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE. Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    21 min
  3. 174: 3 Problems I Coached My Clients On This Week (What Really Happens Inside My Coaching Calls)

    MAR 23

    174: 3 Problems I Coached My Clients On This Week (What Really Happens Inside My Coaching Calls)

    I’m pulling back the curtain on real coaching conversations—and what I found might surprise you. This week, I did something I’ve never done before: I’m walking you through three real client case studies from inside my coaching sessions. These are experienced photographers—talented, established, and doing so many things right—but still hitting frustrating plateaus. What’s fascinating? The problems they thought they had weren’t the real problems at all. In this episode, I break down how we identified the true blind spots in their businesses and the strategic shifts that led to immediate breakthroughs. In this episode: Why more traffic won’t fix a conversion problem (and what will)How generosity can actually accelerate your authority—not dilute itThe key to raising your prices without just saying “luxury”Find It Quickly: 02:48 - Case Study #1: A wedding photographer stuck in a booking plateau 08:50 - Case Study #2: “Is my freebie too good to give away for free?” 13:04 - Case Study #3: Raising prices without just saying “luxury” Mentioned in this Episode joymichelle.co/coaching More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE. Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    19 min
  4. How Photographers Can Create Passive Income Through Their Content with Affiliate Marketing

    MAR 16

    How Photographers Can Create Passive Income Through Their Content with Affiliate Marketing

    Ever wondered if there’s a way to make money in your photography business without taking on more clients or working more hours? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite revenue streams—affiliate marketing. I'm breaking down exactly how photographers can start earning commission by recommending tools and products they already use. Affiliate marketing has brought over $100,000 into my business, and the best part is that it’s never been my main focus. It’s simply a strategic layer on top of the content and trust I’m already building with my audience. If you’ve ever thought affiliate marketing was only for big influencers or that you need a massive audience to make it work, this episode will change your perspective. This episode originally aired on February 24, 2025 as episode 133. Today’s episode is brought to you by Affiliate Boss: You’re already recommending tools you love, so why not get paid for it? Affiliate Boss is my step-by-step course for creatives who want to add passive income through affiliate marketing that actually feels aligned. You don’t need a huge audience—just the right strategy. Let me show you how. Enroll Now>> Find It Quickly:  00:37 – The Cost of Perfectionism 03:36 – Identifying the Root Causes 06:24 – Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism 11:28 – Affiliate Marketing for Creatives 12:32 – Batch Creating Content 15:00 – Setting Deadlines and Time Constraints 17:02 – Podcast Recommendations and Wrap-Up Mentioned in this Episode: Affiliate Boss Everyday Magic by Mattie James More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE. If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    28 min
  5. 173: Building Stability for Photographers in 2026 ft. Laura Esmond

    MAR 9

    173: Building Stability for Photographers in 2026 ft. Laura Esmond

    What do you do when your industry feels different, inquiries feel slower, and the strategies that used to work don’t hit the same way anymore? In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation that originally aired on Laura Esmond’s podcast, where we talked honestly about what’s working in marketing in 2026, how photographers can build more stability in uncertain seasons, and why diversification matters more than ever. We go beyond surface-level strategy and into the real mindset shifts required to keep moving when business feels unpredictable. Laura and I talk about the trust gap that many business owners are feeling right now, why buyers need more touch points before they say yes, and how building a personal brand creates deeper connection than polished marketing alone. We also dive into affiliate marketing, evergreen content, Pinterest, in-person community building, and the importance of taking action instead of waiting to feel fully clear. In this Episode: Trust takes more touch points now. Diversification creates stability. Clarity comes from action.   Find It Quickly: 00:00 - Why this conversation feels timely for photographers 04:32 - What’s changing in buyer behavior and trust 07:17 - The importance of real-life connection and trust touchpoints 14:53 - What diversification really means (and where to start) 15:50 - Affiliate marketing as a scalable revenue stream 22:56 - Brand authority and building optional income paths 32:47 - Evergreen content, Pinterest, and long-term strategy 41:10 - The most stabilizing next step during a slow season Mentioned in this Episode: PhotoBoss® Community Affiliate Jumpstart Affiliate Boss Hobby to Pro Toolkit PitchPower Email Templates Walking Pad Connect with Laura: Website: lauraesmond.com Podcast: With Laura Esmond Instagram: instagram.com/reeseandcoportraits More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    45 min
  6. 172: Ambitious Motherhood: The Rhythms Powering My Business as a Mom of 3

    MAR 2

    172: Ambitious Motherhood: The Rhythms Powering My Business as a Mom of 3

    What if your business could actually support you in your hardest seasons instead of draining you even more? In this episode, I’m sharing what I’m leaning on this year to show up, get paid, and stop feeling like I’m constantly on the struggle bus. After having my third baby, I’ve had to find new rhythms in both life and business. Instead of trying to force my old routines to work, I’ve simplified, clarified, and doubled down on what truly moves the needle. Listen in as I walk you through my current non-negotiables and the daily habits that are helping me feel energized, focused, and profitable in a season where my time is more limited than ever. Find It Quickly: 02:45 - Finding New Rhythms 04:18 - Non-Negotiable Basics 07:51 - Mindset And Metrics 11:52 - Four Cs Revenue Focus 13:25 - Long Form Over Scrolling 16:59 - Planner Meets Notion Mentioned in this Episode: Mary Ruth's Vitamins: maryruthorganics.com Zen & Flow Wellbeing and Productivity Planner: amzn.to/4tGOtrm The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: amzn.to/400DhIN Pens: amzn.to/4kCqOnU Walking Pad Standing Desk More Amazon Favorites: joymichelle.co/amazon More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE. Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    22 min
  7. 171: How Long Will It Take To Add A New Revenue Stream To Your Business?

    FEB 23

    171: How Long Will It Take To Add A New Revenue Stream To Your Business?

    What if building a new revenue stream in your photography business didn’t take two years, but instead took 90 days or less? In this episode, I’m answering a question a client asked me this week: How long does it really take to start seeing consistent revenue from a new income stream? If you’ve been craving more freedom, more flexibility, and more stability in your business, but you’re worried about how long it will take or how much it will demand from you—this conversation is for you. Listen in as I share why I don’t believe it should take years to see results, how mindset and decision-making dramatically impact your timeline, and the two foundational moves that will speed up your success. Find It Quickly: 00:00 - Diversifying your revenue streams doesn’t have to be hard.  2:12 - It doesn’t take long to see results. 3:57 - The effort is worth the outcome. 5:56 - The timeline is up to you. 6:48 - Build trust with your audience. 8:11 - Build your authority. 10:17 - Your business is like a car. Mentioned in this Episode: Brand authority blueprint: https://learn.joymichellephotography.com/Brand-authority Brand Authority Series: Episode 36: How to Become Seen as the Go-To Expert At What You Do: joymichelle.co/go-to-expert Episode 37: Your Brand Messaging: joymichelle.co/your-brand-messaging Episode 38: What Your Visual Brand is Telling Your Audience: joymichelle.co/your-visual-brand Episode 39: How to Create Social Proof in Your Business: joymichelle.co/how-to-create-social-proof More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE. Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    13 min
  8. How I Built a 20-Hour Work Week: 7 Scheduling Changes That Actually Worked

    FEB 16

    How I Built a 20-Hour Work Week: 7 Scheduling Changes That Actually Worked

    If you work less than full-time hours in your business, than you are in good company today. Five years ago, when my daughter was born, I made an intentional decision to scale back on how much I worked. Now my hours are half of what they were before, but the good news is that even on part-time hours, you can still make an impact and an income. In today's episode, I'm sharing 7 ways I streamlined my schedule while working just 20 hours per week for better time management and work life balance. In This Episode You'll: Understand the productivity of parenthood.Find out the 7 ways I streamlined my productivity.Explore the tools I use for productivity.Find it quickly: 0:53 - Embracing Part-Time Entrepreneurship 2:27 - Maximizing Efficiency: A Personal Journey 4:29 - Seven Strategies for a Streamlined Schedule 4:38 - 1: Theme Days 7:44 - 2: No Call Days 9:32 - 3: Content Creation Days/Blocks 10:35 - 4: Selling and income producing activities 13:15 - 5: Outsourcing 13:15 - 6: Knowing When to Wait on Projects 16:15- 7: Saying “No”  A Lot 19:04 Time-Saving Tools for Busy Entrepreneurs 23:21 Wrapping Up and How to Stay Connected Mentioned in this Episode: 102: Ask Joy: Team Building, Delegation, & Running Multiple Brands Toggle Time Cube Honeybook - Get 50% off! More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE. CLICK HERE TO GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK! Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026!  DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle If you’re enjoying the content we’re creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group! Join Now >>

    25 min
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About

Called To Both® is the podcast for ambitious photographers and creative small business owners wanting better clients & diversified revenue, while also building a life you love! Finally, a fresh perspective on business and marketing from a mom who works less than 20 hours per week! On this podcast Joy Michelle talks about what it takes to pursue both Motherhood and entrepreneurship, balance these two worlds, and provide you with tools and lessons to help you thrive in both areas of life. While learning about business is so valuable—where is the business advice for women doing BOTH? At Called to Both, we truly don’t believe you have to choose between these two worlds tugging at your heart. You can be Called to Both. Called to Both Podcast will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired with new episodes each week, walking away with tangible yet simple steps to make your business and life work for you. Photographers, if you feel Called To Both you’re in the right place. Join us each week as we discuss time management, affiliate marketing, business strategy, marketing tips, and work life balance as if you were chatting one-on-one with your business coach.You can find show notes, links, and resources mentioned in each episode at https://calledtoboth.com Connect with Joy over on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joyymichelle/.

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