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. You're Aiming For Your Highest Revenue Year in Business, But Growth Feels Flat. Try This 4-Step Business Reset Plan

    2D AGO

    You're Aiming For Your Highest Revenue Year in Business, But Growth Feels Flat. Try This 4-Step Business Reset Plan

    What if the growth you’re chasing doesn’t require doing more—but rebuilding what’s underneath it? Today we're replaying an episode that originally aired two years ago as part of our four-part Business Reboot series.  This series was designed to help you step out of reaction mode and back into the CEO seat of your business. We talk about resetting your foundation, clarifying your direction, increasing visibility, and making intentional moves that support long-term growth.  We’re bringing this episode back now because every business owner hits seasons where what once worked no longer feels aligned. Sometimes the answer isn’t to push harder—it’s to pause, reassess, and rebuild stronger. So if you’re ready for more clarity, more momentum, and a business that actually supports the life you want, let’s get into it. In This Episode You'll: Reset the foundations of your business.Assess and reflect on what's working.Explore what you'll bring with you in the future of business.Find it quickly: 4:40 - Setting the Foundation5:18  - Assess6:08 - Reflect8:48 - Clarity10:26 - HomeworkMentioned in this Episode: NotionGiant Post-It NotesListen to the Full Business Reboot Series: Part 1 | Assess & Reflect: Setting the FoundationPart 2 | Building Your Strategic RoadmapPart 3 | 3 Ways to Boost Your VisibilityPart 4 | How You Can Start Making Better Decisions in Your Business More ways to connect: JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE CALLED TO BOTH COMMUNITY  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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    16 min
  2. How to Build a Sustainable Business: 3 Growth Practices That Actually Work

    APR 27

    How to Build a Sustainable Business: 3 Growth Practices That Actually Work

    If you take your business growth seriously and you also like having a life and having margin very intentionally built into your life, then you are actually going to be a big fan of this episode. Today I'm sharing intentional growth practices for a sustainable business. In This Episode You'll: Explore the importance of radical honesty and accountability.Be challenged to establish your dream schedule today.Learn the power of systems and softwares.Find it quickly: :53 - The Power of Accountability in Business 4:48 - Radical Honesty and Accountability 8:42 - Establishing Your Schedule  13:04 - Systems & Softwares Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 10: The Softwares, Tools, and Apps I Use to Run My Business Episode 102: Ask Joy: Team Building, Delegation, & Running Multiple Brands Jasmine Star HoneyBook Book a Call with me! 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! 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    20 min
  3. 177: Building a Business You *Actually* Enjoy, Feels Fun, & Brings Contentment

    APR 20

    177: Building a Business You *Actually* Enjoy, Feels Fun, & Brings Contentment

    If your business doesn’t feel fun anymore, this episode is your reset button. Today, I’m talking about a theme that’s been coming up again and again with the women I coach: how to build a business that actually feels good to run. Because here’s the truth—your business can feel aligned, joyful, and deeply fulfilling. In this episode, I’m reflecting on my own sabbatical I took when I realized I had lost the spark in my business, along with the exact questions and shifts that helped me rebuild something I truly love. You’ll walk away with a new lens for evaluating your business and practical ways to bring more joy, contentment, and alignment into your work right now. In this Episode: How to identify what actually brings you joy in your business  The powerful questions that helped me realign my work and life  Why “someday” thinking is keeping you stuck—and how to change it Mentioned in this Episode: Your Dream Life Starts HereRead 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    25 min
  4. 176: Here’s What Separates Photographers Who Rise to The TOP From Photographers Who Plateau

    APR 13

    176: Here’s What Separates Photographers Who Rise to The TOP From Photographers Who Plateau

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right, but you're still not seeing the growth you expected—this episode is going to shift everything. In today’s episode, I’m unpacking the real reason some photographers continue to grow year after year while others plateau.  Spoiler alert: it’s not talent, effort, or even how much you want it. I’m sharing what I’ve observed after years of coaching photographers and building my own business—and the truth might surprise you. If you’re someone who wants to raise your prices, attract better clients, and build a thriving business without sacrificing your life, this episode is for you. In this Episode: Why working harder isn’t the answer to breaking through your current level The hidden ceiling that comes from building your business alone The three growth accelerators that actually move the needleFind It Quickly: 2:23 - Why Some Photographers Stall3:40 - Stop Building in Isolation5:30 - Perspective Changes Everything6:22 - Sequencing Your Investments7:45 - Accountability to Break Blocks9:11 - Momentum From the Right RoomMentioned in this Episode: DM for Rise Collective information: 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    12 min
  5. 175: Stop Working Like a Photographer. Start Thinking Like a CEO.

    APR 6

    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 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    11 min
  6. 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. 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    19 min
  7. 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. 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    18 min
  8. 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 >> CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

    28 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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