The Rhea Whitney Podcast

Rhea Whitney
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The Rhea Whitney Podcast

Welcome to The Rhea Whitney Podcast! This podcast was created to help you become more intentional and knowledgeable about the growth and success of your business. On this podcast, we'll explore a variety of topics such as business, finances, marketing, branding, and more. Plus we'll also dive into the importance of self-care and personal development and how it plays a crucial role in achieving your goals and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep. 51 - Your Marketing Ecosystem

    In this episode, Rhea dives into the concept of a marketing ecosystem, what it actually means, how content plays a vital role, and why relying on just one platform is limiting your business growth. She breaks down the different moving parts of a well-rounded visibility strategy and challenges the common narrative that “social media doesn’t work.” Instead of thinking in absolutes, Rhea urges creatives to take a step back and assess where their ideal clients actually are and how they prefer to engage with brands and businesses. This conversation is a reality check for photographers and creatives who feel stuck in their marketing. Rhea offers practical exercises (like the ecosystem spider map!) and mindset shifts that move you from passive scrolling to intentional, aligned action. Whether you're resisting social media or leaning too heavily on one tool, this episode will help you rethink your approach and step into greater consistency, clarity, and client connection. What You Will Learn: What a marketing ecosystem actually is—and why you need one How to think strategically about platform selection based on your audience Why organic marketing should come before you spend on ads How content activates your ecosystem and attracts leads The difference between cold, warm, and hot audiences—and how to create for each Why vanity metrics don’t matter—and what does Standout Quotes: "Social media is just one leg of the ecosystem—not the whole body." (4:06) "We're not running our business based on feelings. We're running our business based on facts and metrics." (10:25) "Content is the action of putting the ecosystem to work." (6:11) "You want bigger things? You have to show up in a bigger way." (12:01) Stay Connected  Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    13 min

  2. JUN 26

    Ep. 50 - Photography Summer School - Content Edition

    In this exciting 50th episode, we dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming Photography Summer School: Content Edition. After the success of last year's program, this year’s summer school is expanded to six weeks and fully focused on helping photographers become confident and strategic content creators. With marketing and digital media evolving rapidly in 2025, this edition is built to keep you ahead of the curve—arming you with systems, strategies, and support to increase visibility, generate leads, and have more fun with content. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or growing your creative business, this episode breaks down exactly what to expect from this hands-on program. You'll not only learn how to develop and batch your content effectively—you’ll also explore audience clarity, content strategy, and the power of repetition and analytics. Rhea shares why this summer’s experience is a game changer and invites listeners into a dynamic learning environment that’s all about transformation, momentum, and sustainable growth. What You Will Learn: Why content creation in 2025 requires a new mindset and strategy The key elements of the “Know and Show” content framework How to identify and speak directly to your ideal audience (and avatars) Strategic content types for cold, warm, and hot audiences The power of batching content—tools, prompts, and workflow tips How to read your content metrics and use analytics to guide your next move Standout Quotes: “The frequency of content has really upped… Gone are the days where you could post two or three times a week and reach your people.” — (8:29) “Photographers are master content creators… You hold so much power, but you're overthinking it.” — (8:09) “The better I get, the more I can pour back into my clients. It’s a trickle-down effect with huge returns.” — (3:00) “Once you understand the ‘Know and Show’ framework, you’ll never run out of content ideas again.” — (13:35) 👉 Ready to join Photography Summer School?Learn More and Enroll in Photography Summer School Content Edition HERE! We start July 9th! 💥 Live Event Alert: Want to join Rhea in Houston this November for an all-day, in-person workshop with shooting, marketing, and mindset sessions? DM “waitlist” to get first dibs on seats! Stay Connected   Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    20 min

  3. JUN 11

    Ep. 49 - Breaking the Rules of Photography with Sandra Coan

    Breaking the Rules of Photography with Sandra Coan  In this episode, Rhea sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and best-selling author Sandra Coan to talk about her inspiring journey from kindergarten teacher to full-time photographer and industry leader. The two hit it off immediately after meeting at Imaging USA, and this episode captures the warmth, wisdom, and shared love they both bring to the world of photography and coaching. Sandra opens up about launching her photography career in the early 2000s, how she pioneered maternity portraiture before it was even "a thing," and why she still shoots film in a digital era. They also dive deep into hybrid workflows, off-camera lighting, and the rise of AI tools like Imagen AI that are transforming the business of photography. Whether you're a new photographer or a seasoned creative, this episode will inspire you to be bold, embrace technology, and honor your craft.   What You’ll Learn: [2:14] Sandra’s origin story: From food stamps to full-time photographer [4:56] How she built a business before maternity photography was mainstream [6:33] Transitioning from film to digital — and why she hated it at first [7:08] Why she went back to film and how she maintains a hybrid workflow [8:06] Using strobes to recreate natural light and save time editing [8:39] How Imagen AI helps Sandra replicate her film workflow with digital [9:46] Their shared love for AI tools and why photographers shouldn’t fear them   Standout Quotes [3:02] “Photography was something I always did on the side... I didn’t even know it could be a career.” — Sandra Coan [4:17] “It just takes bold, courageous moves to market yourself. So many photographers are just scared.” — Rhea [9:03] “Now I just cull, send it through Imagen AI, and it even straightens the photos for me.” — Sandra Coan   Stay Connected with Sandra Website: sandracoan.comInstagram: @sandracoan   Stay Connected with Rhea Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    43 min

  4. MAY 28

    Ep. 48 - The Pivot After Burnout with Angela of Social Templates Co.

    The Pivot After Burnout with Angela of Social Templates Co. In today’s episode, Rhea is joined by Angela of Social Templates Co., a creative entrepreneur who made a bold pivot after burnout. Angela shares how she started her photography business at 19, balanced motherhood, and ran her creative business full-time—until the hustle caught up with her. She opens up about hitting a wall, selling everything, and walking away to prioritize rest, healing, and alignment. From that pause came a completely new business, Social Templates Co., rooted in ease and intention. This is a powerful conversation for any creative who has ever felt the weight of burnout and wondered what it would look like to choose a different way.   What You Will Learn: [00:26] How Angela started her business at 19 as a photographer [02:22] Balancing motherhood and full-time creative work [03:25] The slow creep of burnout and what it looked like in real life [05:46] Why Angela sold everything and stepped away [06:58] The quiet season and what healing actually looked like [09:34] Building Social Templates Co. from a rested place [11:15] Learning to let things be easy [13:03] What alignment looks like now [16:30] Advice for creatives navigating burnout or overwhelm   Standout Quotes: “I was making six figures, booked out, and burnt out. But from the outside, it looked like success.” – Angela [07:15] “There’s so much freedom on the other side of choosing rest over hustle.” – Angela [15:24] “I had to grieve the version of myself I thought I needed to be to be successful.” – Angela [17:11] “Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it feels good—or that it’s sustainable.” – Rhea [08:33] “There’s power in giving yourself permission to start over.” – Rhea [22:05]   Connect with Angela: Follow her on Instagram: @socialtemplates.co Shop her templates: www.socialtemplates.co    Stay Connected with Rhea Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    44 min

  5. MAY 14

    Ep. 47 - 10 Lessons I’ve Learned in the Last 10 Years as a FT Business Owner

    10 lessons I’ve learned in the last 10 years as a FT business Owner Feeling unseen or overwhelmed while building your creative business? You’re not alone. The journey of entrepreneurship—especially as a Black woman creative—is full of silent battles and behind-the-scenes moments that rarely get shared. When you're the go-to person, the visionary, the strong one, where do you go when it gets hard? This podcast was born from that question—and from a deep desire to create the space Rhea wished she had a long time ago. In today’s episode, Rhea gets honest about why she almost didn’t launch this podcast, the struggles behind the scenes that no one talks about, and how she plans to use this platform to tell the truth about what it really takes to build something meaningful and sustainable as a creative entrepreneur.   What You Will Learn: [00:01] Intro and what this podcast is all about [00:57] Why Ray almost didn’t launch this podcast [03:28] The problem with the “highlight reel” version of entrepreneurship [05:22] The gap Ray saw in the business podcast space [08:36] Who this podcast is really for and how it will serve you [11:20] What to expect from upcoming episodes [13:00] Final thoughts and wrap up   Standout Quotes: “I wanted to hear from the person still in it—not the person who was already out.” – Rhea [04:13] “This podcast is for the creative entrepreneur, the visionary, the leader who’s done things right—and still got knocked down.” – Rhea [08:49] “We can’t market our way out of our humanity. I want this podcast to hold both the real and the remarkable.” – Rhea [05:55]   Stay Connected   Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    22 min

  6. APR 30

    Ep. 46 - Why you need a CRM system NOW!

    Why You Need A CRM System Now Feeling disorganized in your business? A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system can be the game-changer you need to bring structure, clarity, and professionalism to your workflow. Whether you're juggling multiple clients, trying to keep track of conversations, or managing scattered documents, a CRM helps you centralize everything in one place. It makes it easier to track leads, follow up efficiently, streamline communication, and even get paid faster. With the right CRM, you’re not just staying organized — you’re setting your business up to scale, serve better, and operate like a pro. In today’s episode, Rhea breaks down what a CRM is, how it can help you stay organized when managing multiple clients, and why now is the best time to integrate one into your workflow. From tracking client documents to streamlining communication and payments, your CRM can become the hub of your business backend. What You Will Learn: [00:01] Intro and what's in for you in today's show [01:26] What a CRM is and how it helps when working with multiple clients [02:35] The CRM system Rhea uses and why it works   [03:21] The benefits of using a CRM to stay organized in your business [07:31] How to use HoneyBook and other CRM systems  [09:09] Key takeaways from today’s conversation [10:11] Wrap up and end of the show    Standout Quotes: “CRM is the hub for all things, it makes our job so much easier and helps us keep our business organized.” - Rhea [04:46] “You want to stay ready so that you don't have to get ready.”- Rhea [09:33] “Get organized,  get your CRM, and let that be the hub for where you're keeping track of clients, documents, and conversations, make it easy for people to pay you, and uplevel your backend.”- Rhea [09:33] Stay Connected   Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    12 min

  7. MAR 26

    Ep. 45 - How to Choose the Right Coach or Mentor for your Business

    How to Choose the Right Coach or Mentor for your Business The truth about finding the right coach for your business? It’s not about chasing the biggest name or the flashiest results. It’s about alignment. Clarity. And finding someone who truly understands the season of business you’re in — and knows how to help you navigate what’s next. For years, Rhea built her photography business from the ground up, learning through trial and error, investing in coaches (some who were wildly helpful and others who... not so much), and eventually scaling to six figures and beyond. Now, as a creative business coach herself, Rhea is pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to find the right mentor that can help you get out of your own way, increase your income, and build a business that feels aligned and sustainable. In today’s episode, Rhea is sharing the exact framework she uses to choose the right coach for each season of growth — and how to avoid the overpriced programs and empty promises that leave so many creatives feeling stuck and frustrated. If you're ready to make more aligned investments, get the support you actually need, and finally start seeing results in your business, this conversation is for you.   What You Will Learn: (0:27) Ray's journey from photography hobbyist to full-time entrepreneur (1:33) How getting fired twice led to her full-time photography business (2:38) The emotional rollercoaster of investing in coaches—good and bad (4:49) The importance of clarity in what you want to work on with a coach (5:51) Key areas photographers often need coaching in: marketing, posing, lighting, and business development (7:41) How different seasons of business growth require different types of coaches (10:17) How Ray helps photographers scale to six figures and beyond   Standout Quotes: "I've had amazing coaches. I've had subpar coaches. I've had coach hurt. But all of it taught me something." (3:28) "Get clear on what you want to work on. You can't work on everything at once. Master one thing and then move on." (5:17) "I didn't want to be the Walmart of photography. I wanted to be the Nordstrom—good quality and worth the investment." (7:52) "Great coaches have absolutely changed my life. And now I get to be that for other photographers." (4:19) "Elevate is about creating consistent high four to five-figure months and scaling to six figures and beyond." (10:22)   Ready to Turn Pro? Join From Hobbyist to Pro 2.0, kicking off April 2nd, for a 5-week live coaching experience where you'll learn:✅ Strategic marketing✅ Consistent content creation✅ Pricing with confidence✅ Client management systems✅ Building a sustainable business model Spots are limited. Secure yours today here: https://fhtp.rheawhitney.com/   Stay Connected   Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    25 min

  8. MAR 19

    Ep. 44 - How to Know if You’re Ready to Go “Pro”

    How to Know if You’re Ready to Go “Pro” 2024 was the year you honed your craft, built your portfolio, and gained confidence behind the camera. But 2025? This is the year you finally go pro. The demand for creative photographers is higher than ever — but talent alone won’t get you booked out and paid your worth. The difference between staying stuck as a “hidden gem” and becoming a fully booked, full-time photographer? Mastering the business side of things. In this episode, Rhea breaks down the key signs that you're ready to take that leap and introduces her signature program, From Hobbyist to Pro 2.0 — a proven roadmap to help you build a profitable, sustainable photography business in 2025. Inside the program, Rhea walks you through everything you didn't learn when you first picked up your camera — from pricing your work confidently, building systems that attract dream clients, and creating a marketing strategy that keeps your calendar booked out year-round. If you're ready to stop second-guessing your prices, start attracting high-quality clients, and finally build a business that gives you both creative freedom and financial stability — this episode is for you.   What You Will Learn: (2:15) The four key signs you're ready to go pro in your photography business. (2:37) How to attract the right clients and build a business you're proud of. (3:57) How to price your services strategically and build momentum. (4:47) The importance of organization, systems, and contracts. (6:58) What it takes to go full-time and make your photography business your main source of income. (8:45) The mindset shift from being "just a photographer" to becoming a true business owner and CEO.   Standout Quotes: "If you're ready to stop saying yes to everything and start attracting your dream clients, it's time to focus on the business side of things." (2:50) "Do not make it hard for people to pay you. It's 2025, let’s get this together!" (5:34) "If you want to go full-time in your photography business, you need to start thinking like a business owner, not just a photographer." (7:58) "Invest in yourself and watch the return on investment come back 2X, 5X, even 10X." (10:38)   Ready to Turn Pro? Join From Hobbyist to Pro 2.0, kicking off April 2nd, for a 5-week live coaching experience where you'll learn: ✅ Strategic marketing ✅ Consistent content creation ✅ Pricing with confidence ✅ Client management systems ✅ Building a sustainable business model Spots are limited. Secure yours today here: https://fhtp.rheawhitney.com/ Stay Connected   Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/ Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/ Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography

    13 min
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About

Welcome to The Rhea Whitney Podcast! This podcast was created to help you become more intentional and knowledgeable about the growth and success of your business. On this podcast, we'll explore a variety of topics such as business, finances, marketing, branding, and more. Plus we'll also dive into the importance of self-care and personal development and how it plays a crucial role in achieving your goals and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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