Today, we have something super special and fun for you. We have a guest on our channel! I’m so excited to introduce Nichole Lauren, who we met at the Creative Educator Conference. Nichole is taking over this post to share her wisdom on a topic that’s close to all our hearts: building a freedom filled business. Let’s dive right in and see what she has to say!
Hey, guys! It’s Nichole Lauren here, and I’m thrilled to be on Cameron and Tia’s channel today. I’m a wedding photographer and small business attorney, and I’ve got some great insights to share with you about building a freedom filled business. So, grab a comfy seat and let’s chat!
Finding True Success
Starting my journey as a senior photographer back in college, my business began humbly and grew into a wedding photography venture that I carried through law school. For a long time, it was a side hustle until I hit a breaking point in my 9-to-5 job as an attorney. I realized that my life wasn’t aligning with my passions, and I made the leap to take my business full-time.
It wasn’t easy, and there wasn’t a lot of planning, but with the support of my husband and a lot of faith, I made it happen. This decision has allowed me to truly live a life filled with freedom and joy.
Redefining Success
There’s a lot of noise out there about what success should look like. Social media, the internet, and even well-meaning friends and family can bombard us with messages about making six figures, gaining thousands of followers, and scaling rapidly. But what if those aren’t the true measures of success for you?
Here’s a little exercise for you: take out a pen and paper. Write down all the external messages you receive about success. Now, look at that list and circle the ones that genuinely resonate with you. You might find that very few, if any, actually do.
Next, write down what true success looks like for you and your business. Think about where you want to be in 5, 10 years, or even just one year from now. What does your ideal business and personal life look like? For me, success means being profitable, doing what I love, and staying passionate and creative in my daily work.
Profitability Over Popularity
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that profitability trumps popularity every time. You don’t need tens of thousands of followers to have a successful, profitable business. Focus on serving your audience well and providing real value, rather than just trying to scale quickly.
At the Creative Educator Conference, I had a breakthrough moment that shifted my perspective. I realized I was so focused on scaling my business that I was ignoring my true passion for one-on-one coaching and direct client interactions. This pivot has allowed me to serve my community better and find more fulfillment in my work.
Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
Being around other like-minded creatives who share your values and goals can be incredibly inspiring. They can help keep you accountable and remind you of what truly matters. If you’re feeling stuck or in a rut, seek out a community that uplifts and supports you.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Cameron and Tia’s channel. It’s been a blast hanging out with you all. If you want more insights and tips, feel free to follow me on my YouTube channel HERE and Instagram HERE, and check out my podcast, The Self Starter Podcast HERE. And for my photographer friends, I’ve got a free guide for you: The Full-Time Photographer’s Playbook. It’s the exact game plan I used when I quit my 9-to-5 to go full-time into photography.
Remember, building a freedom filled business is all about defining success on your own terms and staying true to what you love.
Wasn’t that amazing? A huge thank you to Nichole for sharing her journey and insights. If you’re exploring conferences and workshops, don’t miss our chat on her podcast about networking like a pro. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, bye!