Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers

Hosted by Joy Michelle, Coach for Photographers

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Episodes

233

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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/.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 202614 min

5 Signs You Have a Growth Mindset

There is so much value in finding success in our lives and business, but what is the driving factor and number 1 predictor in your success? Having a growth mindset. In today's episode, we're walking through 5 signs of a growth mindset and how you can adjust your approach to a growth mindset if you're struggling through any of these signs. This episode originally aired as episode 31 on September 26, 2022. In This Episode You'll: Understand the importance of a growth mindset. Learn the value of planning ahead. Review 5 signs of a growth mindset. Find it quickly: 0:46 - What is a Growth Mindset? 1:52 - Make space to slow down and evaluate. 5:12 - You ask for help and are open to feedback. 7:52 - You identify your shortcomings to grow from those things and not to shame yourself. 9:07 - Make time for yourself and your business. 10:16 - You see failure as a crucial part of growth. Links + Resources mentioned in this episode: Watch Joy's Vlog on Planning Download The Strategic Business Planning Guide Read More than a Mom 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 opening soon 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. Join the waitlist: joymichelle.co/rise 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!

August 10, 202620 min

184: How to Start Journaling for Business Growth (The Complete Guide For the High Achieving Creative)

Don’t have time for journaling? Trust me, I’ve been there. But, as entrepreneurs, we're constantly searching for the next tactic, marketing strategy, AI tool, or productivity hack that will move our businesses forward. But sometimes the biggest shift doesn't come from consuming more information. It comes from creating space to hear our own thoughts. For years, I thought journaling simply wasn't for me. I wasn't naturally drawn to writing pages about my feelings, and honestly, I thought I was too busy. But once I discovered a different approach to journaling—one focused on processing rather than documenting—it completely changed the way I lead my business, coach my clients, and make decisions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I finally became dedicated to journaling and why I’m such a huge proponent of it for each of my coaching clients. Plus, how you can use it as a tool for business growth. In This Episode You’ll: Get my approach for getting started with journaling Learn of the unexpected results that can come from regular journaling Hear 3 prompts for personal and business growth Find it quickly: Why I needed to record this episode (2:02) My approach to journaling (4:00) Find a journal and pen that you love (9:03) Capture some ideas for later (10:07) Follow prompts for business growth (11:38) Mentioned in this Episode: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson Your Dream Life Starts Here Workbook Notion: joymichelle.co/notion Pens Pen Subscription Fringe Journals: fringestudio.com Doors are opening soon 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. Join the waitlist: joymichelle.co/rise 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!

August 3, 202612 min

You Can Build a New Revenue Stream in Less Than 90 Days

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 opening soon 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. Join the waitlist: joymichelle.co/rise 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!

July 27, 202613 min

How to Keep Growing When Self-Doubt & Criticism Creep In

When others doubt you, it makes it hard to want to keep going, but I believe entrepreneurs are resilient. In today's episode, we're discussing overcoming critics, haters, negativity, self doubt and what it looks like to have resiliency in your entrepreneurship journey. If you've ever felt like you are an outsider in your own industry or have face criticism and gossip that wasn't kind, you are in good company and this episode is for you. In This Episode You'll: Hear my own struggles with doubts and critics. Learn how to overcome those negative thoughts and opinions. Determine who is worth paying attention to. Find it quickly: 00:20 - Overcoming Doubt & Critics 00:53 - Navigating Negativity and Self-Doubt 03:35 - The Entrepreneurial Journey: Doubts, Pivots, and Resilience 06:36 - The Importance of Mental Fortitude in Business 07:47- Navigating Criticism and Embracing Your Path 10:13 - The Power of Being Misunderstood and Staying True to Your Calling 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 opening soon 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. Join the waitlist: joymichelle.co/rise 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!

July 20, 202612 min

183: What Would Future-You Do Today?

Have you ever felt like your business is working, but deep down you know it's time to shake things up? This week, I'm sharing a simple experience that completely shifted the way I think about growth in business. After returning from vacation, I realized I didn't need to work harder—I needed to work differently. That realization led me to step outside my normal routine, work from a beautiful coffee lounge instead of my home office, and discover just how much our environment influences our creativity, confidence, and decision-making. If you've been craving your next level but keep repeating the same routines, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin with the smallest intentional changes. In This Episode You’ll: Why doing what's already working may not be enough if you want exponential growth. How changing your physical environment can unlock creativity, fresh ideas, and renewed motivation. Practical ways to intentionally break routines that are keeping you comfortable instead of helping you grow. Find it quickly: The chat that pushed me to get out of the house (0:53) The split-second decision to go in (5:34) Making the change now in how I’m showing up (7:33) What can you do to intentionally break the pattern today? (9:12) 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 opening soon 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. Join the waitlist: joymichelle.co/rise 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!

July 13, 202620 min

182: How to Get Booked More Even When You Don’t Have Much Time [Summer Marketing Made Easy]

Does it feel like summer is pulling you away from your business? You don't have to choose between making memories and making money. In this episode, I'm sharing the simple marketing routine I rely on when life gets busy, schedules change, and I have less time to devote to my business. As a business owner and homeschooling mom, I know what it's like to juggle family vacations, changing routines, and the desire to keep bookings coming in without working around the clock. Instead of trying to do everything, I'm walking you through the three marketing activities that consistently generate leads, conversations, and sales (even during slower seasons). If you only have 30 minutes a day or a couple of focused hours each week, this framework will help you prioritize the work that actually moves your business forward. In this episode, you'll learn: Why visibility should always be your first marketing priority and what to focus on when creating new content feels overwhelming. How intentional follow-up conversations can dramatically improve your inquiry-to-booking conversion rate. Why discovery calls continue to be one of the most effective ways for service providers to increase bookings and uncover what's really preventing potential clients from saying yes. Find it quickly: 03:03 - Summer Marketing 04:36 - Visibility First 06:21 - Build a Visibility Plan 09:45 - Conversations and Follow Up 12:41 - Track Leads Simply 13:41 - Sales Calls That Convert Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 154: Homeschooling While Building a Business: My Real‑Life Schedule & Curriculum Choices - joymichelle.co/homeschooling-while-building-a-business Episode 131: 7 Content Ideas to Boost Your Visibility & Brand Authority - joymichelle.co/7-content-ideas-visibility Episode 34: Creating a Visibility Plan For Your Business Marketing - joymichelle.co/visibility-plan Episode 167: The Invisible Sales Leak: Why Your Clients Stop Paying Attention After They Inquire - joymichelle.co/why-your-clients-stop-paying-attention-after-they-inquire Rise Collective: learn.joymichellephotography.com/Rise-collective-Waitlist Coaching: 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 opening soon 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. Join the waitlist: joymichelle.co/rise 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!

July 6, 202618 min

Avoid the Burnout & Diversify Your Business Revenue Streams

When we begin our businesses, we often get caught in the cycle of trading time for money, especially when it comes to service-based businesses. In this new series, we’re chatting all about growing your business beyond services so that you can break this cycle and mindset. Today, we’re discussing how you can build diverse revenue streams as an entrepreneur. This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023 as the kickoff to a diversify your revenue series. Check out the following episodes within that series: 75: Affiliate Marketing for Content Creators 76: 3 Ways to Know If Your New Offer Will Sell Before You Create It 77: How a YouTube Channel Will Help Diversify Your Business Revenue 78: Stepping Into the World of Digital Products 79: Navigating Sponsorships & Brand Deals Today's episode is brought to you by my Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart Guide . I've developed an affiliate marketing strategy that has brought me freedom in my business and I'm sharing this strategy in my free guide! 📩 Download Now >> 📩 In This Episode You'll: Explore why you should diversify your revenue. Find the right revenue streams for you. Understand the drawbacks of diversifying revenue streams. Find it quickly: 1:44 - Why diversify revenue? 4:30 - Characteristics of Active Income 4:10 - Potential Revenue Streams 10:51 - Revenue Streams in My Business 16:28 - The Drawbacks of Additional Revenue Streams Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 72 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!

June 29, 202614 min

How to Diversify Revenue Streams in a Service-Based Business

Being a business owner requires you to be flexible, and sometimes that means changing your methods in order to continue to grow and stay relevant. Having more than one way to generate revenue can be a game-changer in your business and a key part of revenue diversification and maintaining consistent cash flow. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how diversifying my revenue allowed me to build an entirely new business focused on multiple revenue streams and long-term stability and opened doors I used to only dream about. Mentioned in this Episode: Brand Authority Blueprint Episode 75: Affiliate Marketing for Content Creators Honeybook Episode 74: Growing Beyond Services: Building Diverse Revenue Streams Connect with Joy: Instagram: instagram.com/joyymichelle Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UC-Ou6jRKxcjMrVMxWxLO_fQ Facebook: facebook.com/joymichellephotography Coach with Joy: joymichelle.co/coaching 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!

June 22, 202613 min

181: Your Standards Are Too Low. Here's What It's Costing You and How to Fix It.

Think back to the last big investment you made in your business. Did it elevate your business the way you wanted it to? If not, the problem might not be the investment. It might be that you need to raise your standards. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to know if your standards are too low and how to fix them. In This Episode You’ll: Identify where your standards are falling far too low Learn how to set down an old standard before picking up a new one Find it quickly: Signs your standards are too low (3:26) Putting on a new standard requires shedding an old one (5:50) How I raised my standards as a wedding photographer (8:29) If this is speaking to you, you’re in great company(10:13) Mentioned in this Episode: The Rise Collective: learn.joymichellephotography.com/Rise-collective-Waitlist Episode 178: Inside The Rise Collective: What Photographers Are Actually Working On: joymichelle.co/rise-collective-for-photographers 1:1 Photography Business Coaching: 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!

June 15, 202611 min

180: You Don't Have to Choose Between Summer and Momentum: 3 Strategies That Help Me Stay Productive

How do you successfully run a business in the summer while also being a present mom? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 strategies that help me to stay productive while also spending intentional time with my kids. In This Episode You’ll: Learn how I help my clients stay intentional and productive during the summer Get 3 strategies that I use to keep my business momentum going while still spending time with my kids Find it quickly: How to have a productive summer (2:10) What do you need to make space for? (4:11) Get real about what the summer will look like (5:11) Advocate for your business (6:10) Resource yourself well (7:19) Mentioned in this Episode: The Rise Collective: learn.joymichellephotography.com/Rise-collective-Waitlist 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!