Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers

Hosted by Joy Michelle, Coach for Photographers

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Episodes

242

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 19, 202616 min

The Biggest Mistakes Creatives Make with Affiliate Marketing (And How to Fix It)

Is your affiliate marketing bringing in less income than you’d hope? In today’s episode, we're diving into some of the common pitfalls or mistakes creatives make with affiliate marketing. I’ll also share some simple fixes so you can get your affiliate marketing business back on track. In This Episode You'll: Learn the five most common mistakes that I see with affiliate marketing Learn simple fixes to getting back on track with your affiliate marketing Find it quickly: 1:56 - You’re not aware of the possibilities 3:37 - Posting your affiliate link only one time 4:54 - Thinking that you have to be an influencer 6:48 - Picking the wrong programs 9:24 - Lack of organization around affiliate opportunities Links: Affiliate Course Waitlist: joymichelle.co/affiliate-course The Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart Guide: joymichellephotography.com/affiliate-marketing Ep 133: Affiliate Marketing for Photographers: Where to Start and What to Promote 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

October 12, 202626 min

187: Pivot or Push Through? 5 Steps to Decide

What if the thing you've been calling a business pivot is actually a realignment? It might be time for your business to pivot. It feels like everyone is pivoting right now: new offers, new audiences, or even an entirely new business. If you've been watching other entrepreneurs make big changes, you might be wondering if it's your turn, too. After 13 years of entrepreneurship and several pivots of my own, I've learned that feeling restless in your business doesn't always mean you need to start something new. Sometimes, you just need to change the way your business fits into your life. In this episode, I'm walking you through my five-question framework to help you determine whether it's time for a true business pivot, a smaller realignment, or simply more support in your current season. In This Episode You’ll: Decide whether your business needs re-alignment or a pivot Identify where your business needs an adjustment Learn the 5 steps that I use to help myself and my clients when something needs to change Find it quickly: Who (6:08) What (8:18) When (12:25) Where (15:00) Why (16:47) Mentioned in this Episode: 1:1 Accelerator Coaching: joymichelle.co/coaching Affiliate Boss: joymichelle.co/affiliate-boss 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

October 5, 202617 min

What to Do When You’ve Outgrown Your Business

It's not that you hate your business—you might have just outgrown it. This week, I’m sharing a deeply honest conversation inspired by a Voxer message from one of my clients who realized that she no longer wants her current business to be her reality five years from now. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your own work or unsure how to pivot, this episode is for you. I walk you through the first three steps to take when you realize it’s time to make a shift—without throwing everything away or burning out. Whether you're staring down a total reinvention or a subtle shift, this episode will help you ground your pivot with clarity and direction. In this episode: How to determine if your pivot is a tweak or a total overhaul Why understanding your income dependency is essential before making moves The role of support and accountability when everything feels uncertain Find It Quickly 02:11 - Welcome to Pivoting School 101 04:28 - Step 1: Establishing the Nature of Your Pivot 05:50 - Step 2: Assessing Income Dependency 08:12 - Step 3: Seeking Support and Accountability 10:00 - Client Success Story: From Weddings to Dog Photography Mentioned in this Episode Accelerator 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

September 28, 202619 min

Why Successful Photographers Should Diversify Their Income Before They Need To

What if your booked-out calendar and successful photography business weren’t the final destination, but the launchpad to something even better? The truth is, wanting to diversify your income isn’t a sign that you're falling out of love with your photography business. It’s the next evolution of it. If you're a photographer who has reached mastery in your craft and built a stable, respected brand, then adding new revenue streams isn’t a pivot—it’s a power move. Let’s talk about what happens after you "make it." Your calendar is full. Your pricing is solid. Your work is consistent. Clients are raving, and from the outside, everything looks perfect. And yet, there’s this quiet nudge that maybe you’re meant for something more. In this Episode: Why diversification is a power move, not a pivot The difference between reactive and strategic income expansion How to expand beyond client work without losing your identity or burning everything down Find It Quickly: 00:00 - Why diversifying your income can feel uncomfortable (and totally normal) 02:16 - Wanting more money ≠ falling out of love with photography 07:11 - How one income stream can quietly drain your creativity 13:31 - Protecting your energy, boundaries, and joy 20:11 - Aligned ways photographers can diversify without burning out 26:46 - Seeing diversification as growth, not quitting 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

September 21, 202617 min

186: Business is SLOW, you’re spiraling, now what?

I know the feeling: bookings are slow, inquiries aren’t converting, and business just feels down. You start to wonder, now what? Should you create a new offer or even make a major pivot? It’s easy to start spiraling. In today’s episode, I’m hoping to meet you mid-spiral and pull you out. In This Episode You’ll: Recognize what I call the “seven-year itch” in business Get my pep talk on how to stop spiraling Learn where in your business you might need to pivot Find it quickly: The seven-year itch (2:13) You need someone to sort through it with you (5:39) Be open about the pieces that don’t work anymore (10:01) It might be time to pivot (10:55) Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 185: Ambition Is A Trap Keeping You Stuck: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/185-ambition-is-a-trap-keeping-you-stuck 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

September 14, 202611 min

Want to Be the Go-To Expert in Your Industry? Start With These 3 Brand Strategies

What would it look like if you could be seen as the go-to expert in your field? Brand authority and credibility helps you become seen as that go-to expert, but does take a bit of work. The payoff includes more and better clients, higher rates, and peace of mind in your marketing efforts. In today's episode, I'm sharing how you can position yourself as a brand of authority and credibility. 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 Called to Both Facebook Group! Join Now >> In This Episode You'll: Explore building a visibility plan. Understand brand authority. Take three steps to building brand authority. Find it quickly: 2:17 - Two Key Factors of an In-Demand Brand 4:08 - Three Ways to Build Your Brand Authority Online 4:38 - #1: Decide what you want your brand to be remembered and known for. 5:55 - #2: Build brand authority through your brand visuals. 7:30 - #3: Build social proof for your brand authority. 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

September 7, 202614 min

185: Ambition Is A Trap Keeping You Stuck

Can you achieve your dream business off of ambition alone? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I often see creative women caught in the trap of ambition. Plus, my own experience with getting stuck in my business and the key to getting unstuck. In This Episode You’ll: Learn about the ambition trap Recognize the two camps that I see ambitious women get stuck in Hear about my own experience getting stuck in my business Find it quickly: Ambitious women can start to reach a ceiling (2:32) You’re spread way too thin (4:45) You’re stuck doing what used to work (6:10) You’re wondering why you haven’t made it yet (7:10) What makes the biggest difference when you’ve hit this point (8:11) Mentioned in this Episode: 1:1 Accelerator 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

August 31, 202620 min

Finding the Real Problems Behind Your Slow Bookings [3 Business Coaching Case Studies]

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. This episode originally aired as episode 174. In this episode: Why more traffic won’t fix a conversion problem (and what will) How generosity can actually accelerate your authority—not dilute it The 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

August 24, 202612 min

5 Questions I Would Ask You If I Were Your Business Coach

What if the clarity you’ve been looking for in your business was just a few powerful questions away? Today I’m bringing you to a coffee shop with big mugs filled to the brim and walking you through the questions that help reveal what’s holding you back and what’s possible next. Join me for 10 minutes to sit, breathe, and reflect as I walk you through each of these questions. In this Episode: Why asking questions is one of the most powerful clarity tools in business Five reflection prompts to realign with your goals and eliminate overwhelm How to shift from emotional decision-making to data-driven confidence Find It Quickly: 0:00 - The power in a good question. 4:40 - What feels the most heavy in your business right now? 5:14 - Kick the bottlenecks to the curb. 5:53 - Where are you making things harder than they need to be? 9:53 - What can future you thank you for? 11:18 - Trusting yourself completely can change your business Mentioned in this Episode: www.joymichelle.co/call joymichelle.co/streamlined-schedule-20-hour-work-week joymichelle.co/reboot-better-decisions-in-business 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!

August 17, 202615 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 . Are you ready for one-on-one support in your business? Let's work together to grow a business that you love, without taking away from the people you love. Let's chat on a free consultation call! Book now: 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!