Flourish Academy Podcast

In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley challenge the common belief that better photos automatically lead to a successful photography business. Together, they explore why talented photographers often struggle to book high-paying clients, the mindset shift required to move from stunning images to a fully booked calendar, and the critical steps to start attracting clients who truly value and invest in your work. Listen in to uncover what really works for growing a thriving photography business and how you can apply it to your own journey. Show Notes: Why great photos alone won’t grow your photography business. Common misconceptions photographers have about attracting clients. The mindset shift you need to make to build a thriving business. Practical steps to attract high-paying clients who value your work. The importance of getting out into the community and making offers. Nicole and Heather’s personal experiences with breaking the "better photos = more clients" m

In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, host Heather Lahtinen shares how to overcome real-life circumstances that may limit your progress in business and life. Drawing from a recent Elevate program call, Heather explains how she managed raising small children while growing a successful photography business. She offers strategies to break free from limitations and shift your mindset to take control of your circumstances. Tune in to discover how to tap into your hidden reserves and move forward, no matter the challenges.   Show Notes: Understanding the difference between thoughts and circumstances. Real-world examples of how life responsibilities like full-time jobs or children can affect your business. Mindset shifts to help you operate beyond your perceived limitations. Tapping into hidden reserves of strength when you’re feeling low on energy or motivation. Challenging the belief that you need perfect conditions to perform at your best. Questions to help you identify self-imposed restrictions that

In this episode of Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley is joined by returning guest Kerry Jordan to explore the impact of mindset on sales success. Kerry shares her ongoing struggle with selling private portrait photography services, contrasting it with the ease she experiences in her commercial pet photography business. Together, they dive into how limiting beliefs, often rooted in childhood, can block potential and create discomfort around selling high-ticket items. This episode highlights the importance of acknowledging and shifting those beliefs to embrace sales with confidence and create personal and professional breakthroughs. Show Notes: Kerry’s Sales Struggles: Kerry shares her ongoing challenges selling private photography services to affluent clients. She contrasts the discomfort she feels in private portrait sales with the ease of her commercial pet photography business. Mindset & Sales Success: Discussion on how thoughts and beliefs, particularly those formed in

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen dives into the perils of comparison and how it affects photographers and creatives alike. Heather explores the natural tendency to compare ourselves to others and the detrimental impact it can have on our self-worth and creativity.  Whether you’re feeling discouraged by another photographer's work or struggling to see the value in your own, this episode offers actionable insights to shift your perspective and embrace your unique journey. Tune in to discover how to stop comparing and start flourishing. Show Notes Introduction to Comparison: Heather discusses why comparing ourselves to others is a natural, yet counterproductive, tendency and how it affects photographers. The Downside of Comparison: How comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy or false pride, and why it ultimately hurts us. 13 Questions to Overcome Comparison: Heather introduces and explains the 13 questions she uses in coaching to help clients move past

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen delves into a compelling conversation with two standout photographers from the Elevate program. Heather interviews Jess Rodriguez and Jessica Wasik, who share their incredible journeys from early struggles to achieving significant financial milestones. Discover how these photographers navigated economic challenges, leveraged community involvement, and implemented smart strategies to boost their businesses.  Tune in to learn their secrets, get inspired by their success stories, and gain actionable insights to transform your own photography business. Show Notes: Overcoming Challenges: Jess R. discusses her early struggles and breakthrough moments in her dog photography business. Strategic Growth: Jess W. reveals her strategies for attracting high-value clients and maintaining a steady flow of work. Economic Resilience: The discussion covers how both photographers adapted to economic shifts and found success despite challenges. Managing Expecta

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen tackles the mental clutter that can make running a photography business feel overwhelming. Heather shares a personal story about managing travel anxiety and how she learned to cut through the chaos of overthinking. She explains that instead of striving for perfection, focusing on a straightforward approach can make your business more manageable. Join Heather as she offers practical advice on overcoming mind drama, simplifying your business approach, and staying true to what really matters.

 Show Notes Simplifying your business approach by eliminating mind drama. Heather shares her recent experience with travel anxiety and how she overcame it with a simpler mindset. How overthinking can complicate running a photography business. Three-step process for making business growth easier. How to shift your mindset from stress and anxiety to clarity and simplicity.

 How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you lis

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen addresses an issue for many working moms: mom guilt. Heather dives into a recent client dilemma, where a photographer struggled with the choice between attending a key industry event and spending time with her children. She shares practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of aligning decisions with personal values and debunking the myth that you can’t excel in both your business and family life. Tune in to learn how to make empowered decisions, manage mom guilt, and create a balanced, fulfilling life.   Show Notes: Recent client’s struggle with balancing a key industry event and family time. How value conflicts create stress and the pitfalls of black-and-white thinking. Strategies for reconciling business goals with family life, including prioritizing values and challenging irrational thoughts. Personal experience of balancing family and personal values with work commitments. Encouragement to embrace bot

In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, host Nicole Begley sits down with Heather Lawton from Flourish Academy to explore the fascinating concept of time travel in business. They dive deep into how thinking about your future self can impact your current decisions, and how past experiences shape our present. Heather shares her personal journey from childhood habits of saving the best for last to strategic financial decisions that paved the way for her successful homestead. Join Nicole and Heather as they discuss how to set up your future self for success, avoid common pitfalls, and make decisions that benefit you in the long run. Show Notes Reflecting on unexpected career paths and the importance of following your passions. Recognizing the difference between genuine intuition and ego-driven anxiety. How to imagine what your future self would say and use that wisdom to make decisions. Strategies for setting up your future self for success and how to avoid common mistakes. The importance of h

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen shares valuable insights from experienced photographers and entrepreneurs about what to think and believe when starting something new. Whether you're a photographer or venturing into another field, the advice shared here will resonate with anyone embarking on a new journey. Discover how trusting yourself, managing rejection, and focusing on progress over perfection can help you succeed. Tune in for practical wisdom on navigating the early stages of your business and personal growth.
 Show Notes: Learn why believing in your vision and surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial. The importance of finding good teachers and investing in your growth. Discover how focusing on progress rather than perfection can accelerate your success. Tips on embracing rejection as a part of the growth process. The importance of being kind to yourself and leading with service during tough times. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen explores the idea of rejection and how it affects photographers trying to grow their businesses. As an experienced photographer, educator, and entrepreneur, Heather offers advice on handling rejection, why it's crucial for growth, and how to turn "no" into opportunities.  Discover practical tips to manage and embrace rejection and learn why getting more "no's" can lead to more "yes's" and a successful photography business. Show Notes: The concept of perceived rejection and why it may not be real rejection. Simple formula for making more money: make more offers, meet more people. The importance of being willing to hear "no" and the benefits of rejection. Six strategies to manage and embrace rejection. The importance of embracing rejection for business growth. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share wit

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen talks about the unfiltered confidence and joy of a six-year-old's approach to life and business. She explores how we can rediscover our innate belief in ourselves to break through mental barriers and achieve greater success in both business and life. Tune in to learn how embracing a childlike mindset can lead to more fun, creativity, and effectiveness in your entrepreneurial journey.
 Show Notes: A heartwarming story about Chase, a six-year-old who embodies confidence and joy in his small accomplishments. Discussion of Holly Kraschaw’s article and how it perfectly captures the essence of a child’s mindset. The importance of telling ourselves positive things and believing in our capabilities, as children do. How societal conditioning and life experiences can diminish our self-belief. Strategies to reconnect with your inner child and regain confidence. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to p

Make sure you check out Pricing 101, our free course designed to help you get up and running as quickly as possible! Click here to learn more. Use this link for the "click here"
https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/offers/sLNfKrrP In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, host Heather Lahtinen discusses the common challenge of setting prices for photography services when you're just starting out. With 20 years of experience helping photographers, Heather shares her simple and effective approach to pricing: just make it up! Through an engaging story about her son’s entrepreneurial journey, she illustrates the importance of experimentation, confidence, and avoiding overthinking. Tune in to discover practical tips and gain the confidence to set your photography prices without stress.
 Show Notes: The common question: How do I price my photography? The simple approach: Making up prices and adjusting as you go Story about Heather’s son, Evan, and his power-washing business Lessons from Evan’s pricing s

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, host Heather Lahtinen and her friend Michelle Crandall talk about running a business while dealing with anxiety. Heather shares her experiences as a photographer and entrepreneur, while Michelle gives tips on managing anxious thoughts. They discuss how to reframe anxiety, understand cognitive distortions, and use strategies to overcome them. This episode provides helpful advice for turning anxiety into empowerment and navigating the challenges of being an entrepreneur.
 Show Notes:
 Techniques for recognizing and addressing anxious thoughts. Impact of anxiety on running a business. Importance of mindset shifts in managing anxiety and business challenges. Personal stories about medication's effectiveness. Reducing stigma around mental health and seeking help. The Eight Cognitive Distortions: labeling and judging, black-and-white thinking, overgeneralization, mind reading, personalization, catastrophizing, should statements, emotional reasoning. Strategies for

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen discusses how to deal with unexpected and undesirable circumstances. As a photographer, educator, and entrepreneur, Heather shares her personal experiences with health challenges and provides actionable steps for managing your mindset during tough times.  Tune in to learn how to stay resilient, plan effectively, and turn obstacles into opportunities.
 Show Notes:
 Heather shares an update on her health and current neurological situation. Discussion on how health issues can impact photographers and entrepreneurs. Importance of managing your mindset and planning ahead. Heather's mantra: "I make money every day, and some days I collect." Encouragement to work on non-photography tasks that set you up for future success. Five key questions to ask yourself during uncertain times: Emphasizing the importance of acceptance in reducing suffering. Encouragement to cultivate tenacity and never give up on your goals. How to Support the Podcast: Subscrib

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley share their early struggles in their photography careers. Heather talks about being pushed out by other photographers, and Nicole shares a tough experience with a bank employee. Despite these hurdles, they both kept going and grew their photography businesses.  Listen in to hear their tips on staying strong, coaching yourself, and turning problems into chances for success. Show Notes: Story of earning $105 from the first mini session. The experience of opening a business bank account and facing laughter from bank staff. The backlash and scathing emails received from peers. Emotional impact and the decision to move forward despite criticism. The importance of self-belief and perseverance in the face of doubt. Advice on handling criticism and staying focused on goals. Encouragement for listeners to believe in themselves and their vision. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, a

In this new episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, host Heather Lahtinen talks about  the concept of overwhelm that many photographers experience and how it affects our ability to achieve our goals and enjoy life. She shares actionable insights and mindset shifts to help photographers navigate their busy schedules and transform their feelings of overwhelm into a source of empowerment. This podcast is packed with real-life examples, thought-provoking questions, and actionable tips that will help you transform your relationship with overwhelm. Discover how to reframe your thoughts, embrace your current season, and set yourself up for future success. Show Notes: The physical and emotional sensations associated with overwhelm and why we resist them. How resisting reality creates misery and repels opportunities. Techniques to identify and describe the physical sensations of overwhelm. Shifting from "I can't do this" to "I will figure this out" by recognizing our capabilities. Thoughts and encouragement to emb

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, host Heather Lahtinen shares her insightful perspective on the concept of bragging. Heather challenges traditional notions of boasting and encourages listeners to embrace celebrating success authentically. She tells stories and gives examples to help you understand the difference between being genuinely happy about something and bragging, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself while inspiring and motivating others. Show Notes: Heather shares her recent experience of celebrating her son's academic success. Definitions of bragging and boasting, highlighting the distinction between celebrating achievements and arrogant self-praise. The impact of sharing accomplishments authentically and how it can inspire and motivate others. Practical advice on reframing perceptions of bragging, emphasizing authenticity, humility, and intent behind sharing successes. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcas

In this episode of the Flourish Academy podcast, Heather Lahtinen talks about the paradox of modern existence: our constant quest for happiness amidst the very distractions that make us miserable. Drawing from the insights of Dr. Anna Lembke's book "Dopamine: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence," Heather discusses the detrimental effects of digital overindulgence and the importance of reclaiming our mental space from the clutches of technology.  Heather challenges listeners to break free from the cycle of constant stimulation and embrace moments of boredom as opportunities for self-discovery and creativity. Tune it for practical tips, from removing social media apps to embracing grayscale screens, to foster a healthier relationship with technology and cultivate a more intentional, fulfilling life. Show Notes: Addressing sources of discontent. Detrimental effects of digital overindulgence. Emphasizes reclaiming mental space and embracing boredom for creativity. Practical tips for tech balance. Mindful di

In this episode, I share my personal health journey, the decisions I've made regarding medication, and how I consciously steer my mindset to stay positive and productive. Whether you're dealing with your own health issues or just looking for ways to overcome life's obstacles, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Let's flourish together! Show Notes: A brief recap of Heather's neurological event earlier in the year and her experience since. Discussion on starting medication, dealing with side effects, and the decision-making process. Tips and techniques Heather uses to keep her mind positive and focused. How managing her health has influenced her business and personal growth. Future plans and the importance of staying optimistic. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more peopl

In this podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley talk about the often-overlooked issue of self-comparison and the impact it has on our confidence and success. Learn how two people, each admiring the confidence they see in the other, can make a phenomenal team by embracing their unique strengths.  Whether you're a creative professional or navigating personal aspirations, this episode is packed with insights to help you embrace your individuality, turn self-judgment into self-celebration, and transform collaboration into unstoppable success. The pitfalls of comparing yourself to others Heather’s personal experience with comparison and admiration Finding clarity in what you genuinely want Balancing admiration with self-acceptance Making a list of your strengths and passions Strategies for overcoming comparison Importance of self-honesty in personal growth How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like th