Through the Lens

Tiffany and I were chatting about episodes and the subject of Chat GPT came up and I decided to hit record. This episode is strictly hearsay and opinions about the coming of AI in our industries. Are you torn like us? Have you researched it? Do you utilize Chat GPT?  We want to hear from you!  Comment with a review or head over to instagram and give us your insight or opinion! https://www.instagram.com/tammyzelezphotography/ https://www.instagram.com/vividhaircreations/

Tricia talked about CEO days in our last episode and I was like, "What?" We gotta talk about that! So today we are diving in!  There are many different titles you can give this day or time block. You may already have this day planned out in your work week! Wherever you are, it's a priority for you as an entrepreneur to give yourself this time to stay organized! If you are like me and you squeeze this time in where you can, here are a few things you can do to ensure it becomes part of your work flow! *Pick a day or a time slot within your day and STICK to it! *Make a list of what needs to be done on your CEO day *Set a timer for each task so that you don't get carried away. Hold yourself accountable for your time. *Create the boundaries for yourself. If you don't, who will? "I can tell my week where to go instead of my week telling me where to go." This one statement Tricia made sums up the importance of having CEO "time" carved out within your work week so that you stay organized. It is time to set yourself up for success! Let me know how you are doing! https://www.instagram.com/tammyzelezphotography/

Tricia Riggio and I are talking today about our Rep Programs! We realized that our industries are very different but our rep programs work the same way! It is all about building up your clientelle and utilizing the program to benefit you! Key points of a rep program: *To build a client base whether you are just starting out or have been in your industry for years *To have trusting people who will help promote and refer you *To have a partnership with a select few to utilize for different aspects within your industry.   Steps to creating a Rep Program *Start a conversation with people you trust and tell them what you are wanting to do. *Create an application that you can get specific with when it comes to what you are looking for *Be specific on your needs and requirements *Offer your services in return for promoting your business  *You can always tweak things that don't seem to be working within the program   For me as a photographer, I couldn't be IN the high schools so I had to find the clients who were! My senior reps would then talk with their friends to refer me! For Tricia as a hairstylist, she wanted to work on real people versus her mannequins to learn new techniques. In turn, her reps would help share the content Tricia would create with them and would refer her because they loved what was created on their hair. Whatever the industry, the program can be tweaked to suit! If you are looking to increase business, this is a perfect way to start!  https://www.instagram.com/triciariggiohair/ https://www.tammyzelezphotography.com/

I had to talk to Carlyn about her "Suc" in success! Her answer? Fear! But I wanted more from her so I made her ellaborate! Carlyn felt her calendar was running her instead of her running her calendar. So she asked the powers that be to help her find the space within the craziness and voila! Her wish was granted! Maybe a little too good. Now she fears not making end of the year goals, or having loss of revenue, the list goes on. She has found the courage to face her fears and is giving herself the grace to work through them and be ok with this season she is in. She shared a quote by Martin Luther King Jr, "Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear." She has used that courage to fill the time with cave days and improving materials that she can use to better her business as well as her clients.  AND she is learning to take her own advice and give herself grace throughout this process. "It is a muscle that needs to be worked." It truly is. If you have formed a habit of beating yourself up, it will take work to form the new habit of grace but it can be done! As we approach the summer season and for some a slow season, we can learn NOW how to get creative and plan NOW for Q3 and Q4. To be prepared for the holiday season and skip the stress! And guess what? You don't have to reinvent the wheel! Start with what you did last year and tweak it just a bit!  Here are a couple of questions we asked today to get you thinking! "How can I make my business better?" "What risk are you willing to take today to move your business forward?" Sign up TODAY for Carlyn's 75 minute Planning Session! This is a GREAT way to be ready for the upcoming holiday season! Spots are limited!  Remember! Be kind to yourself! Joe Dispenza: Rewired

Ok, Ok, so maybe it is just another episode of two women entrepreneurs chattin it up, but the title was to clever to pass up! That's because I have Courtney, the photographer behind Not Your Normal Boudoir with me today!! And guys...I did a thing! I had my very first boudoir session with her! Not only was it exhilarating and a total confidence boost, but this experience taught me to start loving my aging self!  This episode is SO juicy! We start with Courtney's passion for boudoir, body positivity, and my personal review of my experience with her! Here are some takeaways to be listening for during this episode: -Every "body" is beautiful. -Clients often ask for the "photoshop". Listen to why we won't. -"Appreciate your nude body" -We are all works of art. You ready to schedule a boudoir session? I know you're thinking, maybe someday...NO! The time is now! Give yourself the gift of self-love! https://www.instagram.com/notyournormal_boudoir/ Request to follow for obvious reasons ;)

You don't just wake up one morning and all of the sudden you are this successful entrepreneur, right? There are so many challenges we go through and grow through that give us our definition of success.  Tiffany and I chat (and maybe rant a bit) about the sucky part of success. The part we all go through but nobody likes to openly talk about it! Well, we are and you should too! You are not alone in the challenges you face, trust us! These challenges often arise when we face unfamiliarity and that's when we can get discouraged. Which is even more of a reason to have a support group of like-minded individuals that you can gain advice from or even just to vent about the "suck"! Here are a few things we talk about in today's episode: -The dreaded "T" word....Taxes. (pre-recorded, SORRY! But I will be talking taxes prior to April of 2024!) -Staying organized; everyone is different so find a way that works for you. Good place to start is by figuring out your top priorities! -Work/ Life Balance: When the balance is off, the passion dissolves. Learn how to love work and love your life in a healthy way so neither "suck" more energy than what is needed! Remember: Business succeeds when there are hard times. Let those hardships teach you, not hinder you!  Share your "suck" in success with us! Leave a review or head over to instagram and start the conversation! And let us know if you want Tiffany and I to create informational tik toks! Start The Conversation!

My newest branding client, Tricia Riggio, sits with me today and shares her journey of the hair industry! She realized her niche was blonding and extensions and spent time and practice to become a specialist in both! One way she achieved this was by creating a group of models who would let her practice on them and they would give her the feedback she needed and rep her brand!  We also talked about her own relationship with her hair and an autoimmune disease known as Alopecia. She has battled this on and off her whole life. She shares her story today as well as on her Instagram to help others deal with it themselves. "Everybody is dealing with something and it's ok to open up so that others can feel they are not alone."  I also get the scoop on her social media excellence and the consistency she maintains to stay relevant with her audience! I beg her to tell me her ways! So here are some tips she gives! -She schedules 2 days a week to work on the business -Bulk produces content taken from each client -There are several different posts she can get out of just one client! -She uses the preview app to schedule her posts. -She uses trending audio to stay relevant! Be sure to stay with us to the end! This episode is packed with information for entrepreneuers plus very useful info for hair stylists!  Check out her Instagram pages to learn more about Tricia! https://www.instagram.com/triciariggiohair/ https://www.instagram.com/triciariggiohairedu/

Carmen, owner of Starks Candle Co. is back with me in this episode of manifestation! Carmen has welcomed baby #3 into their family and with him brought more of her "why" to life! "Happiness is a choice. You have to decide what you are going to do with the cards you are dealt." And that is EXACTLY what she is doing! She has manifested quite a few things in her life thus far and some have freaked her out a bit but all have benefited her in one way or another! The key to manifestation? "Live your life as if you already have it!" Carmen truly believes anyone can do the same and here are a few things to remember when doing so. -Visualize what you want -Ask yourself, what do I have to do to achieve what I want? -Recognize that you may already be living out what you want -Be grateful -Be consistant What about when you are having a bad day? We all have them. Carmen tells us the ways she handles bad days for instance reading her past journals and reminiscing on the good days or phoning friends. Don't let the bad times stop you from moving forward! We encourage you to manifest your best life and we want to hear about it!  Check out Carmen and I's favorite books and enter the discount code below to your next Starks Candle Co order! Power of Positive Thinking Find Your Unicorn Space   Use Code MANIFEST for 15% off!

The first time I heard the term "evergreen" from my coach, Carlyn Bushman, I was like, "whoa, back up, what does that mean?" When she explained it to me, it made so much sense! As a photographer, I have a library of assets that are literally untapped and endless! But I feel once a post a client, I can NEVER post them again! WRONG! Do you know we need to be told time and time again for something to sink in and take up residence in your brain! The need to "evergreen" your social content is extremely important! In this episode we discuss how to: -Reuse your photos -Reuse your captions -How often to do so! PLUS! Having a branding photographer that can help you build up your image library can simplify your life when those images can be used and "reused" on ALL marketing platforms such as: -Website -Marketing material -Social  -Email Remember! Your content is NOT a one and done! Evergreening your content creates engagement! Consistency is key to staying relevant and this is a way to save you time and continue to be on the forefront of people's minds whithout the headache of finding new content all the time! I'll see you in Season 10 on April 17th!

March 19th is National Let's Laugh Day! We want to celebrate it with you! It is so important to laugh! "Laughter is the best medicine" is such a true statement. If you can find moments in your day to laugh, you realize that whatever is going on may not be so bad! Tiffany and I share some laughs on the podcast today and give you some "insight" on different types of laughs and the calories you can burn just from laughing! This episode is meant to start your day with a little laughter and continue that throughout today and every day! Don't forget to post some laughing moments on social media this Sunday with the hashtag, #letslaugh and maybe even #throughthelenspodcast We want to see you laugh! If you are a small business and need help creating content when you are stumped, go to National Day Calendar and find a day to celebrate based on your industry or your personality!

Have you ever had a bad day where you just want to shut your brain off? Mine was pretty recent and my wonderful business coach, Carlyn, reminded me to reflect on what I am grateful for. It made me think of my favorite quote! "Gratitude is the attitude for the altitude of living" If you can focus on what you are grateful for instead of what is getting you down, it will definetely change your mood, I promise!

I love bringing my past guests back because the growth in their business is always so great to talk about! I also get to see the changes to their business as well which is something Raina and I discuss today! Her passion has soared through the roof! Find out why in today's episode! Check out her website which is packed with educational information! Below are a few products we discussed in the episode! My Fave Product! SkinSuit Biojuve Sheer Finish SPF 50 Sunscreen Beauty Tricks By Raina Blog Australian Gold at Target Budget Friendly

Entrepreneurship can be hard. It can be lonely. But the ROI is worth it! Rest and relaxation will come over time but the R&R I am talking about today is the risk and the reward of it! What risks are you willing to take in order to sit in the reward of all of your hard work? It is a question only you can answer! 

Tiffany and I didn't even realize while recording this that today is ACTUALLY Galentine's Day! So grab your girlfriend and listen to us chat about our favorite pamper products and suugestions on what you and your girlfriend's can do on this fun little holiday! Let us know what you do! Below are links to check out our fave products! Kevin Murphy's Young Again Oil Skin Suit Natural Ice Cherry Chapstick  

Wow! This is for sure a milestone I am celebrating!  Thank you all for your support and your listens! Thank you for bringing me into your weekly schedule! It has been an incredible journey and I am excited for the next 100! This episode includes and on location portion where I am chatting with several entrepreneurs all in the same salon suite building! You are celebrating with me so I want to celebrate along with you! Cheers to milestones!!

Be prepared to laugh until you cry! Tiffany and I have a moment of uncontrollable laughter that will make anyone want to laugh with us! Our convo is packed with business related topics and just fun, quirky stuff too! Girl talk at it's best! You have to listen to the end in order to know how to enter my 100th episode giveaway! You don't want to miss out! Check out all the small businesses that have contirbuted and good luck!! https://www.instagram.com/beauty_tricks_by_raina/ https://www.instagram.com/taylorjordanusa/ https://www.instagram.com/vividhaircreations/ https://www.instagram.com/the_bronzingroom/ https://www.instagram.com/kreationsbykaryn2020/ https://www.instagram.com/julesandjc/ https://www.instagram.com/starkscandleco/ https://www.instagram.com/jesserosecollection/ https://www.instagram.com/jordin.leeann.designs/

Do you find it to be a chore to have a conversation on the phone? Would you rather text or email? Listen to this episode to learn how it may be beneficial to rethink that and get back to having discussions over the phone! Have you subscribed? Follow me on Instagram!

What box are you stuck in? Do you need more creative freedom? Get out of the box with out of the box thinking! I have used this phrase over and over again and after watching my kids think outside the box to start living out their dreams, it made me sit down and evaluate the phrase! After listeneing, tell me in what areas you need to think outside the box! Click below to start the conversation! https://www.instagram.com/tammyzelezphotography/ Check out the 8 businesses that are contributing to my giveaway for the 100th episode coming up! https://www.instagram.com/taylorjordanusa/ https://www.instagram.com/starkscandleco/ https://www.instagram.com/the_bronzingroom/ https://www.instagram.com/jordin.leeann.designs/ https://www.instagram.com/kreationsbykaryn2020/ https://www.instagram.com/vividhaircreations/ https://www.instagram.com/beauty_tricks_by_raina/ https://www.instagram.com/jesserosecollection/

We are a week in! How is it going so far? Do you have a heavy schedule this year? I know I do, so I am helping you to stay focused by sharing the key things I am doing! Between my business and personal life my schedule will be jam packed and if I don't stay focused, one of them will suffer. PLUS! I have my 100th episode coming up! This is a huge accomplishment that I want to celebrate with you! Stay updated by subscribing to my podcast and follow me on social! You won't want to miss this episode because I am also having a huge giveaway!  Prayers for Damar! Chasing M's Foundation https://www.instagram.com/tammyzelezphotography/ Subscribe through this page Through The Lens!

Happy New Year! I can't even believe we are already here! Are you SO ready to hit the ground running in 2023? I know I am! I also know this year will force me to ground myself, set goals, and grow my business! Which is the "Three G Formula" that Carlyn Bushman is discussing with us today! The easiest way to start when you feel you don't know where to start! Carlyn not only explains this but takes us behind the scenes of what her consulting business is all about. Hiring a business coach was one of the best decisions I could've made! She has several opportunities in 2023 for you to get to know her and learn from her! Sign up for her upcoming workshops! POP Academy Discovery Call

Wrapping up season 8. This season was a struggle for me, but guess what? I did it! My message to you today is to keep going! We go through struggles and we can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It doesn't mean it's not there! KEEP GOING! You have helped me to do just that! Can't wait to see you all in season 9! My 100th episode will be in the next season! I'm making it big! I need your help though! Click the link below and tell me what you would like to hear next season!!  What topic do you want to discuss? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Are you a goal setter? Whether setting goals is easy for you or you struggle with setting and achieving them, this is an episode that will help you! I came up with 4 easy steps that help me and I hope they work for you as well!! Let's do this together! What goals are you seeting for yourself? I wanna know! Click on the link below and let's be each others accountability partners! https://www.instagram.com/tammyzelezphotography/

Morgan is the creator behind Get Knotty Macrame Co. She specializes in plant hangers, wall hangers, hat hangers, the whole shabang! Morgan tells us how she started, how she loves it and what she sees for the future of her macrame company! Check out the links below to see her product, upcoming events she will be at, and classes she teaches that you can attend! https://www.instagram.com/getknottymacrameco/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/getknottymacrameco/?etsrc=sdt https://85localaz.com/collections/classes 15% off your total purchase at Get Knotty Macrame Co through Thanksgiving, November 24th, 2022  Use Coupon Code: PODCAST

I love bringing my previous guests back to see the growth, the pivots, and just what's new! Today's guest, Laura Jewett has added another hat to her collection with co-authoring a new national best seller on Amazon titled, Local Leader Referral Secrets How to grow your real estate business through relationaships and referrals. We discuss the book, the real estate industry and her many upcoming give back opportunites! Check out all the links below!! Link to Book on Amazon Holiday Event Wishlist Operation Giveback Subscribe to Our Community Website

We talked headshots. We talked lifestyle. Now hear testimonials straight from branding clients who get it! It's all about upleveling your business and professionalizing it with high quality images! Check out the websites of my clients mentioned in today's episode! https://www.vividhaircreations.com/ Beauty Tricks By Raina https://www.starkscandleco.com/ https://www.carlynbushmanconsulting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/getknottymacrameco/  

Let's talk about the emotion that can be shown in your images! In part 3 of my 4 part series where I explain branding photography, I want you to learn how we can bring out your story by creating emotion. Flat images won't express authenticity. Nor will it gain the trust of your audience. This crucial piece within your session needs your attention. How are we going to bring out the feeling of your brand in your images? That's the deatils I want to know!  Click here to set up a free discovery call!

This is where the magic happens! Where you can express yourself by showing the behind the scenes of your business! You have the ability to share your story with your audience in a genuine and authentic way. I give you some homework in this episode so make sure to take notes! Today's Episode Sponsor Love, Indus! Click Here! https://www.tammyzelezphotography.com/contact/

You may remember Misty from season 1! She went from working as a fitness coach at a local gym to selling athleisure wear. When the 45 minute drive to boutiques that housed her aparrel got to be exhausting and costly, she made a huge decision which has been a huge success! Click the link below to apply to be a vendor or to see what 85 Local is all about! https://85localaz.com/ Today's Episode Sponsor Laura Jewitt! Click here!  

Over the course of the next several weeks, I will be explaining branding photography and breaking down crucial pieces and why you need them! Today I am talking about headshots! How there are no rules and how you can define your personality and your business in one photo!  As an added bonus, download my 5 Tips for A Beautiful Headshot!

When you are busy going through your work week, where do you go to be alone and seek clarity? Everyone needs a recharge or an opportunity to find new ways to be creative! Join me as I share how I found some clarity this past week! Check Out The Fall Gift Guide Here!

You gotta love it when a quote resonates with you! Plus this quote came from a pro football hall of fame coach that made a surprise guest appearance at his beloved football stadium! Can you guess who it is? This quote is an eye opener! Listen to today's episode and click the link below to let me know what the quote means to you! https://www.instagram.com/tammyzelezphotography/

I have been in a wilderness phase with this podcast! I'm sure I look like a hot mess!! But, I have had some clarity and I am ready to get back in the game! Maybe with something new! Tune in to hear my confession and apology for my lack of airtime! I hope I can relate to some of you today! If so, I encourage you to take a beat! Don't go down the rabbit hole! Learn and grow! That's what I am doing! Are you needing a business coach? I highly recommend mine! Click the link below to learn more! https://www.carlynbushmanconsulting.com/

Have you ever taken a personality test? I never have! I thought it would be fun and interesting to see how accurate one could be so I sat down and took it! They are actually a great tool to use whether you are a small business owner or an entrepreneur. Personality tests can help you improve relationships through your work and personal life! I suggest the Enneagram test but there are others out there! Share your results with me! I want to know the types of personalities I am talking to!!

Many of you across the nation are experiencing yet another year of the first day of school or at least preparing for it! For some of you it is the "last" first day. Today, I am talking to the parents of the class of 2023! Even if you have already been through a senior year, chances are you have forgotten about all the overwhelm senior year can bring. I am here to help you get organized and save you some stress by being ahead of the game and knowing what to expect for your childs senior year of high school! Added bonus!! Click the link below to download a senior year checklist! Don't worry, I got You!! Get Your Senior Checklist Here!! Ready to book your senior's photo session? Click Here!!

Carlyn Bushman shares her experience of how networking can really benefit you! Here are three tips to get you started! 1. If you are part of a networking group now: Go Deep! Reach out to 5 people within the group and start building relationships! 2. If you are not a part of one: Look for one that aligns with your business and ask yourself 2 questions, what is your "ask" of the group and what is your "give" to the group 3. If you are not ready to join a networking group: Look at your "built in" group right in your contact list! Find people you know right now that you can start building relationships with! If you are a female entrepreneur, here's a great group to check out! Entreprenista League

Say No! Get rid of things that are not building value in your business! Take time for yourself! It's that easy! Find out how in this episode! And listen to the end for how I am changing things to take the steps to simplify my life!

I can't say it enough! This generation is the majority digital. It is so important to still print your photos! Tune in to find out why!

Kylie Lewis is in her first year of entrepreneurship and killing it! She just recently created her own space in her brand new house to grow her business of lash extensions! At the young age of 20, Kylie shows that it doesn't matter how old you are, if you are passionate about something, go after it! Pursue your dreams, stay focused and you CAN be successful!  Mention Through the Lens Podcast for $10 off with Kylie!

National Camera Day is June 29th! It is a day to celebrate the importance of capturing lifes moments! Tune in to see how you can share in the fun! Click here to take advantage of my special offer!

I am not being all statistic-y in this episode! It is just a light hearted converstation on ways to lessen the stress IF a downturn happens! I share some tips to help us all get through stressful times together and in a positive way!

Listen up photographers! If you are wanting an all in one option that combines your photo galleries AND marketing tools, you HAVE to check out Picsello! And this episode! I chat with Jane Goodrich, founder of Picsello, how she decided to create the software and how helpful it will be to us photographers! She launces this Wednesday, June 15, 2022! You can go there now and join the waitlist! Follow Picsello on Instagram!

I am so grateful that you have continued on this podcast journey with me! I am so excited to announce that I have added music! It has been a long time coming! Let me know what you think!! Leave a review!

Twin sisters Julie and Jodie took their years of retail experience and turned it into a boutique that focuses on finds that supports your self-expression. They take pride in making each client feel at home and comfortable. Tune in to hear the story behind this boutique and their motto, "look good, feel good, do good." Use code TAMMY15 for 15% off your entire purchase! https://www.instagram.com/julesandjc/

Sarah Sommer is a fashion stylist and founder of Styled By Sar. She specializes in wardrobe styling for brands, editorial and personal clients. Todays episode talks about the importance of hiring a stylist for your branding photography sessions and how feeling comfortable in your style builds confidence! Use the links below to see more of Sarah's work! https://www.styledbysar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/styledbysar/

This episode is more or less an update to a previous episode I posted about the loss of our dogs. I love talking about them! It keeps their memory fresh. I thought I would share a story with you too! I would love to hear your stories of your furry loved ones who have crossed over the rainbow bridge too! 

Do you struggle with confidence? Do you not feel beautiful sometimes? True beauty and confidence starts on the inside of you! If you can search within yourself and bring it out, your life will change in a positive way! The podcast link below inspired me to create this episode! I highly recommend listening to both!! The Beauty Episode: Even Prettier

Today's episode is so fun! I have Carlyn Bushman, Carmen Starks, and Kylee Williams with me! We are all intertwined in our teams and we discuss how age can affect our way of thinking when being an entrepreneur! 

I successfully made it through my first livestream! Plus, I learned more about the search for my ideal client! And guess what? Chrissanne Long and Carlyn Bushman put together a workshop to help you fing your ideal client too! You will be able to sign up through the link below! Use code CBC for $50 off!! Ideal Client Workshop

This concept has been a struggle for me! I feel like I know who my ideal client is and then I find out that it's not niched down enough! Today I talk about where I am at right now in my search of the ideal client! If you would like to see me get even deeper in it, you can watch me live on Wednesday, March 30th at 12pm Az time through FB Livestream! Chrissanne Long and Carlyn Bushman got me in the hotseat! See you there! Join me Wednesday here!!

This new book for me is not so new for others I am sure! I am excited about it though! I just got it and I figured I would talk about it today! Oh and I have a special guest with me and bloopers at the end! You are a Badass

Amber has a passion for styling and making women look and feel beautiful. She shares how she starts the process of a closet overhaul and how she helps her clients to succeed in having a stylish wardrobe!