Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers
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/.
Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers
164: 2025 Year in Review: Highs, Lows, Lessons, and What’s Coming Up Next
This year taught me more than I ever expected. There were wins, challenges, business growth, motherhood, maternity leave, and more. In this episode, I’m walking you through my full Year in Review, highlighting what worked, what didn’t, the surprising lessons learned, and what I’m taking into 2026 with renewed clarity and intentional focus.
Listen in as I share insights from a year that included launching a new offer, scaling systems, taking a 12‑week paid maternity leave, and showing up again with more resilience than ever. Whether you’re wrapping up your year or beginning your planning, this episode is your invitation to take meaningful stock of your own business.
In this Episode:
- Big wins in business and strategy that moved the needle in 2025
- Honest lessons from things that fell flat
- Why reviewing your year matters — not just for numbers, but for perspective
Today's episode is brought to you by Forewarn:
If you often meet clients in private homes or unfamiliar places, FOREWARN helps you verify identities and assess risk before meeting in person. Just enter a phone number for instant identity information — visit forewarn.com to learn how you can prepare and stay safe.
Find It Quickly:
00:46 - Reflecting on Business Practices
01:41 - Podcast Introduction and Personal Journey
03:33 - CEO Review and Yearly Reflection
05:17 - Wins and Successes of 2025
12:14 - Challenges and Lessons Learned
18:06 - Highs and Lows of the Year
24:04 - Looking Forward to 2026
Mentioned in this Episode:
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!