Can’t WAIT for you to listen to today’s episode with Sophie Lea, a beautiful mother of three from Sydney, Australia, who has built her photography business on a laptop at her kitchen table into a now 6-figure business with her own studio, several team members, and a shooting schedule that often books 12 months in advance. 

She’s sharing all about actionable techniques for how to push past self-doubt and limiting beliefs, plus how to gain confidence early in your photography career and the power of using our art to help our clients build their confidence. It’s a good one, friends!

In this episode:

[3:18] Sophie followed her passion for photography from high school to her career. She started in high school and began working in studios as soon as she graduated, and became part of the opening of one of the first digital studios in Sydney.

[8:07] Running a business is like being a mom in so many ways. Motherhood forces you to always move forward regardless of how you feel, just as business success requires tireless persistence.

[10:23] Self-doubt and limiting beliefs are never really gone, but you can befriend them. Don’t let these feelings hinder you from trying out new things instead use them as your guide because that’s where you’ll grow. 

[13:18] Limiting beliefs are part of being human. When you learn to accept that everyone experiences it, it’s easier to give yourself grace and work through it. 

[14:18] Self-doubt is a good indicator that you are growing. It’s just a thought and nothing is true to it. It comes and it goes but you can never get rid of it completely. Learn how to live with it and break through it because that’s where you’ll find the confidence knowing that something good will ALWAYS come out of that feeling. 

[16:00] Be gentle with your thoughts and feelings. Think about all the things you’ve achieved so far. You are good at what you do, and you have evidence that proves this to be true. Don’t let your thoughts and limiting beliefs tell you otherwise. 

[19:07] The world doesn’t need perfect leaders. It needs imperfect, honest, and vulnerable leaders. When you’re always trying to be perfect, you’re only setting people up to feel they can’t live up to your expectations.

[20:02]The most valuable thing you can give to people is to be yourself. Make them see that you’re a multi-layered person who has a full life beyond being a mother and photographer.

[23:00] Running a business is wonderful and beautiful, but it’s also challenging. Having a strong purpose that will carry you through challenging times is vital because your purpose is what will keep you going whenever you feel stuck.

[24:37] You can run your business any way you want. Just be you and always remember to do everything from a place of love and kindness. 

[27:23] Writing down your negative thoughts and limiting beliefs makes them lose a lot of power. You realize how silly they are and you’ll probably end up with just one or two thoughts that are holding you back. 

[29:27] Think back to all your past successes. Acknowledge them and be your own cheerleader. You have accomplished a lot in your life and you are capable of achieving great things over and over again.

[30:29] Stop asking people what they think. Limit the number of critics you allow in your circle. Surround yourself with people you can trust, who can make you feel confident. Ask for advice when you need it, but always go with your own ideas.

[31:37] Trust your own intuition. It is your moral compass that will guide you in the right direction. There is no better intuition than your own.

[34:17] Celebrate your wins. When you share them with other people, you are giving them permission to do the same. 

[36:05] There will always be people who won’t agree with you and that’s OK. You can’t control how they think. The more you surround yourself with positivity, the more you drown these voices of negativity and envy.

[37:24] Sophie tells the story of how she began to do self-portraits. She views the practice as growing or blossoming, allowing her to view herself as an individual, separate from her role as a mother.

[43:53] When you let your children know how much their photos mean to you, they’ll be more eager to pose for the camera because they want to be a part of something that matters to you. They’ll treasure these photos as much as you do.

About Sophie Lea

Sophie is a beautiful mother of three from Sydney, Australia who has built her photography business from home on a laptop on her kitchen bench to a now six-figure business with her own studio, several team members, and a shooting schedule that often books out 12 months in advance. In the past year, she has also moved into the education space where she supports and teaches photographers through luxurious in-person retreats and one-on-one online mentoring.

Connect with Sophie

On her Website, Instagram, Facebook

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