I loved being my own boss—calling the shots, feeling inspired to create, and not even minding the longer work days making less than minimum wage (let’s not talk about that first $300 wedding) because of how fun it was. I was determined to become JUST like Katelyn James, my role model in the industry. More on that later.
Maybe they were for you, too.
Things were smooth sailing in the beginning
I spent those first several years as a photographer overworking myself and learning a LOT about business the hard way. I had no clue how to properly manage my time or my finances, and I literally paid the price (to the government in the form of back taxes… yikes.)
My burnout really came to a head one night in the Olive Garden parking lot of all places. I’ll never forget bawling my eyes out to my husband, desperate for a change. Clearly, I was a wreck.