Alora: 0:06

Welcome back to the podcast. Today we have a special guest, one of my alumni, and I wanna talk a lot about Cara's journey because she can definitely tell you what's possible if you're really trying to build this business, get it off the ground while you still have a job, and she has gone through so many things. I think every six to eight months we would rip apart her mindset. Her rebrand, her pricing, and now she's going full-time in her business. And now that she has renewed, she pretty much gets all of our tools in support forever.

Khariza: 0:37

Side note. It was actually a full-time job that I've been doing this whole time.

Alora: 0:43

she's in her career fam.

Khariza: 0:45

Yeah. I was like, so it was like a lot of time.

Alora: 0:47

Hmm.

Khariza: 0:48

shift in this transition with, but I'm excited to be able to have this program to really, you know, help me, with. The structure. I think I need to stay focused in getting my goals like taken care of. You know, I feel like,'cause if I didn't have this program and the support system, I'd be like, oh my God, what am I supposed to do? You know what I mean?

Alora: 1:07

Yeah.

Khariza: 1:07

a chicken running around with its head cut off. You know? I'm like, just for a visual.

Alora: 1:12

Yeah, please send me all the chicken visuals. So when you say you were full-time, so you were like 40 hours a week and doing weddings part-time.

Khariza: 1:21

I was doing that and then like two years ago I adjusted to like 32 hours a week.

Alora: 1:26

Okay.

Khariza: 1:27

still full-time.

Alora: 1:28

Yeah.

Khariza: 1:29

yeah, during the weekdays when I was working my other job, I didn't really have the mental capacity to, you know, focus on my business and all the things that I wanted to focus on to like level up. You know, I'd be like editing after. My full-time job and then I'm like on the computer until 10:00 PM just like, you know the most sustainable, but I made it work, you know? And I think what me around with, you know, having my full-time job was stability, you know, health insurance, American dream, all that stuff. But yeah, like The thing about my transition now, which is, I mean, definitely a blessing in disguise because I'm getting laid off. And so it was one of those things where it's like, it wasn't my like decision per se. Like I guess I had the opportunity to apply for other roles within my business, but I kind of like, was like, I don't wanna do that. You know, I didn't feel right. I felt like this is a sign telling me to like, jump into this full-time, you know? Journey, which is what I had been wanting to do for so long, and I think I just needed like a little kick in the behind, which I

Alora: 2:38

No,

Khariza: 2:38

this is.

Alora: 2:39

I love it though, because last year, like I'm looking at the data and everything you've already collected. 37 K in weddings and portraits. And then last year you almost hit a BK, so you're at 79. So I mean, like you were really hustling. Honestly

Khariza: 2:54

Yeah.

Alora: 2:54

posting weddings. I mean, it was, it's definitely possible. Can you kind of speak to, I'm just curious, like, were you just flying by the seat of your pants or were you just like, and how did you do that with a full-time job? I am curious.

Khariza: 3:08

Yeah, definitely a little bit of that and having supportive like friends and family and my boyfriend every time. Like he, sometimes he's just. Here, like while I'm editing and I'm like, I'm sorry. He's like, don't ever apologize. Like, you know,

Alora: 3:20

Yeah, I just.

Khariza: 3:21

I was like, yeah. He's just like, he knows that. He's like, I know you're like trying to work on your business and I think that's important that you're prioritizing that. So I think it's super, you know, great that I've been having that support system. It was a lot of hustling and I think like it might just be the mentality of like, don't know. different. So I really feel like this change is gonna be a huge shift for me. Another mindset shift of like, okay, like I'll just have my business to focus on, you

Alora: 3:51

Mm-hmm.

Khariza: 3:52

like, oh, all this time.

Alora: 3:53

Yeah.

Khariza: 3:53

I feel like'cause. I wouldn't say I was doing the bare minimum. Like, you know, there are times I like, you know, last year you, you guys helped me out with my rebrand, which was super helpful. Like, you know, I'd have bouts of periods of time where I would, you know, have like a specific goal or a project that I'd work on. And then like the majority of the time, the rest of the time, it would kind of just be like. to my clients and that's it. You know, not really, like, I was not great at social media, still working on it, to be honest. and yeah, just the marketing aspect of it all and kind of showing up consistently in that way, which I feel like I know is important and helpful in this industry. But kind of just going through the motions a little bit, you

Alora: 4:36

Yeah.

Khariza: 4:36

with a full-time job.

Alora: 4:38

Yeah,

Khariza: 4:39

work.

Alora: 4:40

yeah. I mean, and you have like up to this point, you know, in submitted wins for the time that you've been in here, you've made 140 2K, right? Is that you?

Khariza: 4:49

Yay.

Alora: 4:49

is you.

Khariza: 4:51

Is that you? Who is she?

Alora: 4:53

Amazing. So, I mean. You know, it's definitely possible to do, like if you have a full-time job. I thought you had a part-time job this whole time, so now I'm just like, oh, that's why she can't market. She has no brain space left over.

Khariza: 5:05

seriously. Honestly, it's like, so like my battery or my brain energy is just like at the end of the day, like, girl,

Alora: 5:13

Yeah.

Khariza: 5:13

you're trying to do

Alora: 5:14

Yeah.

Khariza: 5:15

Like, that's, it's just like that, you know, like kind of like the cycle of that. And so, yeah, I'm excited to have this time, you know, to. Have that be my mindset and my whole situation with regards to how I am focusing on my business. So forward to see what will come.

Alora: 5:36

Yeah, and I wanted to ask you about that too, because I remember when you came, I feel like your mindset was in a completely different place than it is now. And I mean, I feel like you're. Still growing, changing, and evolving, and now we have to deal with the whole full-time hustle mindset of being like, help, I need money. So, and we'll be working on that together. But how do you feel like your mindset has changed? Because I remember your pricing was like, it wasn't 2K, 2.6 K for quite a bit and you did not wanna raise your prices. You would submit them to me over and over and I'd be like, Carissa, like I just looked at these. You're like, I know I need to, but. Gimme a different answer.

Khariza: 6:13

Yeah, I know. Definitely. I feel like a lot has changed since then.'cause I think even at that point I had considered doing it full-time, right? And like, this is something I wanted to do, but also being a little too scared and raising my prices. Like is that even possible? And I feel like at this point with all the, you know, granted I was kind of through this program somewhat sporadically, you know, like I always knowing that it's there, but like in utilizing it when I needed to. But, I feel like. my mindset has definitely shifted to where like, okay, just having the data to prove like, I can do this and it's possible, you know? And that although I'm scared, I'm also excited and looking forward to it. because I've invested, in this program and in these relationships with Other photographers and kind of just having that support system that I feel like really me feel ready to go into this next phase, if that makes sense. So last year you helped me with my rebrand and getting a new website moving from Squarespace, ugh. To show it, which has been such a game changer. But I think just going through, figuring out who my ideal client was and who I was as. A brand, really figuring that out and honing in on it. Like even just that simple exercise of going through my client It was such an eye-opener.'cause it's like, oh, they were saying a lot of the same things, you know, where I was like, oh my gosh. So I guess that's what draws people to me, you know? And so understanding that, being aware of it and owning it, I think like really helped me, you know? out my own unique kind of stance and like, authenticity with my business.'cause before that it was kind of like I had kind of an idea of who I wanted my ideal clients to be, but it was kind of just like whoever wants to work with me. I don't know. Like,

Alora: 8:22

Yeah.

Khariza: 8:23

Being able to just like owning the story has been a game changer for sure.

Alora: 8:31

Yeah. I feel like when you figure those things out though, that your work shifted. Because I remember I was like looking at your portfolio reviews and I was like, oh, wait a minute. Like she's actually shooting with intention now. And then you started attracting more dream weddings because of that too.

Khariza: 8:47

Yes. And I definitely want to do more of that this year, you know? Shooting with intention is super important, not just like shooting just to shoot.

Alora: 8:57

Mm-hmm.

Khariza: 8:58

But yeah. All about intention.

Alora: 9:01

Yeah. I think that's amazing. So when it came to your pricing, because I know that was like the biggest milestone.

Khariza: 9:09

Yeah,

Alora: 9:09

Why did you keep it low for so long? what were you thinking? I just wanna know like the shift.

Khariza: 9:15

I think it was maybe the way that I thought maybe my work wasn't worth,

Alora: 9:23

Hmm.

Khariza: 9:24

One of my love languages is words of affirmation, and I don't know, I've been kind of thinking about this a lot, so it's like I need a lot of reassurance from my work and feedback and stuff. and I've gotten that, the most part. And, sometimes it doesn't happen and I'm like, oh my God, they hate it, so, you know, when I don't get that. I create the story in my head about like, oh, it's not that good to where it deserves feedback or praise or whatever, so I'm just like, I think that's kind of where had that mental block, a little bit of worth.

Alora: 9:56

Yeah. So how long have you been in the photography industry? Actually shooting weddings.

Khariza: 10:02

So, well, I did start, I remember it was like 2016. It was kind of a while. And it was weird.'cause I started off then, and then, I would have periods of time where I would be like, okay, doing a few City hall things and a couple small weddings here and there. And then I'd take a break, you know, like I'd have these seasons of doing work and not, so it was like that for a few years and then I feel like, pandemic happened, but especially after that's when things started to really pick up and doing it a little more seriously, you know?

Alora: 10:35

Mm-hmm.

Khariza: 10:36

Yeah, so it's been a few years of like the serious kind of like mental investment into it, you know?

Alora: 10:43

How much do you think you've made in your business before joining the program?

Khariza: 10:47

Oh girl. That's a great question. I don't know, maybe like. 30,000 or something. I don't know. I'm honestly just ballparking it. Yeah, like,'cause it was really just like a, I don't know, like 20, 30 k, like of just like, oh, this is just like a side thing where I can make some supplemental income. That's kind of like how I saw it, you know?

Alora: 11:07

Gotcha.

Khariza: 11:07

for a while it was kind of just like, oh, it's something I can do to make more money so I can travel more, you know? But I think, like I always kind of in the back of my mind about like, oh, it would be super nice to be able to do this full time, but it felt like such a far away possibility, you know? I'm like, I don't even know how I would do that, or how it would be possible, like the things I needed to do, because I'm definitely a person who needs a structure and making a plan and stuff. At the time I don't think I, there was anything that I. Found or had like, you know, I'm, I think there are definitely like online courses as I'm sure. Like I'm like, I probably bought a few, or like, you know, like self-taught courses elopement photographer, like wedding photography 1 0 1. I don't know, like stuff like that. Like I mean, it's all helpful stuff, but not having like the accountability. And support system, I think was what got in the way of me really being able to use those tools in like a helpful way for me to like, you know, get further than where I had gone at that time.

Alora: 12:11

That's kind of incredible because I mean, if you. We're making a 30 k or less before, and now you have the tools to obviously have made more than that, but what would you say were the best tools that you have used inside the program? Because I know you, the cool thing about it is like you can always just hop into a training. Skip to what you want. Okay, I'm gonna learn about sales because I need to book a wedding right now. Right. Instead of having to feed through the whole thing. What would you say were like your game changer skills that helped you make these results while working full time, you know, in your career but still building the side hustle part.

Khariza: 12:48

Yeah. I think the biggest thing I was able to implement, and I might have mentioned this in the past, but the proposals for when I, submit my pricing to my clients that inquire I feel like the custom proposal really. creates a, a super personalized experience for the clients, which has seemed super effective since I had implemented it. You know, getting feedback from clients mentioning that, oh, like. Out of all the photographers we met you, I feel like you had the most together. I'm super impressed with, you know the custom proposal you put together. So, and I'm like, oh, that's so great. You know? So feel like being able to figure out ways to level up the client experience through the program has been super helpful because I think, you know, there are so many ways. I feel photographers are able to do that, but I didn't know where to start. So I think just kind of getting a sense of direction, kind of like a framework of like, this is like an actionable thing that I'm able to implement fairly easily, like a step by step thing. Was a game changer for sure. Just making sure to kind of, yeah, make sure that during the call I'm like having all the, touch points, I guess that would be helpful Making the sale, so to speak.

Alora: 14:12

Yeah, so I mean, and we have a plan of course, for you to go full time and I mean, you're gonna be able to binge everything and apply it. So I'm excited for that. Like you had a full-time job and almost$80,000 last year in weddings. That's a crazy amount of side hustle income. You know what I mean?

Khariza: 14:29

Yeah, yeah, definitely. I mean, it's definitely possible and I feel I had mentioned earlier, and just to reiterate, like. I need structure and support and direction and you know, it's like hard to, it can be a little alienating when you're doing this on your own in this industry, you know, like, so I feel like the accountability and support system alone makes it super valuable. Not to mention all the like great resources to. Help you focus on different things about your business that like maybe you hadn't thought of or realized is something that you needed to implement. You know, like are so many things about running a photography business that it's hard to like. Do on your own. I'm not gonna, I'm just going to real I had been in this program for this probably about two years now. So granted I've been doing my other job full time while doing my. business, but I feel like I was still able to utilize so many tools to help me get to raising my prices and doing my rebrand, you know, while having my full-time job.

Alora: 15:49

Yeah

Khariza: 15:49

and a lot of extra time, but, it's definitely possible for sure. Like, look at me.

Alora: 15:56

Yeah, I mean, and now you're going full time and I know it's like kind of against your will, but also do you feel like you're gonna be able to really, really get your hands dirty and see what you're made of? Like I'm kind of excited.

Khariza: 16:08

Oh my gosh, Laura. Everyone tells me, you kind of have to go through it to really get to the other side. Once I get to that point of like, what is that even gonna look like for me? You know,'cause I've always had consistent income ever since I left college, you know what I mean? Like 11 years at this job that I'm leaving. You know what I mean? This is all I've known for

Alora: 16:31

Hmm.

Khariza: 16:31

It's just gonna be like a huge mindset shift that will need to take place. But, I mean, I'm excited, I'm curious to see what that'll look like with me just being like, okay, I gotta grind. I'm not just gonna sit here and wait around for things

Alora: 16:45

Mm-hmm.

Khariza: 16:46

You know? Like I

Alora: 16:47

and I mean, we all go through it. Yeah. And you're gonna be able to face it like you have all of us. You're not alone. I think the cool thing though is you're gonna be in control. And like I said, you're gonna see what you're made of. You're gonna create your own schedule, with the time that you have, and you're also not the only person going full-time right now. the world is changing, A lot of people are getting laid off, a lot of people are getting their hours cut. So I'm like, now is the time for the entrepreneurs to step up because.

Khariza: 17:12

Yeah,

Alora: 17:13

married. Okay. The rich people are, I'll tell you that much. Okay? This is like the perfect time to reposition your business, get everything fixed, be positioned in a way where you're elevated higher end. And then as things level out, which they will, you can decide if you wanna go back if you don't want to, and you're making more money. Working less than ever. You did all the hard work in the quote unquote recession, whatever this is. I don't know, but

Khariza: 17:41

know. That's good.

Alora: 17:42

Yeah. I think it's the entrepreneurs like this is, this is it? Like this is your calling. this is the moment to time to shine, to step into it and get to work.

Khariza: 17:52

Oh yeah. Yes, I'm ready.

Alora: 17:54

I am ready for you. Do you have any last things to say to somebody who's kind of like on the fence, should I join?

Khariza: 18:01

Just do it. Not to quote Nike, but

Alora: 18:04

Yeah. Literally, Nike.

Khariza: 18:06

I mean like if you're thinking about it, like there's a reason why you're even considering it in the first place, and that's kind of like was the sign. For me to initially sign up in the first place because I'm like, I felt like kind of lost. If you feel like you have no sense of direction, you need direction, then Hi,

Alora: 18:22

Hello?

Khariza: 18:22

here's the map. Google Maps right here.

Alora: 18:25

Yes. We love her.

Khariza: 18:27

Yes. Yeah, if you need direction at all, then it helps so much to have a support system like this,

Alora: 18:34

Yeah. That's amazing. Thank you so much for coming on, za. I'm so excited for your,

Khariza: 18:39

you.

Alora: 18:40

your next chapter, your journey, and also a nod to like what you were able to do while working a full-time job. Like honestly, that's, I. That is incredible

Khariza: 18:51

Thank you.

Alora: 18:51

it's in submitted wins. I don't know if you're up to date, but in submitted wins if you've made,

Khariza: 18:55

Yeah. I think I'm up to date. I've been better about it the

Alora: 18:59

good.

Khariza: 18:59

I

Alora: 19:00

Yeah,

Khariza: 19:00

I was like, oh, I hit over a hundred K.

Alora: 19:04

I know. Like, I mean, yeah, it's in total submitted wins, but that's still money. Like that's wedding money. That's side hustle money. Is it though?

Khariza: 19:14

I know. So that's why I'm like, well, let's make it not a side hustle

Alora: 19:17

Let's do it. Oh yeah, we're gonna scale like crazy. But yeah, thank you so much for coming the podcast and everybody else. I will see you next week. Bye.

Khariza: 19:26

Bye.