Amy chats with Devon about her journey of creating a more family-centered life, balancing professional goals, and the challenges of evolving her identity and business.

About the Guest: Devon, an experienced photographer and mother of two, launched her coaching platform devoted to helping new photographers build successful, balanced businesses. Her background includes working in the restaurant industry, full-time wedding photography, and now empowering others through her coaching programs.

Main Topics Covered:

• Devon's motivation to be present for her children and create a different upbringing than her own.
• Challenges of balancing a photography business with family commitments.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her photography business and the subsequent career shift.
• Transitioning from full-time photographer to educator and coach for new photographers.
• The importance of mental health, financial stability, and family in Devon's career decisions.
• Reflections on professional identity and its evolution over time.

Quote from the Episode: "I realized that missing my daughter's volleyball tournament was a turning point. It made me rethink everything I had built my career around and how I wanted to prioritize my family."

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the episode
• 02:30 – Devon's early career and motivation to be present for her children
• 08:15 – Transition from restaurant work to photography
• 15:45 – Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her wedding photography business
• 20:30 – Balancing weddings with family life in 2021
• 27:00 – Burnout and career reevaluation in December 2021
• 33:10 – Shift to coaching and building a new business model
• 41:20 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and marketing challenges
• 48:15 – Rapid-fire questions with Devon
• 55:00 – Reflections on professional transitions

Links Mentioned:

Devon's new website: https://www.devonadrianne.com

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In this episode, host Amy Stone talks with Michele Lefler about a significant and unexpected change in her adulting experience, becoming a young widow.

Michele Leffler is a spiritual and lifestyle coach specializing in dealing with grief, spirituality, and energy management. With a diverse background in strategic planning and fundraising, Michelle is also rebranding her services to consult for libraries and non-profit organizations.

Main Topics Covered:

• Michele's personal experience with the loss of her partner
• The course "Embracing the Shadow" and its focus on self-acceptance
• The societal challenges of widowhood and grieving
• Michelle's journey of personal growth, education, and conversion from Christianity to Judaism
• The importance of supportive friendships during times of loss

Quote from the Episode: "Losing a partner brings an unimaginable depth of grief, but it can also serve as a catalyst for profound personal reinvention and authenticity." - Michele Lefler

You can connect with Michele at www.michelelefler.com

Be sure to visit www.imperfectadulting.com and join the email community to be able to take full advantage of all the fun stuff there.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction and welcome
• 02:30 - Discussion on "Embracing the Shadow" course
• 10:45 - Michele Lefler’s personal story of loss and grief
• 22:15 - Challenges of widowhood and societal perspectives
• 28:00 - Michele's journey of personal transformation and faith conversion
• 35:50 - Rapid-fire questions with Michele
• 41:00 - Closing thoughts and gratitude

In this episode of "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," host Amy Stone speaks with Stephanie Shanks, Wisconsin photographer and podcast host, about her transformative journey to live authentically and free of people-pleasing. Stephanie shares her awakening at 40, how she navigated the challenges of people-pleasing, and the significance of self-discovery and self-worth.

Stephanie Shanks is a photographer, podcast host, and advocate for authentic living. After a pivotal life change at 40, Stephanie now runs her own photography studio and focuses her podcast on amplifying the voices of women who break free from societal expectations. You can learn more about her work at stepshanks.com.

Main Topics Covered:

• Stephanie's realization of living a life defined by others' expectations (00:01:35)
• The impact of early life experiences and societal pressures on people-pleasing (00:04:52)
• The transformative journey of breaking out of people-pleasing habits (00:08:38)
• Facing fears and confronting judgments from others (00:17:08)
• Embracing self-love, gratitude, and authentic relationships (00:21:55)

Quote from the Episode: "My identity was in other people." - Stephanie Shanks [00:04:42]

Timestamps:

00:00 Stephanie Shanks inspires authentic, fulfilling living transformation.

03:44 My identity depended on others' perceptions.

09:11 Self-discovery led to life-changing realizations and freedom.

11:55 Stepmom and retired photographer with shared experiences.

15:35 Growth often happens unseen, beneath the surface.

20:17 Change triggered manifestation of internalized self-improvement.

Related article https://imperfectadulting.com/breaking-free-from-people-pleasing-a-journey-toward-authenticity/

Connect with Stephanie Shanks:

• Website: stepshanks.com