504: Heather Wanninger – Down and out before finding success as a portrait photographer

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area. Heather Wanninger of www.sweetlemonadephotography.com is today's guest. I was a little trepidatious when she told me about life being flipped upside down when her narcissistic husband had an affair, left her, and dragged her through the court system for ten years. I asked a few more questions to learn… She now has a multi-six-figure photography business focusing on seniors and corporate clients — headshot and branding photography. Interestingly, she lays a lot of her background on her about page, attracting clients, instead of what I thought may push them away — including becoming a single mom with three young boys and being lost, confused, and depressed with no idea what to do next. Here's what else heather shared before we recorded this interview… I've got a path in photography that started ten years ago when life gave me lemons. I've been told it gives people hope and empowers them to keep dreaming and chase their dreams. I'd love to begin sharing with more people how I went from not believing I was smart enough or worthy enough to do ‘anything' to running a successful business where I have created all the freedom I want regarding my time and resources. Revenue last year was $200k for the portrait side of things. The average senior session investment is $4,000. So thankfully, I can work part-time and have a nice income. Coaching is relatively new; however, empowering others to believe in their worth and raise their prices is inspiring. I've done two rounds of small group coaching, bringing in about $50k this year in addition to my portrait revenue. I want to expand further into coaching; however, my goal is to inspire others who don't think they are good enough or intelligent enough to be possible. They need to keep showing up. In this interview, learn how down, out and demanding life can be before coming out the other side as a successful photography business owner. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: What’s on Offer for Premium Members If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this interview – the full-length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest. If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, get access to a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. Life is a whole big tall glass of lemonade and I make it that way. – Heather Wanninger You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. There are also FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews in the group. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Being a business owner is not for everybody. – John Glaser Seriously, that's not all. In addition to everything above, you'll get access and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships with other pro photographers with similar motives to you – to build a more successful photography business. What is your big takeaway? Following this interview,