She Turned $100K in Debt Into Confidence and Control – Cat Ford-Coates

"Photography creates legacy on both sides of the lens. When it captures your essence, it proves that version of you exists."

In this inspiring episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey chats with internationally awarded Master Photographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Cat Ford-Coates. From a bullied teen to a global visual storyteller, Cat shares her unconventional journey into portrait photography, her brief detour into opera and sake brewing, and how photography ultimately became her soul-aligned calling. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of seeing and being seen. Learn how Cat empowers individuals and fellow creatives through powerful imagery and business mentorship, redefining success one portrait at a time.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Cat Ford-Coates turned personal pain into creative power
• Why transformational portrait photography is more than "just a picture"
• The story behind Cat’s pivot from sake brewing to building a thriving photography business
• How she's helping photographers go from struggling to six-figure success
• Insights into pricing, boundaries, and valuing creative work without apology
• Why visibility matters, especially for women and mothers
• How confidence and authenticity fuel business and legacy

Cat Ford-Coates Cat Ford-Coates is one of only a handful of internationally awarded Fellow Master Photographers with The Portrait Masters. As CEO of Atelier Unforgettable in Asheville, NC, Cat leads with artistry and intention—creating legacy-driven portraits and brand campaigns for individuals, families, and entrepreneurs. Beyond the studio, she’s a sought-after speaker, educator, and founder of The Studio Takeover, a business coaching platform empowering photographers to master both craft and commerce. Her work has earned multiple Telly and Communicator Awards and has been featured on FOX, NBC, CBS, and more.

Connect with Cat:

• Website: catfordcoates.com
• Atelier Unforgettable: atelierunforgettable.com
• Instagram: @catfordcoates
• The Studio Takeover: thestudiotakeover.com

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