April 17, 2025 • 23 mins
From Scientist to Full-Time Photographer: Jen's Inspiring Journey
In this episode, host Alora speaks with Jen, one of her recent alumni, about her rapid and impressive success in transforming her side hustle into a fully-fledged photography business. Jen shares her experience of booking weddings, raising her prices, and making the leap from a corporate pharmaceutical chemist to a full-time creative photographer.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alora (00:00):
Welcome or welcome back to the podcast today.
(00:01):
I'm so excited.
I have one of my newest alumniwith me on, and I literally dmd
her and sent her emails.
I'm like, I need you on thepodcast, because her win was
well, it was fast, and I justwant people to know that this
kind of result is possible, andit just shows that if you just
put in the work or just back itup with a little delusional
(00:22):
mindset, you can actually bookyour highest package or book.
Your new prices.
So Jen, welcome to the podcast.
I'm so excited to have you here.
Jennifer Kahl (00:31):
Thank you so much.
I'm so honored to be here.
Alora (00:34):
Yay.
It's so funny'cause you've beenlistening for the past month and
you're already on here.
Jennifer Kahl (00:39):
it's a little crazy.
I got the emails at first and Iwas like, that's not real.
That's just automated.
And then you slid in my dms.
I was like, oh no.
Like he actually wants to talkto me.
Alora (00:46):
I was like, Jen, I love you.
I need you in the podcast.
Thank you.
Okay, so I kind of want to walkthrough before we get into like
your, an insane win about whatyour journey looked like in
photography before joining and Iknow that last year you made six
figures, but it was kind of atthe cost of booking so many
weddings.
Could you walk us through yourphotography story and journey?
Jennifer Kahl (01:09):
2024 was my first real in photography.
Like I booked my very, veryfirst wedding from somebody that
didn't know me.
The end of December of 2023 andthen 2024 was just crazy of
booking lot for both 2024 and2025.
I was in that lake.
2K to 3,500 range.
(01:29):
And every couple of bookings, Iwas like, well, I guess I gotta
raise it two to$300, It wasn'tuntil January of this past year
where I booked.
I said, whatever, we're gonnaput my highest package at 5,500.
We'll see if anything bites.
And then I booked it.
And I booked it again.
And I booked it again and I waslike I need to do something
about this.
(01:50):
And right around that time I hadfound the podcast and I was
listening and you made me laughwithin like the first five
minutes of listening.
I was like, okay, we're here.
I reached out and then you voicememoed me, asked my pricing, and
I told you, and you were like,yep.
make that your top package So Idid that.
yeah, and I think I completelybypass your question and just
went right to the meat of it andI'm so
Alora (02:10):
Yes, So like the journey of like what you're,'cause like
last year you said You made sixfigures.
But what made you want to likejoin the program?
Is it'cause you were burned outon the way to burnout, or did
you just want direction?
Like what did that look like?
Jennifer Kahl (02:24):
Yeah, so I am trying to go full-time.
I still have my full-time job.
Alora (02:27):
Hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (02:28):
and I wanted to not do 25 to 30 weddings.
And then I'm also in like thePhilly suburbs, so I was trying
to get into the higher endmarket in the area.
Alora (02:39):
Yeah.
And I remember when we got onour call together you know your
area is higher end.
Jennifer Kahl (02:45):
Yeah.
Alora (02:45):
I mean, most people struggle with the mindset part
of raising their prices, but foryou, you're just like, I.
Whatever.
How did you, how do you get inthat mindset of like, let me
just book it and they will comekind of deal?
Or is it just come natural toyou?
Jennifer Kahl (02:59):
It's definitely been a year long journey of just
consuming education content of,a bunch of people telling you
you can do it.
Alora (03:09):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (03:10):
many people can't be wrong.
that many people can't know morethan I do or know less than I
know, and that I, my thresholdis just lower at that point.
So I figured why not trust it,try it and over a year of why
not try it and it continuing toshow up is just really what's
gotten me to that point.
Alora (03:30):
So when we got on the call and I repositioned your
prices, made them moreappealing.
Were you just like, let's do it?
Or was there any setbacks?
No.
Jennifer Kahl (03:39):
you slid in my dms and I said, okay.
If she says so yeah, like theworst case scenario is somebody
doesn't book it
Alora (03:46):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (03:47):
again, and then I just readjust.
Alora (03:48):
Mm.
So you just naturally have astrong mindset.
You're like, let's just try itand see what happens.
Jennifer Kahl (03:53):
Yeah.
Alora (03:53):
yeah.
I love it.
Jennifer Kahl (03:54):
of f around and find out
Alora (03:56):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (03:57):
way than maybe Philly intends it.
Alora (03:59):
Maybe, are you guys like more gritty over there?
Just kind of like,
Jennifer Kahl (04:03):
like, I'm not proper.
So yeah.
Alora (04:05):
Let's go even further.
So this last year was your firstyear full time.
So how did you get intophotography and what inspired
you to kind of pick up yourcamera and decide to, I don't
know, be a business owner?
Jennifer Kahl (04:17):
Yeah.
So I was doing photography, likeI took a photo of my brother and
his girlfriend in like 1998 andthey were just so freaking happy
when they saw the picture.
And 8-year-old me was like,They're happy.
I'm happy.
I like this.
And then I got a camera again inlike high school, whatever.
And then I was going throughcollege my degree's in molecular
bio and my mom was like, you'regonna be a doctor.
(04:39):
And I said, no, I'm not gonna bean artist.
So I changed my degree to filmphotography, like a fine arts
situation there.
then the 2000.
Nine, 10 recession.
happened, and I was like,nobody's gonna pay for art.
I need to finish my sciencedegree and go to the sciences
that's gonna like pay me.
So that whole time I was stilldoing photography, but then my
camera broke, off to thewayside.
(05:00):
So I took a 10 year corporatebreak and in 20 23, 1 of my very
best friends was eloping inCalifornia and was on a budget.
And she said, will you mindtaking my photos?
I said, I haven't touched thecamera in a decade.
Are you sure?
crazy.
No guarantee of what you'regetting here.
I didn't even have a cameraagain at that point.
Like my camera had broken.
It was just off to the wayside.
(05:21):
A friend of mine said, just rentone, like it's not a big deal.
So I rented a camera, flew outto California and I was holding
the camera and like they weresaying their vows.
And I just started crying and Iwas like, this is it.
this is what it is about.
I came home from that trip and Itold my husband like, buckle up.
I'm starting a business.
so that was June of 2023 andthen I just dove all in.
Alora (05:42):
Oh my gosh.
Oh, that was like two years ago.
Oh my goodness.
So are you in your bio careerright now and trying to like
figure out a way?
Okay, gotcha.
Jennifer Kahl (05:52):
title is currently Pharmaceutical
Chemist.
Alora (05:55):
Mm.
Jennifer Kahl (05:56):
trying to snake my way outta there.
Alora (05:59):
I love that.
My uncle is one too.
I don't know anything about it,but yeah, I was like, you guys
work with chemicals?
Cool.
Jennifer Kahl (06:07):
What do For work their best?
Alora (06:09):
That is really interesting to me how you have
such of like, I don't know likea science-based background, but
also like you knew you weregonna be a creative or at least
you knew you wanted to be.
That is so interesting.
I feel like a lot of peopleusually pick one or the other or
think, oh, if you're a creative,you have to look like this or
dress like this or act likethis.
How did you know you were acreative?
(06:31):
I'm just curious.
Jennifer Kahl (06:32):
Honestly, my friends at this point laugh at
me because I've spent the last15 years of my life saying I'm
not creative at all.
I don't have any creativitywhatsoever.
and I just recently designed mysister's baby shower invites and
my friend was like, oh,
Alora (06:46):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (06:47):
thought you weren't creative?
So it's been a realizationprobably within the last like
three months that, oh, shoot.
I, like, I am creative.
I very much lived in theanalytical side of my brain for
the last 15 years.
Alora (07:01):
I love that so much.
I mean, my husband is veryanalytical.
He's an engineer, but he is amusician, so he's always
singing, playing music or doingsomething of that nature.
And he likes to design Instagramgrids just for fun.
I'm like, I think everybody cando something creative.
Jennifer Kahl (07:16):
Yeah, no,
Alora (07:17):
for fun.
Okay, so back into the pricing.
walk me through the journeyagain because we just, we went
over like the data.
I have like a post-it note.
So did you apply for theprogram?
Like how did we get in contactwith each other?
I don't even remember, eventhough it was like two months
ago.
Jennifer Kahl (07:32):
So I was again, stalking the podcast.
And I think one of the Februaryepisodes was like, wedding CEO O
is open.
And I was like, oh, lemme checkthis out.
So I stalked the website, readevery word that you have on
there.
I was like, I like this.
This seems legit.
I applied and then.
You sent the course throughemail and I watched that and
then you DMed me the nextmorning.
I think it was literally like6:00 AM and I was sitting there
(07:54):
watching the course.
Like, okay, this makes sense.
Yeah, and the fact that youprovided feedback right away
after a couple of questionsreally just hooked me of yeah,
like we're doing this.
Alora (08:05):
I love how just straight and to the point you are.
I mean, we agree on this very nononsense, no fluff.
You're like, Nope, seems legit.
Jennifer Kahl (08:11):
Yeah.
Alora (08:12):
I'm trying to remember, I should have listened to the, my
voice message verbatim, but Ithink I said like, Hey, what are
you working on?
Or what do you want?
Like, what do you want to do?
And you're like, I wanna raisemy prices.
And I think you told me yourexisting prices and I said you
probably should do X, Y, and Z.
And you're like, okay, cool, I'mjoining.
Jennifer Kahl (08:28):
Okay.
more The Spark Notes version
Alora (08:30):
no, that's like I think that's actually the version.
So.
Then after that, right.
Okay.
I'm trying, I'm collecting, it's10:00 AM here in Michigan and my
brain doesn't wake up till noon.
So after that we got on a call,right?
A one-on-one, our one-on-oneintensive, and then we
completely restructured it basedon how many weddings you wanted
(08:52):
to book, what clientele.
I think I gave you action stepplan.
Jennifer Kahl (08:55):
yes.
Alora (08:56):
Next action steps.
Did you raise your prices?
'cause you said you had aninquiry sitting in your inbox,
Jennifer Kahl (09:02):
Yep.
Alora (09:03):
okay?
Jennifer Kahl (09:03):
Yep.
I raised my prices first andthen I went back to the brand
story
Alora (09:06):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (09:07):
I knew who I wanted to attract
Alora (09:09):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (09:10):
my ideal client was and like I was providing,
but I didn't know how tocommunicate that.
so I went through that quickly.
And then just started to makesome tweaks on my website.
but yeah, no, I had the inquirysitting my inbox and I raised my
prices and I said, Hey, just asa heads up, like my prices did
increase.
Lemme know if you have anyquestions.
And then went on the callanyway, so I was like, okay.
(09:32):
And yeah, they were, weretalking about, what they were
looking for coverage wise.
oh, it also looked at the salesscript.
They were looking for coveragewise she mentioned that one of
the photos she wanted was like aphoto from her parents' wedding.
Like,'cause they have the album.
I was like, oh, like I have acollection that offers albums as
well.
Like if that's something thatyou'd be interested in.
I have a parent album in thereas well.
(09:54):
and she was like, absolutelyyes.
So I literally had a tab openwith the sales script of like,
okay,
Alora (10:00):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (10:01):
okay.
Alora (10:02):
They're like, wait, it works.
Jennifer Kahl (10:03):
Yeah.
so it was a combo of like a lotof different things that I think
I can sell.
Like I know that I have thatskill,
Alora (10:11):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (10:11):
but really like fine tuning of, I have this
offer, how do I connect thatwith what they're looking for
anyway?
Alora (10:18):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (10:19):
so just getting to know them and walking through
that.
Alora (10:22):
And so what package did they end up booking?
Jennifer Kahl (10:24):
My all-inclusive collection, literally everything
in the kitchen sink like youdescribed.
That was seven K,
Alora (10:29):
Yes.
And so when we were DMing, was5K your highest package then?
I'm trying to remember.
Jennifer Kahl (10:35):
Yeah.
Alora (10:35):
Really?
So you raised it like$2,000 andthey didn't even flinch.
Jennifer Kahl (10:40):
Yeah,
Alora (10:40):
and then you put it in the Slack channel, right?
A couple of days later you'relike, Hey, so this thing works.
Jennifer Kahl (10:46):
yeah, yeah, it was, I got off the call with my
husband and I was like, there'sno way.
And then maybe like 20 minuteslater you get the little
HoneyBook notification of like,blah, blah, blah, has signed
contract.
I was like, no way.
That's not real.
so yes, I live in a constantstate of delusion during the
call, and then the call ends.
I'm like, that's not happening.
There's no way.
That's never gonna happen.
Alora (11:08):
Oh my gosh,
Jennifer Kahl (11:09):
a combo of like just sliding in and out of each
mindset.
Alora (11:12):
girl, that is crazy you already made your investment
back
Jennifer Kahl (11:16):
Yeah.
Alora (11:17):
over 2K over your investment.
Jennifer Kahl (11:19):
was the first one and I've booked two more since.
So
Alora (11:22):
Shut up.
What?
Okay.
Jennifer Kahl (11:24):
not at the seven K, but like what I was
previously charging for the twoweekend or for like the full
weekend.
Alora (11:30):
Yep,
Jennifer Kahl (11:31):
other people booked at that price for 10
hours.
Two photographers.
Yeah.
Alora (11:36):
Okay.
With these projections, like I,I need to calm down.
Okay.
My green juice is sitting righthere.
I mean, do you think if thingskeep going at this, speed and
this level, and we're gonna haveto keep working on your prices
eventually if you keep bookingyour highest, but do you think
you'll be able to probably leaveyour full-time job at the end of
this year or maybe next year?
Jennifer Kahl (11:55):
Oh yeah, no, I'm leaving in July.
Alora (11:57):
what?
Jennifer Kahl (11:57):
Yeah.
Between what I have previouslybooked for 2025 and then, like
told myself that if I booked 10weddings before April 1st that I
would quit.
And I still told myself that inthe beginning of February I had
six at that point.
and I missed my goal by one day.
My 10th contract signed April2nd.
(12:18):
Yeah, I told my husband, I waslike, I'm a little annoyed,
honestly, that it was April 2nd,but that's just the
Alora (12:23):
You're so crazy.
Jennifer Kahl (12:25):
I know.
Alora (12:26):
I'm still successful.
Jennifer Kahl (12:28):
So April or July I'm heading out.
Alora (12:30):
Wow.
Jen, I didn't know this beforewe got on.
See, this is why I had to DM youbecause I didn't know this.
Jennifer Kahl (12:37):
Yeah, I am
Alora (12:38):
I'm wigging out honestly.
Excuse me.
So how many weddings then haveyou booked since February?
Since joining?
Jennifer Kahl (12:44):
I think five.
Alora (12:46):
Wow,
Jennifer Kahl (12:47):
Yeah.
Alora (12:47):
April.
Yeah.
Okay.
That's normal.
Yeah.
No, everybody does this.
I just love how Bulletproof likeJen is just like.
Success is what we do here.
Okay.
Well, I know you're still,you've only been here for two
months and you're going througheverything, but what would you
say are your favorite tools havebeen since joining the program.
(13:08):
Do you feel like your mindsetabout money has changed?
I mean, I know you were alreadykind of like, let's do it, but
I'm just curious.
Jennifer Kahl (13:15):
Yeah, so the pricing calculator really helped
me out because
Alora (13:19):
Mm.
Jennifer Kahl (13:19):
genuinely, just I started, I said, I don't know,
$2,000 seems legit, right?
Fine.
Somebody will pay it.
And then I was just darts to aboard hoping that something
stuck.
Alora (13:33):
Hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (13:35):
So when the conversation of like going
full-time really started to takeroot as a possibility the
pricing calculator was justtop-notch with being able to
input all of my expenses andthen having to be like, this is
what you should be chargingminimum.
And I was like, oh, right, Ineed to be saving money.
4 0 1 Ks are on fire right now,but like, I need to be saving
Alora (13:52):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (13:53):
So the fact that that was all included as
something to consider was just.
Top notch for me, and I'm anumbers person, so that really
helped.
My spreadsheets havespreadsheets.
And then with the mindset, the,the chat, GPT
Alora (14:05):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (14:06):
I just sat there for like 15 minutes.
I was like, I dunno how to makemoney.
Because I know that's not true,but I was just like, I feel like
that's what I'm feeling rightnow.
So those were the two that werethe most immediate, like, okay,
here is something that's liketangible that like is going to
immediately help.
And then the brand story wasvery helpful as well.
Alora (14:24):
Yeah, I'm glad that you liked Chatty B, but he's about
to change actually'cause we'remaking a girly and she's gonna
be your mindset and marketinggirl.
But that is so funny.
I love that you used that.
I thought it was cool.
I was like, you can just, it'slike your free pricing therapy,
buddy.
You just be like, this sucksright now, and be like, no, you
(14:44):
got this.
You're okay.
Jennifer Kahl (14:46):
I have a post-it our kitchen, like our command
center of like what I wanted to.
Do for 20, like full-time, 20,25,
Alora (14:53):
Mm.
Jennifer Kahl (14:53):
their mindset questions of like, am I good
enough?
Do I know how to run a business?
What if I fail?
and then like the other side ofthe Post-It note is, this is the
dream, this is joy in your work.
So I just kind of flip floppingbetween those two and then
having chat GPT confirm what I'm
Alora (15:09):
Yes,
Jennifer Kahl (15:10):
Yeah.
Alora (15:11):
I love it.
Oh, that's great.
And then I think even though youhave the mindset and then the
pricing and the data to back itup, You knew that the sales
script, you could just followsomething and not go blank.
What did you feel like you didbefore when you got couples on a
call?
Because of course they booked,right?
'cause you were overbooked lastyear.
But what do you feel like haschanged in like your sales
confidence?
Jennifer Kahl (15:31):
the authority.
Very much.
I was asking a lot of questionsand then it was a lot of like.
Tell me about your day.
Do you have this?
Do you have this?
and then here's what I do.
Alora (15:42):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (15:43):
like mesh.
but with the sales script,figuring out and being able to
address that.
Alora (15:48):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (15:49):
I had a couple that she was like, I am so
petrified of the day becoming aphoto shoot.
She's like, I was in a weddingas a bridesmaid and all we did
was take photos and I just donot want that to be my day.
So it really like opened thedoor that, that's not my style
anyway.
But to really address thatconcern for her.
And that was another, like sentthe contract.
(16:11):
They signed same day.
Alora (16:12):
Wow.
Jennifer Kahl (16:13):
Yeah.
Alora (16:14):
Yeah.
I mean that's so much deeperthan being like, Hey, what do
you want?
Oh, that's funny.
That's what I do.
What's your budget?
Oh, that's what I charge.
Being, actually no, I'm theprofessional.
Like I know exactly like thisis, this is what you're gonna
get is what you're not gonnaget.
Like I love that.
Yeah.
Being able to have thatauthority is so good.
Okay, so I don't even know, twomonths, five weddings, I'm
(16:35):
still.
I mean, did you figure out likehow much that was for the past
two months, like the revenue?
Did you calculate that yet?
Jennifer Kahl (16:43):
It's a little over 30 k.
Alora (16:45):
Like,
Jennifer Kahl (16:46):
I feel like this is gonna be one of those
episodes where the internethates me.
But I swear you can do it too.
Alora (16:54):
listen,
Jennifer Kahl (16:55):
up.
You'll
Alora (16:55):
you.
You can though, because yourhighest package was 5K and
you're like, I wanna get toseven K.
Well, you already did that, sonow we gotta have another goal.
Right.
In just one call in just sevendays, you know, you could make
30 K in two months.
Yeah, totally.
Okay.
Is there advice for somebody ina similar position like you,
because I know you were on theroad to burnout, but then you're
(17:18):
like, I wanna make thisfull-time.
I don't wanna feel like this.
Like what would you have to sayto somebody that's really on the
fence about like, joining aprogram like this?
'cause I know there's a lot ofprograms that don't deliver and
there's, you know, a lot offluff out there.
Jennifer Kahl (17:30):
Trust your gut with like, if you think
something is a good idea versusnot.
And I know that sounds sillywhen people are really
conflicted, but like I'm a firmbeliever that if you sit there a
minute and just really thinkabout it, you know which way you
wanna go,
Alora (17:44):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (17:45):
And do it scared, and to your point, delusion it
really just, it takes you so faryou believe in yourself and it
sounds so woo woo, but if itisn't the truth, it's like nuts.
That really is what it is.
I have a vision board literallyright next to me and says, be
brave enough to be bad atsomething new and.
(18:06):
is just like my mantra in it.
So yeah, do it scared, try itbelieve that you are capable of
putting in the work and gettingyour re your, like your reward
for that.
Alora (18:17):
Jen, that is so good.
Your mindset's already good.
You sharing my mindset episodeyesterday, I'm like, Jen doesn't
even need it.
Like, what do you mean?
Jennifer Kahl (18:23):
No, but it was so good.
I forget what you said.
Shoot.
That I was like, oh my God.
Yeah.
That is it.
'cause again, like I told you,there are some moments where I'm
just like, yeah, know what I'mdoing.
Alora (18:34):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (18:34):
got it.
And then other moments where I'msitting on the couch crying,
holding my dog, like, I'm nevergonna be able to feed you again
if I quit.
So yeah, just
Alora (18:42):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (18:43):
sentence to replay because it's so true.
Like you got it.
Alora (18:46):
You got it.
I think that's why we needmindset pep talks every once in
a while to kind of like get youout of that hamster wheel of
like, everything's great,everything's horrible.
What are we going to do?
I haven't had an inquiry in 60minutes and just be like, oh,
it, it's been 60 minutes.
You know what I mean?
Like that reality check.
In terms of mindset, do you feellike having those like vision
(19:07):
boards and Post-Its and stufflike keeps you on track?
Like how do you self-Correct.
At least how have you done it upto this point?
I'm curious.
Jennifer Kahl (19:14):
Yeah.
Quite like a formal journal, butlike a visual of some sort of
literally anything we had themindset challenge, 11 days, and
one of the prompts was write aletter to yourself years from
now.
So I just brain dumped into thatand then I scheduled Gmail to
send it to me next year.
Alora (19:34):
Oh, I love that.
Jennifer Kahl (19:36):
one of those that like pausing.
Think about where you were lastyear, if you would've told 20.
20 me that this was even where Iwould be, I would've laughed at
you said, dream big.
Okay, you're a
Alora (19:49):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (19:50):
You're not creative, you don't take photos.
not anymore.
Alora (19:53):
Wow.
Jennifer Kahl (19:53):
That was a 19-year-old dream.
But yeah, just really reflectingon how far I've come, keeps me
grounded.
Alora (20:01):
Yeah.
I think even looking back tothat whole journey of like, you
are a scientist, you're not acreative, like how does it feel
to know that you've createdsomething out of nothing and now
you're turning it into abusiness where you can fund your
creative life?
Jennifer Kahl (20:17):
You're gonna make me cry.
I'm so proud.
I don't verbalize it a lotbecause I start to do this.
But I am really, really, really,really proud, creating something
from nothing.
And the grinds that the lastyear and a half has been.
Alora (20:31):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (20:32):
it's legit.
Alora (20:33):
I just feel like for that mindset challenge we should have
did one, like write a letter toyour 5-year-old or 8-year-old
self because like.
Jennifer Kahl (20:39):
I would just cry through the whole thing.
Alora (20:41):
I can't even see the paper, but it's, it's just like
so fulfilling to know that youcan get paid to capture wedding
days.
You can get paid to be creativeand it's so fulfilling'cause
you're passionate about it.
Something you love to do, youfeel like it's your life's work.
I just, I think that's soinspiring, Jen I'm flabbergasted
that you did this in two monthsand I am so proud that you can
(21:03):
leave your job in July.
Do you have any lingering advicefor people who wanna do the same
thing or who also think they'renot creative or that they
couldn't build a business likeyou have done?
Jennifer Kahl (21:16):
Yeah.
No, like it stays true.
Just do it, like do it scared.
Alora (21:21):
Hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (21:22):
be scared out of your mind, but you gotta do it.
You gotta try.
You have to at least try.
Alora (21:27):
You have to at least try.
I like that.
And you just, you don't knowwhat's gonna happen.
Maybe just stop trying topredict what's gonna happen all
the time.
Jennifer Kahl (21:33):
Oh God.
Yeah.
Recovery, let's say recovering,still very much a perfectionist.
Alora (21:38):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (21:39):
there's a lot of things that I hadn't started,
like getting my face onInstagram was petrifying and I
just would not do it.
and then I Snapchat my group offriends literally every day,
like a morning update.
And I was like, wait a minute,this is the same thing.
And all of a sudden you see myface on Instagram.
So yeah.
Alora (21:57):
Yeah, just those little baby steps.
Just try.
You never know what's gonnahappen.
I think that gives us the dramais like having to always be
like, oh, what's gonna happen?
And like looking into the futureinstead of just taking that
first step and realizing, oh, itmight not end up what we've,
Jennifer Kahl (22:14):
yes.
And you said it.
Um, Watching that closely.
Alora (22:18):
nobody cares.
Jennifer Kahl (22:19):
nobody cares.
And I actually bought a stickerfrom my laptop that says I am
cringe, but I am free.
And it's a
Alora (22:25):
Yes.
Jennifer Kahl (22:26):
It's a little dog running through a field.
And that's really like, yeah.
So what if I'm
Alora (22:31):
Yes.
Jennifer Kahl (22:31):
Okay.
It's me and my
Alora (22:32):
As another millennial, I approve.
We get made fun of so much.
We're having emojis for livingour life LOLs after our text
messages.
Jennifer Kahl (22:42):
My gosh.
Yeah.
Alora (22:45):
I feel like you're just stepping into this like new
version of yourself and I thinkwhen you leave your job.
you're gonna be even more boldand confident, and I just think
you're gonna be so unabashed andI cannot wait to see it.
I'm gonna have you back on.
I already know you're comingback, but thank you so much,
Jen, for coming on the podcastand sharing your story, and I
(23:05):
just think it's inspiringbecause, well, it's only been
two months, but also there's somuch you can do in so little
time if you just do it scared.
Jennifer Kahl (23:13):
Yeah,
Alora (23:14):
love it.
Jennifer Kahl (23:15):
for sure.
Alora (23:16):
Thanks for coming on and everybody else.
I will see you in next week'sepisode.
Bye.
Welcome or welcome back to the podcast today.
(00:01):
I'm so excited.
I have one of my newest alumniwith me on, and I literally dmd
her and sent her emails.
I'm like, I need you on thepodcast, because her win was
well, it was fast, and I justwant people to know that this
kind of result is possible, andit just shows that if you just
put in the work or just back itup with a little delusional
(00:22):
mindset, you can actually bookyour highest package or book.
Your new prices.
So Jen, welcome to the podcast.
I'm so excited to have you here.
Jennifer Kahl (00:31):
Thank you so much.
I'm so honored to be here.
Alora (00:34):
Yay.
It's so funny'cause you've beenlistening for the past month and
you're already on here.
Jennifer Kahl (00:39):
it's a little crazy.
I got the emails at first and Iwas like, that's not real.
That's just automated.
And then you slid in my dms.
I was like, oh no.
Like he actually wants to talkto me.
Alora (00:46):
I was like, Jen, I love you.
I need you in the podcast.
Thank you.
Okay, so I kind of want to walkthrough before we get into like
your, an insane win about whatyour journey looked like in
photography before joining and Iknow that last year you made six
figures, but it was kind of atthe cost of booking so many
weddings.
Could you walk us through yourphotography story and journey?
Jennifer Kahl (01:09):
2024 was my first real in photography.
Like I booked my very, veryfirst wedding from somebody that
didn't know me.
The end of December of 2023 andthen 2024 was just crazy of
booking lot for both 2024 and2025.
I was in that lake.
2K to 3,500 range.
(01:29):
And every couple of bookings, Iwas like, well, I guess I gotta
raise it two to$300, It wasn'tuntil January of this past year
where I booked.
I said, whatever, we're gonnaput my highest package at 5,500.
We'll see if anything bites.
And then I booked it.
And I booked it again.
And I booked it again and I waslike I need to do something
about this.
(01:50):
And right around that time I hadfound the podcast and I was
listening and you made me laughwithin like the first five
minutes of listening.
I was like, okay, we're here.
I reached out and then you voicememoed me, asked my pricing, and
I told you, and you were like,yep.
make that your top package So Idid that.
yeah, and I think I completelybypass your question and just
went right to the meat of it andI'm so
Alora (02:10):
Yes, So like the journey of like what you're,'cause like
last year you said You made sixfigures.
But what made you want to likejoin the program?
Is it'cause you were burned outon the way to burnout, or did
you just want direction?
Like what did that look like?
Jennifer Kahl (02:24):
Yeah, so I am trying to go full-time.
I still have my full-time job.
Alora (02:27):
Hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (02:28):
and I wanted to not do 25 to 30 weddings.
And then I'm also in like thePhilly suburbs, so I was trying
to get into the higher endmarket in the area.
Alora (02:39):
Yeah.
And I remember when we got onour call together you know your
area is higher end.
Jennifer Kahl (02:45):
Yeah.
Alora (02:45):
I mean, most people struggle with the mindset part
of raising their prices, but foryou, you're just like, I.
Whatever.
How did you, how do you get inthat mindset of like, let me
just book it and they will comekind of deal?
Or is it just come natural toyou?
Jennifer Kahl (02:59):
It's definitely been a year long journey of just
consuming education content of,a bunch of people telling you
you can do it.
Alora (03:09):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (03:10):
many people can't be wrong.
that many people can't know morethan I do or know less than I
know, and that I, my thresholdis just lower at that point.
So I figured why not trust it,try it and over a year of why
not try it and it continuing toshow up is just really what's
gotten me to that point.
Alora (03:30):
So when we got on the call and I repositioned your
prices, made them moreappealing.
Were you just like, let's do it?
Or was there any setbacks?
No.
Jennifer Kahl (03:39):
you slid in my dms and I said, okay.
If she says so yeah, like theworst case scenario is somebody
doesn't book it
Alora (03:46):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (03:47):
again, and then I just readjust.
Alora (03:48):
Mm.
So you just naturally have astrong mindset.
You're like, let's just try itand see what happens.
Jennifer Kahl (03:53):
Yeah.
Alora (03:53):
yeah.
I love it.
Jennifer Kahl (03:54):
of f around and find out
Alora (03:56):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (03:57):
way than maybe Philly intends it.
Alora (03:59):
Maybe, are you guys like more gritty over there?
Just kind of like,
Jennifer Kahl (04:03):
like, I'm not proper.
So yeah.
Alora (04:05):
Let's go even further.
So this last year was your firstyear full time.
So how did you get intophotography and what inspired
you to kind of pick up yourcamera and decide to, I don't
know, be a business owner?
Jennifer Kahl (04:17):
Yeah.
So I was doing photography, likeI took a photo of my brother and
his girlfriend in like 1998 andthey were just so freaking happy
when they saw the picture.
And 8-year-old me was like,They're happy.
I'm happy.
I like this.
And then I got a camera again inlike high school, whatever.
And then I was going throughcollege my degree's in molecular
bio and my mom was like, you'regonna be a doctor.
(04:39):
And I said, no, I'm not gonna bean artist.
So I changed my degree to filmphotography, like a fine arts
situation there.
then the 2000.
Nine, 10 recession.
happened, and I was like,nobody's gonna pay for art.
I need to finish my sciencedegree and go to the sciences
that's gonna like pay me.
So that whole time I was stilldoing photography, but then my
camera broke, off to thewayside.
(05:00):
So I took a 10 year corporatebreak and in 20 23, 1 of my very
best friends was eloping inCalifornia and was on a budget.
And she said, will you mindtaking my photos?
I said, I haven't touched thecamera in a decade.
Are you sure?
crazy.
No guarantee of what you'regetting here.
I didn't even have a cameraagain at that point.
Like my camera had broken.
It was just off to the wayside.
(05:21):
A friend of mine said, just rentone, like it's not a big deal.
So I rented a camera, flew outto California and I was holding
the camera and like they weresaying their vows.
And I just started crying and Iwas like, this is it.
this is what it is about.
I came home from that trip and Itold my husband like, buckle up.
I'm starting a business.
so that was June of 2023 andthen I just dove all in.
Alora (05:42):
Oh my gosh.
Oh, that was like two years ago.
Oh my goodness.
So are you in your bio careerright now and trying to like
figure out a way?
Okay, gotcha.
Jennifer Kahl (05:52):
title is currently Pharmaceutical
Chemist.
Alora (05:55):
Mm.
Jennifer Kahl (05:56):
trying to snake my way outta there.
Alora (05:59):
I love that.
My uncle is one too.
I don't know anything about it,but yeah, I was like, you guys
work with chemicals?
Cool.
Jennifer Kahl (06:07):
What do For work their best?
Alora (06:09):
That is really interesting to me how you have
such of like, I don't know likea science-based background, but
also like you knew you weregonna be a creative or at least
you knew you wanted to be.
That is so interesting.
I feel like a lot of peopleusually pick one or the other or
think, oh, if you're a creative,you have to look like this or
dress like this or act likethis.
How did you know you were acreative?
(06:31):
I'm just curious.
Jennifer Kahl (06:32):
Honestly, my friends at this point laugh at
me because I've spent the last15 years of my life saying I'm
not creative at all.
I don't have any creativitywhatsoever.
and I just recently designed mysister's baby shower invites and
my friend was like, oh,
Alora (06:46):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (06:47):
thought you weren't creative?
So it's been a realizationprobably within the last like
three months that, oh, shoot.
I, like, I am creative.
I very much lived in theanalytical side of my brain for
the last 15 years.
Alora (07:01):
I love that so much.
I mean, my husband is veryanalytical.
He's an engineer, but he is amusician, so he's always
singing, playing music or doingsomething of that nature.
And he likes to design Instagramgrids just for fun.
I'm like, I think everybody cando something creative.
Jennifer Kahl (07:16):
Yeah, no,
Alora (07:17):
for fun.
Okay, so back into the pricing.
walk me through the journeyagain because we just, we went
over like the data.
I have like a post-it note.
So did you apply for theprogram?
Like how did we get in contactwith each other?
I don't even remember, eventhough it was like two months
ago.
Jennifer Kahl (07:32):
So I was again, stalking the podcast.
And I think one of the Februaryepisodes was like, wedding CEO O
is open.
And I was like, oh, lemme checkthis out.
So I stalked the website, readevery word that you have on
there.
I was like, I like this.
This seems legit.
I applied and then.
You sent the course throughemail and I watched that and
then you DMed me the nextmorning.
I think it was literally like6:00 AM and I was sitting there
(07:54):
watching the course.
Like, okay, this makes sense.
Yeah, and the fact that youprovided feedback right away
after a couple of questionsreally just hooked me of yeah,
like we're doing this.
Alora (08:05):
I love how just straight and to the point you are.
I mean, we agree on this very nononsense, no fluff.
You're like, Nope, seems legit.
Jennifer Kahl (08:11):
Yeah.
Alora (08:12):
I'm trying to remember, I should have listened to the, my
voice message verbatim, but Ithink I said like, Hey, what are
you working on?
Or what do you want?
Like, what do you want to do?
And you're like, I wanna raisemy prices.
And I think you told me yourexisting prices and I said you
probably should do X, Y, and Z.
And you're like, okay, cool, I'mjoining.
Jennifer Kahl (08:28):
Okay.
more The Spark Notes version
Alora (08:30):
no, that's like I think that's actually the version.
So.
Then after that, right.
Okay.
I'm trying, I'm collecting, it's10:00 AM here in Michigan and my
brain doesn't wake up till noon.
So after that we got on a call,right?
A one-on-one, our one-on-oneintensive, and then we
completely restructured it basedon how many weddings you wanted
(08:52):
to book, what clientele.
I think I gave you action stepplan.
Jennifer Kahl (08:55):
yes.
Alora (08:56):
Next action steps.
Did you raise your prices?
'cause you said you had aninquiry sitting in your inbox,
Jennifer Kahl (09:02):
Yep.
Alora (09:03):
okay?
Jennifer Kahl (09:03):
Yep.
I raised my prices first andthen I went back to the brand
story
Alora (09:06):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (09:07):
I knew who I wanted to attract
Alora (09:09):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (09:10):
my ideal client was and like I was providing,
but I didn't know how tocommunicate that.
so I went through that quickly.
And then just started to makesome tweaks on my website.
but yeah, no, I had the inquirysitting my inbox and I raised my
prices and I said, Hey, just asa heads up, like my prices did
increase.
Lemme know if you have anyquestions.
And then went on the callanyway, so I was like, okay.
(09:32):
And yeah, they were, weretalking about, what they were
looking for coverage wise.
oh, it also looked at the salesscript.
They were looking for coveragewise she mentioned that one of
the photos she wanted was like aphoto from her parents' wedding.
Like,'cause they have the album.
I was like, oh, like I have acollection that offers albums as
well.
Like if that's something thatyou'd be interested in.
I have a parent album in thereas well.
(09:54):
and she was like, absolutelyyes.
So I literally had a tab openwith the sales script of like,
okay,
Alora (10:00):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (10:01):
okay.
Alora (10:02):
They're like, wait, it works.
Jennifer Kahl (10:03):
Yeah.
so it was a combo of like a lotof different things that I think
I can sell.
Like I know that I have thatskill,
Alora (10:11):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (10:11):
but really like fine tuning of, I have this
offer, how do I connect thatwith what they're looking for
anyway?
Alora (10:18):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (10:19):
so just getting to know them and walking through
that.
Alora (10:22):
And so what package did they end up booking?
Jennifer Kahl (10:24):
My all-inclusive collection, literally everything
in the kitchen sink like youdescribed.
That was seven K,
Alora (10:29):
Yes.
And so when we were DMing, was5K your highest package then?
I'm trying to remember.
Jennifer Kahl (10:35):
Yeah.
Alora (10:35):
Really?
So you raised it like$2,000 andthey didn't even flinch.
Jennifer Kahl (10:40):
Yeah,
Alora (10:40):
and then you put it in the Slack channel, right?
A couple of days later you'relike, Hey, so this thing works.
Jennifer Kahl (10:46):
yeah, yeah, it was, I got off the call with my
husband and I was like, there'sno way.
And then maybe like 20 minuteslater you get the little
HoneyBook notification of like,blah, blah, blah, has signed
contract.
I was like, no way.
That's not real.
so yes, I live in a constantstate of delusion during the
call, and then the call ends.
I'm like, that's not happening.
There's no way.
That's never gonna happen.
Alora (11:08):
Oh my gosh,
Jennifer Kahl (11:09):
a combo of like just sliding in and out of each
mindset.
Alora (11:12):
girl, that is crazy you already made your investment
back
Jennifer Kahl (11:16):
Yeah.
Alora (11:17):
over 2K over your investment.
Jennifer Kahl (11:19):
was the first one and I've booked two more since.
So
Alora (11:22):
Shut up.
What?
Okay.
Jennifer Kahl (11:24):
not at the seven K, but like what I was
previously charging for the twoweekend or for like the full
weekend.
Alora (11:30):
Yep,
Jennifer Kahl (11:31):
other people booked at that price for 10
hours.
Two photographers.
Yeah.
Alora (11:36):
Okay.
With these projections, like I,I need to calm down.
Okay.
My green juice is sitting righthere.
I mean, do you think if thingskeep going at this, speed and
this level, and we're gonna haveto keep working on your prices
eventually if you keep bookingyour highest, but do you think
you'll be able to probably leaveyour full-time job at the end of
this year or maybe next year?
Jennifer Kahl (11:55):
Oh yeah, no, I'm leaving in July.
Alora (11:57):
what?
Jennifer Kahl (11:57):
Yeah.
Between what I have previouslybooked for 2025 and then, like
told myself that if I booked 10weddings before April 1st that I
would quit.
And I still told myself that inthe beginning of February I had
six at that point.
and I missed my goal by one day.
My 10th contract signed April2nd.
(12:18):
Yeah, I told my husband, I waslike, I'm a little annoyed,
honestly, that it was April 2nd,but that's just the
Alora (12:23):
You're so crazy.
Jennifer Kahl (12:25):
I know.
Alora (12:26):
I'm still successful.
Jennifer Kahl (12:28):
So April or July I'm heading out.
Alora (12:30):
Wow.
Jen, I didn't know this beforewe got on.
See, this is why I had to DM youbecause I didn't know this.
Jennifer Kahl (12:37):
Yeah, I am
Alora (12:38):
I'm wigging out honestly.
Excuse me.
So how many weddings then haveyou booked since February?
Since joining?
Jennifer Kahl (12:44):
I think five.
Alora (12:46):
Wow,
Jennifer Kahl (12:47):
Yeah.
Alora (12:47):
April.
Yeah.
Okay.
That's normal.
Yeah.
No, everybody does this.
I just love how Bulletproof likeJen is just like.
Success is what we do here.
Okay.
Well, I know you're still,you've only been here for two
months and you're going througheverything, but what would you
say are your favorite tools havebeen since joining the program.
(13:08):
Do you feel like your mindsetabout money has changed?
I mean, I know you were alreadykind of like, let's do it, but
I'm just curious.
Jennifer Kahl (13:15):
Yeah, so the pricing calculator really helped
me out because
Alora (13:19):
Mm.
Jennifer Kahl (13:19):
genuinely, just I started, I said, I don't know,
$2,000 seems legit, right?
Fine.
Somebody will pay it.
And then I was just darts to aboard hoping that something
stuck.
Alora (13:33):
Hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (13:35):
So when the conversation of like going
full-time really started to takeroot as a possibility the
pricing calculator was justtop-notch with being able to
input all of my expenses andthen having to be like, this is
what you should be chargingminimum.
And I was like, oh, right, Ineed to be saving money.
4 0 1 Ks are on fire right now,but like, I need to be saving
Alora (13:52):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (13:53):
So the fact that that was all included as
something to consider was just.
Top notch for me, and I'm anumbers person, so that really
helped.
My spreadsheets havespreadsheets.
And then with the mindset, the,the chat, GPT
Alora (14:05):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (14:06):
I just sat there for like 15 minutes.
I was like, I dunno how to makemoney.
Because I know that's not true,but I was just like, I feel like
that's what I'm feeling rightnow.
So those were the two that werethe most immediate, like, okay,
here is something that's liketangible that like is going to
immediately help.
And then the brand story wasvery helpful as well.
Alora (14:24):
Yeah, I'm glad that you liked Chatty B, but he's about
to change actually'cause we'remaking a girly and she's gonna
be your mindset and marketinggirl.
But that is so funny.
I love that you used that.
I thought it was cool.
I was like, you can just, it'slike your free pricing therapy,
buddy.
You just be like, this sucksright now, and be like, no, you
(14:44):
got this.
You're okay.
Jennifer Kahl (14:46):
I have a post-it our kitchen, like our command
center of like what I wanted to.
Do for 20, like full-time, 20,25,
Alora (14:53):
Mm.
Jennifer Kahl (14:53):
their mindset questions of like, am I good
enough?
Do I know how to run a business?
What if I fail?
and then like the other side ofthe Post-It note is, this is the
dream, this is joy in your work.
So I just kind of flip floppingbetween those two and then
having chat GPT confirm what I'm
Alora (15:09):
Yes,
Jennifer Kahl (15:10):
Yeah.
Alora (15:11):
I love it.
Oh, that's great.
And then I think even though youhave the mindset and then the
pricing and the data to back itup, You knew that the sales
script, you could just followsomething and not go blank.
What did you feel like you didbefore when you got couples on a
call?
Because of course they booked,right?
'cause you were overbooked lastyear.
But what do you feel like haschanged in like your sales
confidence?
Jennifer Kahl (15:31):
the authority.
Very much.
I was asking a lot of questionsand then it was a lot of like.
Tell me about your day.
Do you have this?
Do you have this?
and then here's what I do.
Alora (15:42):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (15:43):
like mesh.
but with the sales script,figuring out and being able to
address that.
Alora (15:48):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (15:49):
I had a couple that she was like, I am so
petrified of the day becoming aphoto shoot.
She's like, I was in a weddingas a bridesmaid and all we did
was take photos and I just donot want that to be my day.
So it really like opened thedoor that, that's not my style
anyway.
But to really address thatconcern for her.
And that was another, like sentthe contract.
(16:11):
They signed same day.
Alora (16:12):
Wow.
Jennifer Kahl (16:13):
Yeah.
Alora (16:14):
Yeah.
I mean that's so much deeperthan being like, Hey, what do
you want?
Oh, that's funny.
That's what I do.
What's your budget?
Oh, that's what I charge.
Being, actually no, I'm theprofessional.
Like I know exactly like thisis, this is what you're gonna
get is what you're not gonnaget.
Like I love that.
Yeah.
Being able to have thatauthority is so good.
Okay, so I don't even know, twomonths, five weddings, I'm
(16:35):
still.
I mean, did you figure out likehow much that was for the past
two months, like the revenue?
Did you calculate that yet?
Jennifer Kahl (16:43):
It's a little over 30 k.
Alora (16:45):
Like,
Jennifer Kahl (16:46):
I feel like this is gonna be one of those
episodes where the internethates me.
But I swear you can do it too.
Alora (16:54):
listen,
Jennifer Kahl (16:55):
up.
You'll
Alora (16:55):
you.
You can though, because yourhighest package was 5K and
you're like, I wanna get toseven K.
Well, you already did that, sonow we gotta have another goal.
Right.
In just one call in just sevendays, you know, you could make
30 K in two months.
Yeah, totally.
Okay.
Is there advice for somebody ina similar position like you,
because I know you were on theroad to burnout, but then you're
(17:18):
like, I wanna make thisfull-time.
I don't wanna feel like this.
Like what would you have to sayto somebody that's really on the
fence about like, joining aprogram like this?
'cause I know there's a lot ofprograms that don't deliver and
there's, you know, a lot offluff out there.
Jennifer Kahl (17:30):
Trust your gut with like, if you think
something is a good idea versusnot.
And I know that sounds sillywhen people are really
conflicted, but like I'm a firmbeliever that if you sit there a
minute and just really thinkabout it, you know which way you
wanna go,
Alora (17:44):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (17:45):
And do it scared, and to your point, delusion it
really just, it takes you so faryou believe in yourself and it
sounds so woo woo, but if itisn't the truth, it's like nuts.
That really is what it is.
I have a vision board literallyright next to me and says, be
brave enough to be bad atsomething new and.
(18:06):
is just like my mantra in it.
So yeah, do it scared, try itbelieve that you are capable of
putting in the work and gettingyour re your, like your reward
for that.
Alora (18:17):
Jen, that is so good.
Your mindset's already good.
You sharing my mindset episodeyesterday, I'm like, Jen doesn't
even need it.
Like, what do you mean?
Jennifer Kahl (18:23):
No, but it was so good.
I forget what you said.
Shoot.
That I was like, oh my God.
Yeah.
That is it.
'cause again, like I told you,there are some moments where I'm
just like, yeah, know what I'mdoing.
Alora (18:34):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (18:34):
got it.
And then other moments where I'msitting on the couch crying,
holding my dog, like, I'm nevergonna be able to feed you again
if I quit.
So yeah, just
Alora (18:42):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (18:43):
sentence to replay because it's so true.
Like you got it.
Alora (18:46):
You got it.
I think that's why we needmindset pep talks every once in
a while to kind of like get youout of that hamster wheel of
like, everything's great,everything's horrible.
What are we going to do?
I haven't had an inquiry in 60minutes and just be like, oh,
it, it's been 60 minutes.
You know what I mean?
Like that reality check.
In terms of mindset, do you feellike having those like vision
(19:07):
boards and Post-Its and stufflike keeps you on track?
Like how do you self-Correct.
At least how have you done it upto this point?
I'm curious.
Jennifer Kahl (19:14):
Yeah.
Quite like a formal journal, butlike a visual of some sort of
literally anything we had themindset challenge, 11 days, and
one of the prompts was write aletter to yourself years from
now.
So I just brain dumped into thatand then I scheduled Gmail to
send it to me next year.
Alora (19:34):
Oh, I love that.
Jennifer Kahl (19:36):
one of those that like pausing.
Think about where you were lastyear, if you would've told 20.
20 me that this was even where Iwould be, I would've laughed at
you said, dream big.
Okay, you're a
Alora (19:49):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (19:50):
You're not creative, you don't take photos.
not anymore.
Alora (19:53):
Wow.
Jennifer Kahl (19:53):
That was a 19-year-old dream.
But yeah, just really reflectingon how far I've come, keeps me
grounded.
Alora (20:01):
Yeah.
I think even looking back tothat whole journey of like, you
are a scientist, you're not acreative, like how does it feel
to know that you've createdsomething out of nothing and now
you're turning it into abusiness where you can fund your
creative life?
Jennifer Kahl (20:17):
You're gonna make me cry.
I'm so proud.
I don't verbalize it a lotbecause I start to do this.
But I am really, really, really,really proud, creating something
from nothing.
And the grinds that the lastyear and a half has been.
Alora (20:31):
Yeah.
Jennifer Kahl (20:32):
it's legit.
Alora (20:33):
I just feel like for that mindset challenge we should have
did one, like write a letter toyour 5-year-old or 8-year-old
self because like.
Jennifer Kahl (20:39):
I would just cry through the whole thing.
Alora (20:41):
I can't even see the paper, but it's, it's just like
so fulfilling to know that youcan get paid to capture wedding
days.
You can get paid to be creativeand it's so fulfilling'cause
you're passionate about it.
Something you love to do, youfeel like it's your life's work.
I just, I think that's soinspiring, Jen I'm flabbergasted
that you did this in two monthsand I am so proud that you can
(21:03):
leave your job in July.
Do you have any lingering advicefor people who wanna do the same
thing or who also think they'renot creative or that they
couldn't build a business likeyou have done?
Jennifer Kahl (21:16):
Yeah.
No, like it stays true.
Just do it, like do it scared.
Alora (21:21):
Hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (21:22):
be scared out of your mind, but you gotta do it.
You gotta try.
You have to at least try.
Alora (21:27):
You have to at least try.
I like that.
And you just, you don't knowwhat's gonna happen.
Maybe just stop trying topredict what's gonna happen all
the time.
Jennifer Kahl (21:33):
Oh God.
Yeah.
Recovery, let's say recovering,still very much a perfectionist.
Alora (21:38):
Mm-hmm.
Jennifer Kahl (21:39):
there's a lot of things that I hadn't started,
like getting my face onInstagram was petrifying and I
just would not do it.
and then I Snapchat my group offriends literally every day,
like a morning update.
And I was like, wait a minute,this is the same thing.
And all of a sudden you see myface on Instagram.
So yeah.
Alora (21:57):
Yeah, just those little baby steps.
Just try.
You never know what's gonnahappen.
I think that gives us the dramais like having to always be
like, oh, what's gonna happen?
And like looking into the futureinstead of just taking that
first step and realizing, oh, itmight not end up what we've,
Jennifer Kahl (22:14):
yes.
And you said it.
Um, Watching that closely.
Alora (22:18):
nobody cares.
Jennifer Kahl (22:19):
nobody cares.
And I actually bought a stickerfrom my laptop that says I am
cringe, but I am free.
And it's a
Alora (22:25):
Yes.
Jennifer Kahl (22:26):
It's a little dog running through a field.
And that's really like, yeah.
So what if I'm
Alora (22:31):
Yes.
Jennifer Kahl (22:31):
Okay.
It's me and my
Alora (22:32):
As another millennial, I approve.
We get made fun of so much.
We're having emojis for livingour life LOLs after our text
messages.
Jennifer Kahl (22:42):
My gosh.
Yeah.
Alora (22:45):
I feel like you're just stepping into this like new
version of yourself and I thinkwhen you leave your job.
you're gonna be even more boldand confident, and I just think
you're gonna be so unabashed andI cannot wait to see it.
I'm gonna have you back on.
I already know you're comingback, but thank you so much,
Jen, for coming on the podcastand sharing your story, and I
(23:05):
just think it's inspiringbecause, well, it's only been
two months, but also there's somuch you can do in so little
time if you just do it scared.
Jennifer Kahl (23:13):
Yeah,
Alora (23:14):
love it.
Jennifer Kahl (23:15):
for sure.
Alora (23:16):
Thanks for coming on and everybody else.
I will see you in next week'sepisode.
Bye.
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