April 24, 2025 • 19 mins
In this episode, host Alora welcomes a special guest, her alumni Khariza, to discuss her inspiring journey in building her growing wedding photography business while maintaining a full-time job.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alora (00:00):
Welcome back to the podcast.
(00:01):
Today we have a special guest,one of my alumni, and I wanna
talk a lot about Cara's journeybecause she can definitely tell
you what's possible if you'rereally trying to build this
business, get it off the groundwhile you still have a job, and
she has gone through so manythings.
I think every six to eightmonths we would rip apart her
mindset.
Her rebrand, her pricing, andnow she's going full-time in her
(00:25):
business.
And now that she has renewed,she pretty much gets all of our
tools in support forever.
Khariza (00:31):
Side note.
It was actually a full-time jobthat I've been doing this whole
time.
Alora (00:37):
she's in her career fam.
Khariza (00:39):
Yeah.
I was like, so it was like a lotof time.
Alora (00:41):
Hmm.
Khariza (00:42):
shift in this transition with, but I'm excited
to be able to have this programto really, you know, help me,
with.
The structure.
I think I need to stay focusedin getting my goals like taken
care of.
You know, I feel like,'cause ifI 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 (01:01):
Yeah.
Khariza (01:01):
a chicken running around with its head cut off.
You know?
I'm like, just for a visual.
Alora (01:06):
Yeah, please send me all the chicken visuals.
So when you say you werefull-time, so you were like 40
hours a week and doing weddingspart-time.
Khariza (01:15):
I was doing that and then like two years ago I
adjusted to like 32 hours aweek.
Alora (01:20):
Okay.
Khariza (01:21):
still full-time.
Alora (01:22):
Yeah.
Khariza (01:23):
yeah, during the weekdays when I was working my
other job, I didn't really havethe mental capacity to, you
know, focus on my business andall the things that I wanted to
focus on to like level up.
You know, I'd be like editingafter.
My full-time job and then I'mlike on the computer until 10:00
PM just like, you know the mostsustainable, but I made it work,
(01:45):
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 aboutmy transition now, which is, I
mean, definitely a blessing indisguise because I'm getting
(02:05):
laid off.
And so it was one of thosethings where it's like, it
wasn't my like decision per se.
Like I guess I had theopportunity to apply for other
roles within my business, but Ikind of like, was like, I don't
wanna do that.
You know, I didn't feel right.
I felt like this is a signtelling me to like, jump into
this full-time, you know?
Journey, which is what I hadbeen wanting to do for so long,
(02:27):
and I think I just needed like alittle kick in the behind, which
I
Alora (02:32):
No,
Khariza (02:32):
this is.
Alora (02:33):
I love it though, because last year, like I'm looking at
the data and everything you'vealready collected.
37 K in weddings and portraits.
And then last year you almosthit a BK, so you're at 79.
So I mean, like you were reallyhustling.
Honestly
Khariza (02:48):
Yeah.
Alora (02:48):
posting weddings.
I mean, it was, it's definitelypossible.
Can you kind of speak to, I'mjust curious, like, were you
just flying by the seat of yourpants or were you just like, and
how did you do that with afull-time job?
I am curious.
Khariza (03:01):
Yeah, definitely a little bit of that and having
supportive like friends andfamily and my boyfriend every
time.
Like he, sometimes he's just.
Here, like while I'm editing andI'm like, I'm sorry.
He's like, don't ever apologize.
Like, you know,
Alora (03:14):
Yeah, I just.
Khariza (03:15):
I was like, yeah.
He's just like, he knows that.
He's like, I know you're liketrying to work on your business
and I think that's importantthat 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 Ithink like it might just be the
mentality of like, don't know.
different.
So I really feel like thischange is gonna be a huge shift
(03:39):
for me.
Another mindset shift of like,okay, like I'll just have my
business to focus on, you
Alora (03:45):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (03:46):
like, oh, all this time.
Alora (03:47):
Yeah.
Khariza (03:47):
I feel like'cause.
I wouldn't say I was doing thebare minimum.
Like, you know, there are timesI like, you know, last year you,
you guys helped me out with myrebrand, which was super
helpful.
Like, you know, I'd have boutsof periods of time where I
would, you know, have like aspecific goal or a project that
I'd work on.
And then like the majority ofthe time, the rest of the time,
it would kind of just be like.
(04:08):
to my clients and that's it.
You know, not really, like, Iwas not great at social media,
still working on it, to behonest.
and yeah, just the marketingaspect of it all and kind of
showing up consistently in thatway, which I feel like I know is
important and helpful in thisindustry.
But kind of just going throughthe motions a little bit, you
Alora (04:30):
Yeah.
Khariza (04:30):
with a full-time job.
Alora (04:32):
Yeah,
Khariza (04:33):
work.
Alora (04:34):
yeah.
I mean, and you have like up tothis point, you know, in
submitted wins for the time thatyou've been in here, you've made
140 2K, right?
Is that you?
Khariza (04:43):
Yay.
Alora (04:43):
is you.
Khariza (04:45):
Is that you?
Who is she?
Alora (04:46):
Amazing.
So, I mean.
You know, it's definitelypossible to do, like if you have
a full-time job.
I thought you had a part-timejob this whole time, so now I'm
just like, oh, that's why shecan't market.
She has no brain space leftover.
Khariza (04:59):
seriously.
Honestly, it's like, so like mybattery or my brain energy is
just like at the end of the day,like, girl,
Alora (05:06):
Yeah.
Khariza (05:07):
you're trying to do
Alora (05:08):
Yeah.
Khariza (05:08):
Like, that's, it's just like that, you know, like kind
of like the cycle of that.
And so, yeah, I'm excited tohave this time, you know, to.
Have that be my mindset and mywhole situation with regards to
how I am focusing on mybusiness.
So forward to see what willcome.
Alora (05:30):
Yeah, and I wanted to ask you about that too, because I
remember when you came, I feellike your mindset was in a
completely different place thanit is now.
And I mean, I feel like you're.
Still growing, changing, andevolving, and now we have to
deal with the whole full-timehustle mindset of being like,
help, I need money.
So, and we'll be working on thattogether.
But how do you feel like yourmindset has changed?
(05:51):
Because I remember your pricingwas like, it wasn't 2K, 2.6 K
for quite a bit and you did notwanna raise your prices.
You would submit them to me overand over and I'd be like,
Carissa, like I just looked atthese.
You're like, I know I need to,but.
Gimme a different answer.
Khariza (06:07):
Yeah, I know.
Definitely.
I feel like a lot has changedsince then.
'cause I think even at thatpoint I had considered doing it
full-time, right?
And like, this is something Iwanted to do, but also being a
little too scared and raising myprices.
Like is that even possible?
(06:28):
And I feel like at this pointwith all the, you know, granted
I was kind of through thisprogram somewhat sporadically,
you know, like I always knowingthat it's there, but like in
utilizing it when I needed to.
But, I feel like.
my mindset has definitelyshifted to where like, okay,
(06:48):
just having the data to provelike, 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 thisprogram and in these
relationships with Otherphotographers and kind of just
having that support system thatI feel like really me feel ready
(07:10):
to go into this next phase, ifthat makes sense.
So last year you helped me withmy rebrand and getting a new
website moving from Squarespace,ugh.
To show it, which has been sucha game changer.
But I think just going through,figuring out who my ideal client
(07:30):
was and who I was as.
A brand, really figuring thatout and honing in on it.
Like even just that simpleexercise of going through my
client It was such aneye-opener.
'cause it's like, oh, they weresaying a lot of the same things,
you know, where I was like, ohmy gosh.
So I guess that's what drawspeople to me, you know?
And so understanding that, beingaware of it and owning it, I
(07:54):
think like really helped me, youknow?
out my own unique kind of stanceand like, authenticity with my
business.
'cause before that it was kindof like I had kind of an idea of
who I wanted my ideal clients tobe, but it was kind of just like
(08:14):
whoever wants to work with me.
I don't know.
Like,
Alora (08:16):
Yeah.
Khariza (08:17):
Being able to just like owning the story has been a game
changer for sure.
Alora (08:25):
Yeah.
I feel like when you figurethose things out though, that
your work shifted.
Because I remember I was likelooking at your portfolio
reviews and I was like, oh, waita minute.
Like she's actually shootingwith intention now.
And then you started attractingmore dream weddings because of
that too.
Khariza (08:41):
Yes.
And I definitely want to do moreof that this year, you know?
Shooting with intention is superimportant, not just like
shooting just to shoot.
Alora (08:51):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (08:52):
But yeah.
All about intention.
Alora (08:55):
Yeah.
I think that's amazing.
So when it came to your pricing,because I know that was like the
biggest milestone.
Khariza (09:03):
Yeah,
Alora (09:03):
Why did you keep it low for so long?
what were you thinking?
I just wanna know like theshift.
Khariza (09:09):
I think it was maybe the way that I thought maybe my
work wasn't worth,
Alora (09:17):
Hmm.
Khariza (09:18):
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 needa lot of reassurance from my
work and feedback and stuff.
and I've gotten that, the mostpart.
And, sometimes it doesn't happenand I'm like, oh my God, they
hate it, so, you know, when Idon't get that.
I create the story in my headabout like, oh, it's not that
(09:39):
good to where it deservesfeedback or praise or whatever,
so I'm just like, I think that'skind of where had that mental
block, a little bit of worth.
Alora (09:50):
Yeah.
So how long have you been in thephotography industry?
Actually shooting weddings.
Khariza (09:56):
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, andthen, I would have periods of
time where I would be like,okay, doing a few City hall
things and a couple smallweddings here and there.
And then I'd take a break, youknow, like I'd have these
seasons of doing work and not,so it was like that for a few
(10:20):
years and then I feel like,pandemic happened, but
especially after that's whenthings started to really pick up
and doing it a little moreseriously, you know?
Alora (10:29):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (10:30):
Yeah, so it's been a few years of like the serious
kind of like mental investmentinto it, you know?
Alora (10:37):
How much do you think you've made in your business
before joining the program?
Khariza (10:41):
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 ballparkingit.
Yeah, like,'cause it was reallyjust 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 somesupplemental income.
That's kind of like how I sawit, you know?
Alora (11:01):
Gotcha.
Khariza (11:01):
for a while it was kind of just like, oh, it's something
I can do to make more money so Ican travel more, you know?
But I think, like I always kindof in the back of my mind about
like, oh, it would be super niceto be able to do this full time,
but it felt like such a far awaypossibility, you know?
I'm like, I don't even know howI would do that, or how it would
be possible, like the things Ineeded to do, because I'm
(11:22):
definitely a person who needs astructure 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 coursesas I'm sure.
Like I'm like, I probably boughta few, or like, you know, like
self-taught courses elopementphotographer, like wedding
(11:42):
photography 1 0 1.
I don't know, like stuff likethat.
Like I mean, it's all helpfulstuff, but not having like the
accountability.
And support system, I think waswhat got in the way of me really
being able to use those tools inlike a helpful way for me to
like, you know, get further thanwhere I had gone at that time.
Alora (12:05):
That's kind of incredible because I mean, if you.
We're making a 30 k or lessbefore, and now you have the
tools to obviously have mademore than that, but what would
you say were the best tools thatyou have used inside the
program?
Because I know you, the coolthing about it is like you can
always just hop into a training.
Skip to what you want.
(12:26):
Okay, I'm gonna learn aboutsales because I need to book a
wedding right now.
Right.
Instead of having to feedthrough the whole thing.
What would you say were likeyour game changer skills that
helped you make these resultswhile working full time, you
know, in your career but stillbuilding the side hustle part.
Khariza (12:42):
Yeah.
I think the biggest thing I wasable to implement, and I might
have mentioned this in the past,but the proposals for when I,
submit my pricing to my clientsthat inquire I feel like the
custom proposal really.
creates a, a super personalizedexperience for the clients,
(13:05):
which has seemed super effectivesince I had implemented it.
You know, getting feedback fromclients mentioning that, oh,
like.
Out of all the photographers wemet you, I feel like you had the
most together.
I'm super impressed with, youknow the custom proposal you put
together.
So, and I'm like, oh, that's sogreat.
You know?
So feel like being able tofigure out ways to level up the
(13:29):
client experience through theprogram has been super helpful
because I think, you know, thereare so many ways.
I feel photographers are able todo that, but I didn't know where
to start.
So I think just kind of gettinga sense of direction, kind of
like a framework of like, thisis like an actionable thing that
I'm able to implement fairlyeasily, like a step by step
(13:51):
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, soto speak.
Alora (14:06):
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 andalmost$80,000 last year in
weddings.
That's a crazy amount of sidehustle income.
You know what I mean?
Khariza (14:23):
Yeah, yeah, definitely.
I mean, it's definitely possibleand I feel I had mentioned
earlier, and just to reiterate,like.
I need structure and support anddirection and you know, it's
like hard to, it can be a littlealienating when you're doing
this on your own in thisindustry, you know, like, so I
(14:46):
feel like the accountability andsupport system alone makes it
super valuable.
Not to mention all the likegreat resources to.
Help you focus on differentthings about your business that
like maybe you hadn't thought ofor realized is something that
you needed to implement.
You know, like are so manythings about running a
(15:11):
photography business that it'shard to like.
Do on your own.
I'm not gonna, I'm just going toreal I had been in this program
for this probably about twoyears now.
So granted I've been doing myother job full time while doing
my.
(15:31):
business, but I feel like I wasstill able to utilize so many
tools to help me get to raisingmy prices and doing my rebrand,
you know, while having myfull-time job.
Alora (15:43):
Yeah
Khariza (15:43):
and a lot of extra time, but, it's definitely
possible for sure.
Like, look at me.
Alora (15:50):
Yeah, I mean, and now you're going full time and I
know it's like kind of againstyour will, but also do you feel
like you're gonna be able toreally, really get your hands
dirty and see what you're madeof?
Like I'm kind of excited.
Khariza (16:02):
Oh my gosh, Laura.
Everyone tells me, you kind ofhave to go through it to really
get to the other side.
Once I get to that point oflike, what is that even gonna
look like for me?
You know,'cause I've always hadconsistent income ever since I
left college, you know what Imean?
Like 11 years at this job thatI'm leaving.
You know what I mean?
(16:22):
This is all I've known for
Alora (16:25):
Hmm.
Khariza (16:25):
It's just gonna be like a huge mindset shift that will
need to take place.
But, I mean, I'm excited, I'mcurious to see what that'll look
like with me just being like,okay, I gotta grind.
I'm not just gonna sit here andwait around for things
Alora (16:39):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (16:40):
You know?
Like I
Alora (16:41):
and I mean, we all go through it.
Yeah.
And you're gonna be able to faceit like you have all of us.
You're not alone.
I think the cool thing though isyou're gonna be in control.
And like I said, you're gonnasee what you're made of.
You're gonna create your ownschedule, with the time that you
have, and you're also not theonly person going full-time
right now.
the world is changing, A lot ofpeople are getting laid off, a
lot of people are getting theirhours cut.
So I'm like, now is the time forthe entrepreneurs to step up
(17:05):
because.
Khariza (17:06):
Yeah,
Alora (17:07):
married.
Okay.
The rich people are, I'll tellyou that much.
Okay?
This is like the perfect time toreposition your business, get
everything fixed, be positionedin 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 youdon't want to, and you're making
(17:27):
more money.
Working less than ever.
You did all the hard work in thequote unquote recession,
whatever this is.
I don't know, but
Khariza (17:35):
know.
That's good.
Alora (17:36):
Yeah.
I think it's the entrepreneurslike this is, this is it?
Like this is your calling.
this is the moment to time toshine, to step into it and get
to work.
Khariza (17:46):
Oh yeah.
Yes, I'm ready.
Alora (17:48):
I am ready for you.
Do you have any last things tosay to somebody who's kind of
like on the fence, should Ijoin?
Khariza (17:55):
Just do it.
Not to quote Nike, but
Alora (17:58):
Yeah.
Literally, Nike.
Khariza (18:00):
I mean like if you're thinking about it, like there's
a reason why you're evenconsidering it in the first
place, and that's kind of likewas the sign.
For me to initially sign up inthe first place because I'm
like, I felt like kind of lost.
If you feel like you have nosense of direction, you need
direction, then Hi,
Alora (18:15):
Hello?
Khariza (18:16):
here's the map.
Google Maps right here.
Alora (18:19):
Yes.
We love her.
Khariza (18:20):
Yes.
Yeah, if you need direction atall, then it helps so much to
have a support system like this,
Alora (18:28):
Yeah.
That's amazing.
Thank you so much for coming on,za.
I'm so excited for your,
Khariza (18:33):
you.
Alora (18:34):
your next chapter, your journey, and also a nod to like
what you were able to do whileworking a full-time job.
Like honestly, that's, I.
That is incredible
Khariza (18:45):
Thank you.
Alora (18:45):
it's in submitted wins.
I don't know if you're up todate, but in submitted wins if
you've made,
Khariza (18:49):
Yeah.
I think I'm up to date.
I've been better about it the
Alora (18:53):
good.
Khariza (18:53):
I
Alora (18:54):
Yeah,
Khariza (18:54):
I was like, oh, I hit over a hundred K.
Alora (18:58):
I know.
Like, I mean, yeah, it's intotal submitted wins, but that's
still money.
Like that's wedding money.
That's side hustle money.
Is it though?
Khariza (19:07):
I know.
So that's why I'm like, well,let's make it not a side hustle
Alora (19:11):
Let's do it.
Oh yeah, we're gonna scale likecrazy.
But yeah, thank you so much forcoming the podcast and everybody
else.
I will see you next week.
Bye.
Khariza (19:20):
Bye.
Welcome back to the podcast.
(00:01):
Today we have a special guest,one of my alumni, and I wanna
talk a lot about Cara's journeybecause she can definitely tell
you what's possible if you'rereally trying to build this
business, get it off the groundwhile you still have a job, and
she has gone through so manythings.
I think every six to eightmonths we would rip apart her
mindset.
Her rebrand, her pricing, andnow she's going full-time in her
(00:25):
business.
And now that she has renewed,she pretty much gets all of our
tools in support forever.
Khariza (00:31):
Side note.
It was actually a full-time jobthat I've been doing this whole
time.
Alora (00:37):
she's in her career fam.
Khariza (00:39):
Yeah.
I was like, so it was like a lotof time.
Alora (00:41):
Hmm.
Khariza (00:42):
shift in this transition with, but I'm excited
to be able to have this programto really, you know, help me,
with.
The structure.
I think I need to stay focusedin getting my goals like taken
care of.
You know, I feel like,'cause ifI 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 (01:01):
Yeah.
Khariza (01:01):
a chicken running around with its head cut off.
You know?
I'm like, just for a visual.
Alora (01:06):
Yeah, please send me all the chicken visuals.
So when you say you werefull-time, so you were like 40
hours a week and doing weddingspart-time.
Khariza (01:15):
I was doing that and then like two years ago I
adjusted to like 32 hours aweek.
Alora (01:20):
Okay.
Khariza (01:21):
still full-time.
Alora (01:22):
Yeah.
Khariza (01:23):
yeah, during the weekdays when I was working my
other job, I didn't really havethe mental capacity to, you
know, focus on my business andall the things that I wanted to
focus on to like level up.
You know, I'd be like editingafter.
My full-time job and then I'mlike on the computer until 10:00
PM just like, you know the mostsustainable, but I made it work,
(01:45):
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 aboutmy transition now, which is, I
mean, definitely a blessing indisguise because I'm getting
(02:05):
laid off.
And so it was one of thosethings where it's like, it
wasn't my like decision per se.
Like I guess I had theopportunity to apply for other
roles within my business, but Ikind of like, was like, I don't
wanna do that.
You know, I didn't feel right.
I felt like this is a signtelling me to like, jump into
this full-time, you know?
Journey, which is what I hadbeen wanting to do for so long,
(02:27):
and I think I just needed like alittle kick in the behind, which
I
Alora (02:32):
No,
Khariza (02:32):
this is.
Alora (02:33):
I love it though, because last year, like I'm looking at
the data and everything you'vealready collected.
37 K in weddings and portraits.
And then last year you almosthit a BK, so you're at 79.
So I mean, like you were reallyhustling.
Honestly
Khariza (02:48):
Yeah.
Alora (02:48):
posting weddings.
I mean, it was, it's definitelypossible.
Can you kind of speak to, I'mjust curious, like, were you
just flying by the seat of yourpants or were you just like, and
how did you do that with afull-time job?
I am curious.
Khariza (03:01):
Yeah, definitely a little bit of that and having
supportive like friends andfamily and my boyfriend every
time.
Like he, sometimes he's just.
Here, like while I'm editing andI'm like, I'm sorry.
He's like, don't ever apologize.
Like, you know,
Alora (03:14):
Yeah, I just.
Khariza (03:15):
I was like, yeah.
He's just like, he knows that.
He's like, I know you're liketrying to work on your business
and I think that's importantthat 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 Ithink like it might just be the
mentality of like, don't know.
different.
So I really feel like thischange is gonna be a huge shift
(03:39):
for me.
Another mindset shift of like,okay, like I'll just have my
business to focus on, you
Alora (03:45):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (03:46):
like, oh, all this time.
Alora (03:47):
Yeah.
Khariza (03:47):
I feel like'cause.
I wouldn't say I was doing thebare minimum.
Like, you know, there are timesI like, you know, last year you,
you guys helped me out with myrebrand, which was super
helpful.
Like, you know, I'd have boutsof periods of time where I
would, you know, have like aspecific goal or a project that
I'd work on.
And then like the majority ofthe time, the rest of the time,
it would kind of just be like.
(04:08):
to my clients and that's it.
You know, not really, like, Iwas not great at social media,
still working on it, to behonest.
and yeah, just the marketingaspect of it all and kind of
showing up consistently in thatway, which I feel like I know is
important and helpful in thisindustry.
But kind of just going throughthe motions a little bit, you
Alora (04:30):
Yeah.
Khariza (04:30):
with a full-time job.
Alora (04:32):
Yeah,
Khariza (04:33):
work.
Alora (04:34):
yeah.
I mean, and you have like up tothis point, you know, in
submitted wins for the time thatyou've been in here, you've made
140 2K, right?
Is that you?
Khariza (04:43):
Yay.
Alora (04:43):
is you.
Khariza (04:45):
Is that you?
Who is she?
Alora (04:46):
Amazing.
So, I mean.
You know, it's definitelypossible to do, like if you have
a full-time job.
I thought you had a part-timejob this whole time, so now I'm
just like, oh, that's why shecan't market.
She has no brain space leftover.
Khariza (04:59):
seriously.
Honestly, it's like, so like mybattery or my brain energy is
just like at the end of the day,like, girl,
Alora (05:06):
Yeah.
Khariza (05:07):
you're trying to do
Alora (05:08):
Yeah.
Khariza (05:08):
Like, that's, it's just like that, you know, like kind
of like the cycle of that.
And so, yeah, I'm excited tohave this time, you know, to.
Have that be my mindset and mywhole situation with regards to
how I am focusing on mybusiness.
So forward to see what willcome.
Alora (05:30):
Yeah, and I wanted to ask you about that too, because I
remember when you came, I feellike your mindset was in a
completely different place thanit is now.
And I mean, I feel like you're.
Still growing, changing, andevolving, and now we have to
deal with the whole full-timehustle mindset of being like,
help, I need money.
So, and we'll be working on thattogether.
But how do you feel like yourmindset has changed?
(05:51):
Because I remember your pricingwas like, it wasn't 2K, 2.6 K
for quite a bit and you did notwanna raise your prices.
You would submit them to me overand over and I'd be like,
Carissa, like I just looked atthese.
You're like, I know I need to,but.
Gimme a different answer.
Khariza (06:07):
Yeah, I know.
Definitely.
I feel like a lot has changedsince then.
'cause I think even at thatpoint I had considered doing it
full-time, right?
And like, this is something Iwanted to do, but also being a
little too scared and raising myprices.
Like is that even possible?
(06:28):
And I feel like at this pointwith all the, you know, granted
I was kind of through thisprogram somewhat sporadically,
you know, like I always knowingthat it's there, but like in
utilizing it when I needed to.
But, I feel like.
my mindset has definitelyshifted to where like, okay,
(06:48):
just having the data to provelike, 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 thisprogram and in these
relationships with Otherphotographers and kind of just
having that support system thatI feel like really me feel ready
(07:10):
to go into this next phase, ifthat makes sense.
So last year you helped me withmy rebrand and getting a new
website moving from Squarespace,ugh.
To show it, which has been sucha game changer.
But I think just going through,figuring out who my ideal client
(07:30):
was and who I was as.
A brand, really figuring thatout and honing in on it.
Like even just that simpleexercise of going through my
client It was such aneye-opener.
'cause it's like, oh, they weresaying a lot of the same things,
you know, where I was like, ohmy gosh.
So I guess that's what drawspeople to me, you know?
And so understanding that, beingaware of it and owning it, I
(07:54):
think like really helped me, youknow?
out my own unique kind of stanceand like, authenticity with my
business.
'cause before that it was kindof like I had kind of an idea of
who I wanted my ideal clients tobe, but it was kind of just like
(08:14):
whoever wants to work with me.
I don't know.
Like,
Alora (08:16):
Yeah.
Khariza (08:17):
Being able to just like owning the story has been a game
changer for sure.
Alora (08:25):
Yeah.
I feel like when you figurethose things out though, that
your work shifted.
Because I remember I was likelooking at your portfolio
reviews and I was like, oh, waita minute.
Like she's actually shootingwith intention now.
And then you started attractingmore dream weddings because of
that too.
Khariza (08:41):
Yes.
And I definitely want to do moreof that this year, you know?
Shooting with intention is superimportant, not just like
shooting just to shoot.
Alora (08:51):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (08:52):
But yeah.
All about intention.
Alora (08:55):
Yeah.
I think that's amazing.
So when it came to your pricing,because I know that was like the
biggest milestone.
Khariza (09:03):
Yeah,
Alora (09:03):
Why did you keep it low for so long?
what were you thinking?
I just wanna know like theshift.
Khariza (09:09):
I think it was maybe the way that I thought maybe my
work wasn't worth,
Alora (09:17):
Hmm.
Khariza (09:18):
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 needa lot of reassurance from my
work and feedback and stuff.
and I've gotten that, the mostpart.
And, sometimes it doesn't happenand I'm like, oh my God, they
hate it, so, you know, when Idon't get that.
I create the story in my headabout like, oh, it's not that
(09:39):
good to where it deservesfeedback or praise or whatever,
so I'm just like, I think that'skind of where had that mental
block, a little bit of worth.
Alora (09:50):
Yeah.
So how long have you been in thephotography industry?
Actually shooting weddings.
Khariza (09:56):
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, andthen, I would have periods of
time where I would be like,okay, doing a few City hall
things and a couple smallweddings here and there.
And then I'd take a break, youknow, like I'd have these
seasons of doing work and not,so it was like that for a few
(10:20):
years and then I feel like,pandemic happened, but
especially after that's whenthings started to really pick up
and doing it a little moreseriously, you know?
Alora (10:29):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (10:30):
Yeah, so it's been a few years of like the serious
kind of like mental investmentinto it, you know?
Alora (10:37):
How much do you think you've made in your business
before joining the program?
Khariza (10:41):
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 ballparkingit.
Yeah, like,'cause it was reallyjust 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 somesupplemental income.
That's kind of like how I sawit, you know?
Alora (11:01):
Gotcha.
Khariza (11:01):
for a while it was kind of just like, oh, it's something
I can do to make more money so Ican travel more, you know?
But I think, like I always kindof in the back of my mind about
like, oh, it would be super niceto be able to do this full time,
but it felt like such a far awaypossibility, you know?
I'm like, I don't even know howI would do that, or how it would
be possible, like the things Ineeded to do, because I'm
(11:22):
definitely a person who needs astructure 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 coursesas I'm sure.
Like I'm like, I probably boughta few, or like, you know, like
self-taught courses elopementphotographer, like wedding
(11:42):
photography 1 0 1.
I don't know, like stuff likethat.
Like I mean, it's all helpfulstuff, but not having like the
accountability.
And support system, I think waswhat got in the way of me really
being able to use those tools inlike a helpful way for me to
like, you know, get further thanwhere I had gone at that time.
Alora (12:05):
That's kind of incredible because I mean, if you.
We're making a 30 k or lessbefore, and now you have the
tools to obviously have mademore than that, but what would
you say were the best tools thatyou have used inside the
program?
Because I know you, the coolthing about it is like you can
always just hop into a training.
Skip to what you want.
(12:26):
Okay, I'm gonna learn aboutsales because I need to book a
wedding right now.
Right.
Instead of having to feedthrough the whole thing.
What would you say were likeyour game changer skills that
helped you make these resultswhile working full time, you
know, in your career but stillbuilding the side hustle part.
Khariza (12:42):
Yeah.
I think the biggest thing I wasable to implement, and I might
have mentioned this in the past,but the proposals for when I,
submit my pricing to my clientsthat inquire I feel like the
custom proposal really.
creates a, a super personalizedexperience for the clients,
(13:05):
which has seemed super effectivesince I had implemented it.
You know, getting feedback fromclients mentioning that, oh,
like.
Out of all the photographers wemet you, I feel like you had the
most together.
I'm super impressed with, youknow the custom proposal you put
together.
So, and I'm like, oh, that's sogreat.
You know?
So feel like being able tofigure out ways to level up the
(13:29):
client experience through theprogram has been super helpful
because I think, you know, thereare so many ways.
I feel photographers are able todo that, but I didn't know where
to start.
So I think just kind of gettinga sense of direction, kind of
like a framework of like, thisis like an actionable thing that
I'm able to implement fairlyeasily, like a step by step
(13:51):
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, soto speak.
Alora (14:06):
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 andalmost$80,000 last year in
weddings.
That's a crazy amount of sidehustle income.
You know what I mean?
Khariza (14:23):
Yeah, yeah, definitely.
I mean, it's definitely possibleand I feel I had mentioned
earlier, and just to reiterate,like.
I need structure and support anddirection and you know, it's
like hard to, it can be a littlealienating when you're doing
this on your own in thisindustry, you know, like, so I
(14:46):
feel like the accountability andsupport system alone makes it
super valuable.
Not to mention all the likegreat resources to.
Help you focus on differentthings about your business that
like maybe you hadn't thought ofor realized is something that
you needed to implement.
You know, like are so manythings about running a
(15:11):
photography business that it'shard to like.
Do on your own.
I'm not gonna, I'm just going toreal I had been in this program
for this probably about twoyears now.
So granted I've been doing myother job full time while doing
my.
(15:31):
business, but I feel like I wasstill able to utilize so many
tools to help me get to raisingmy prices and doing my rebrand,
you know, while having myfull-time job.
Alora (15:43):
Yeah
Khariza (15:43):
and a lot of extra time, but, it's definitely
possible for sure.
Like, look at me.
Alora (15:50):
Yeah, I mean, and now you're going full time and I
know it's like kind of againstyour will, but also do you feel
like you're gonna be able toreally, really get your hands
dirty and see what you're madeof?
Like I'm kind of excited.
Khariza (16:02):
Oh my gosh, Laura.
Everyone tells me, you kind ofhave to go through it to really
get to the other side.
Once I get to that point oflike, what is that even gonna
look like for me?
You know,'cause I've always hadconsistent income ever since I
left college, you know what Imean?
Like 11 years at this job thatI'm leaving.
You know what I mean?
(16:22):
This is all I've known for
Alora (16:25):
Hmm.
Khariza (16:25):
It's just gonna be like a huge mindset shift that will
need to take place.
But, I mean, I'm excited, I'mcurious to see what that'll look
like with me just being like,okay, I gotta grind.
I'm not just gonna sit here andwait around for things
Alora (16:39):
Mm-hmm.
Khariza (16:40):
You know?
Like I
Alora (16:41):
and I mean, we all go through it.
Yeah.
And you're gonna be able to faceit like you have all of us.
You're not alone.
I think the cool thing though isyou're gonna be in control.
And like I said, you're gonnasee what you're made of.
You're gonna create your ownschedule, with the time that you
have, and you're also not theonly person going full-time
right now.
the world is changing, A lot ofpeople are getting laid off, a
lot of people are getting theirhours cut.
So I'm like, now is the time forthe entrepreneurs to step up
(17:05):
because.
Khariza (17:06):
Yeah,
Alora (17:07):
married.
Okay.
The rich people are, I'll tellyou that much.
Okay?
This is like the perfect time toreposition your business, get
everything fixed, be positionedin 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 youdon't want to, and you're making
(17:27):
more money.
Working less than ever.
You did all the hard work in thequote unquote recession,
whatever this is.
I don't know, but
Khariza (17:35):
know.
That's good.
Alora (17:36):
Yeah.
I think it's the entrepreneurslike this is, this is it?
Like this is your calling.
this is the moment to time toshine, to step into it and get
to work.
Khariza (17:46):
Oh yeah.
Yes, I'm ready.
Alora (17:48):
I am ready for you.
Do you have any last things tosay to somebody who's kind of
like on the fence, should Ijoin?
Khariza (17:55):
Just do it.
Not to quote Nike, but
Alora (17:58):
Yeah.
Literally, Nike.
Khariza (18:00):
I mean like if you're thinking about it, like there's
a reason why you're evenconsidering it in the first
place, and that's kind of likewas the sign.
For me to initially sign up inthe first place because I'm
like, I felt like kind of lost.
If you feel like you have nosense of direction, you need
direction, then Hi,
Alora (18:15):
Hello?
Khariza (18:16):
here's the map.
Google Maps right here.
Alora (18:19):
Yes.
We love her.
Khariza (18:20):
Yes.
Yeah, if you need direction atall, then it helps so much to
have a support system like this,
Alora (18:28):
Yeah.
That's amazing.
Thank you so much for coming on,za.
I'm so excited for your,
Khariza (18:33):
you.
Alora (18:34):
your next chapter, your journey, and also a nod to like
what you were able to do whileworking a full-time job.
Like honestly, that's, I.
That is incredible
Khariza (18:45):
Thank you.
Alora (18:45):
it's in submitted wins.
I don't know if you're up todate, but in submitted wins if
you've made,
Khariza (18:49):
Yeah.
I think I'm up to date.
I've been better about it the
Alora (18:53):
good.
Khariza (18:53):
I
Alora (18:54):
Yeah,
Khariza (18:54):
I was like, oh, I hit over a hundred K.
Alora (18:58):
I know.
Like, I mean, yeah, it's intotal submitted wins, but that's
still money.
Like that's wedding money.
That's side hustle money.
Is it though?
Khariza (19:07):
I know.
So that's why I'm like, well,let's make it not a side hustle
Alora (19:11):
Let's do it.
Oh yeah, we're gonna scale likecrazy.
But yeah, thank you so much forcoming the podcast and everybody
else.
I will see you next week.
Bye.
Khariza (19:20):
Bye.
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