April 29, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode, Alora welcomes special guest Julia, one of her alumni, who shares her inspiring journey from struggling with bookings to achieving rapid wins by raising her prices from $6k to $12k in just two months
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alora (00:00):
Hello and welcome back to the podcast.
Today we have a special guest.
One of my alumni, Julia, is onhere, and I hounded her because
she got a win very quickly andshe got a five figure inquiry
also very quickly.
Now, to be fair, Julia has beenin business for a little bit,
but she was like, I just need awin.
I need to raise my prices.
(00:20):
I just need to do it.
And so I kind of ripped it up inthe dms and Julia can kind of
tell you how that went.
And then she joined the programand she's already getting wins
left and right.
So I want Julia to share herjourney.
So Julia, welcome to thepodcast.
I'm so excited to have you here.
So tell me about the backstoryof your business and how you got
(00:41):
into photography how you kind ofgot to where you are now where
you're like, okay, I'm stuck.
I need to really take someaction.
I need to raise my prices.
julia (00:51):
Yeah, so I mean, in the past I've invested a lot in
different courses with differentcoaches and I think every one of
them obviously brought me some.
Great ideas or some guidance,but I think at this point in my
career and this point in theyear, I wanted something really
actionable right away.
(01:12):
No bs.
And to give me some really quickwins just because I've invested
so much.
And bookings have been slowerthan usual because I have raised
my price and I'm also rebrandingmyself, so I have this.
Past clients and past pricingkind of makes with this newer
(01:34):
clientele, new pricing.
So it just, it's not alignedyet.
And I'm in this place where Ijust, yeah, I just needed some
win to financially also be morestable and continue on.
So when I decided to start theprogram I really liked first.
(01:54):
The way you gave some insighteven before joining in, I had
some really good guidance, so Iwas like, okay, this is good.
I'm not even in the program.
And she's even like, she'salready giving me good tips.
And I could tell that I wasmentioning the no BS approach
and I could tell that that wasit.
And it's been, yeah, it's beentotally that.
(02:16):
All the module are really easyto access, to implement quickly.
Especially if you know what'slacking and what you need to
work on.
You can directly go to thatmodule watch the video, listen
to the video, and then just doit.
Just put it into action and thenit worked.
(02:39):
And I think for me it was notmuch was missing.
I think there was a bit of themindset, a bit of that
confidence.
again, because I am, as Imentioned working on a like new
rebranding and new clientele.
And yeah, really quickly, Ichanged a bit of the way I was
replying to my inquiries and Ialmost, I think on like 10
(03:04):
inquiries, I got ghosted one ortwo times.
And before that it was, I wouldsay at least like 50 or 60% of
the times.
and from people that seemedreally interested in the first
place.
So I just implemented a coupleof things and then I started
getting a lot of replies andpeople being interested and
(03:26):
sending over some proposals.
I booked just a couple ofweddings.
I just needed a little wince to,you know, feel a bit more
confident.
Also, about my pricing, Itweaked a bit my pricing.
So offering a lower price pointfor the starting collection, but
also offering a collection thatwas.
(03:48):
just more of a essential basiccollection and then moving on to
my signature collection, the onethat I want people to book.
So that's been, yeah, it's beengood.
I am still working on all ofthis but I'm developing a new
market right now, so that's alsoa new, exciting project coming
up.
So, yeah.
Alora (04:09):
Yeah, you said that back before you joined, you have
basically had couples that wereghosting 50% of the time.
julia (04:17):
Yeah.
Alora (04:18):
you've been able to book inquiries just by making a
couple of tweaks, like in yoursales process, your emails and
the calls.
What would you say has been theone tool that has really done
that?
Or was it a bunch of littledetails that came together?
julia (04:30):
I think it's a bunch of little details that came
together.
Definitely.
I think you just need to look atoverall and get inspired by
different ideas and then make ityour own and try.
You know what things that I'mdoing are not working.
I need to do somethingdifferent.
And that's something we alsotalked about.
(04:51):
You're like, Julia, just trythis.
And I was like, okay.
And I did it.
And then it, you know thatthat's what happens.
You know, if you need to reallytry different approach and see
what works.
And maybe sometimes it's notgonna work and it's okay.
But then try again.
Do something different.
And yeah, so that, really, thatwas great.
Alora (05:13):
Yeah.
julia (05:14):
just like chatting with you, having your feedback on
some, also just my pricingguide.
You know, I sent you my pricingguide and just having that,
those like little tweaks, butlittle tweaks make a difference
and it's all those added littletweaks that are gonna make
actually in the end a bigdifference.
So just be able to have thatapproach you know, I was
(05:35):
mentioning, I did othercoaching.
I feel like the other coachingthe coaches are not that
available and with you, we get,actually you, you look at our
stuff, it's not any like anassistant or someone else.
You actually look at our stuffand I think that is very
(05:56):
valuable.
Yeah.
Alora (05:58):
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
I have been in containers likethat where I'm like am I ever
gonna speak to them?
And then you don't.
I feel like presence is reallyimportant to me, but like
getting to know every one ofyou, I have documents and all of
you, you guys have profiles.
I can look at your wins.
Like we keep such good data justto make sure that like we're
giving you the right advice.
And also, like, I love rippingapart websites and pricing
(06:20):
guides.
That's my love language.
So it's perfect.
Okay.
So back to mindset, Julia.
'cause I know you said likeyou've invested in other
programs and maybe it was good,maybe it was fluffy.
But you said it was mostly justmindset, not strategy, but do
you feel like at least recently,your mindset has changed?
Just trying new strategies andplaying in your business?
julia (06:41):
Oh yes, a hundred percent for sure.
And I think a lot of what we do,and you know, because we are
artists and we're so close toour work and sometimes we just
forget to.
Think like a business and alsowe have our own issues with
(07:02):
money or just how peopleperceives us.
And we, we, I think are alsolike our worst enemies in some
ways as artists sometimes.
And I think having thatdifferent perspective.
And being part of the communityand chatting with other
photographers that are in theprogram can really be a big help
(07:24):
in terms of mindset.
Alora (07:26):
Yeah, like that.
It actually is possible becauseI know right now, and let me
know if this is correct, but inthe
julia (07:33):
Mm-hmm.
Alora (07:33):
Everyone is complaining about no bookings.
The possible recession, likephotographers are scrambling and
freaking out.
But I told somebody, I was like,my girls are doing fine.
They're still making money.
Like I don't
julia (07:47):
Yeah,
Alora (07:48):
I.
julia (07:48):
no, like right now I am sending proposals that are like
yeah, 12 K and I'm, right now,I'm, I'm actually looking at a
proposal for planners in thesouth of France and it's gonna
be like.
You know, 12 k probably whereI'm just like working on my
(08:09):
pricing right now, but, and inCanadian dollars is gonna be
amazing for me because I'm gonnacharge in Euros, so I've done
the math and like my, right now,my biggest collection would be
around 16,000 Canadian.
Which would be like the biggestever for me.
I have a top planner that isconsidering me and she's she,
(08:34):
she told me in about like twoweeks she's going to be sending,
like, sending me some, a couple.
So she wants some quote and sheis.
She's a top planner in the southof France, so I'm very, very
excited.
So we'll see.
We'll see what's gonna behappening.
But there's good stuff.
Good stuff.
You know, I think if you do thework and if you implement and
(08:55):
you change your way, the wayyou've been doing things, if it,
if it wasn't working, obviouslythen it's gonna happen.
Yeah.
If, if everything is workingamazing.
Alora (09:05):
Yeah.
julia (09:06):
Just trying, trying new things and looking at all the
module, I haven't looked at allof them.
I haven't done everythingbecause I wanted to go a bit
more straight to the pointbecause I had a need of booking
right away.
But still, you know, I wannalook at different module and so
easy to just watch and implementas I said.
Alora (09:29):
Yay.
That is literally the bestcompliment that I keep it short
and sweet and that you can justtake action.
That's my dream.
That's all I want.
I love it.
I just, Julia so many thingslike I didn't know 16 K is
crazy.
I'm like, that's a 10 x from,you know what I mean?
Like, that's, that's insane.
julia (09:46):
I know.
Alora (09:48):
Okay, so what was your biggest hangup with raising your
prices?
Because to me, on the outsideI'm like, okay, Julia has the
brand, she has the vibe, she hasthe accolades.
She's always getting featured.
I'm always like, are you gettingpublished again today, Julia?
Like always getting published.
I'm like, oh, another blog postfor wed vibes.
Cool.
But was your biggest hangup withpricing and how, like how were
(10:11):
we able to help you?
To skyrocket and to five figuresor nothing.
julia (10:16):
I think just, I'm just trying to figure out like in
terms of, okay, so for example.
That was, so my starting ratewas 6,000, but I was offering
way too much for that price.
Like it was, I have there liketwo photographers.
There's this, there's this like,just like it, like it's amazing
(10:39):
value and that's the startingprice.
And then you told me, okay, wellmaybe, and I had trouble
actually just booking that oneand that was my starting price.
And I was like, what the hell?
You know?
So we like, well, maybe just,no, offer less, remove like the
other photographer, you know?
And I was like, oh, okay.
Like, okay, let's try it.
(10:59):
I really love, honestly workingas a team, but I was like, you
know what, let me just try it.
And I did.
I mean, I did book it and I'mactually making as much as I was
making, By having a secondphotographer.
So, but at least I'm booking it.
So there was something in mypricing that was clearly not
(11:20):
working and just by doing that,and I, now start at 5,900.
It's eight hours, onephotographer and.
That's pretty much what theyget.
There's no fluff, there's no,like, you know, obviously they
have an online giving, all thoselittle things, but they don't
have a beautiful box withprints.
They don't have an, you know, analbum that that happens in the
(11:42):
other collection that I create,which then obviously brings
value.
And for people who.
Care about that stuff.
They're gonna book those, youknow, they're gonna book those
collection, but for people whojust, they just want really
beautiful picture.
They want heirlooms, but just interms of having beautiful
memories and they want my style,then it allows those people to
(12:04):
still book me and then I can,you can upsell later on, but at
least you got that contract bookand you got that income also.
Coming in.
So yeah, that, that's about it.
Alora (12:19):
Yeah.
I remember when we were doingour onboarding call and I was
like, all right, Julia, what doyou want?
Like by the end of this call,what do you want?
You're like, I need to book awedding.
I was like, okay, we're gonna dowhatever it takes to make sure
that these packages areappealing so that you book your
next wedding.
And I'm trying to figure outwhen did you join?
Do you ever remember?
julia (12:35):
No time flies, honestly, is just.
I am, I've been all over theplace.
I'm sure I'm still jet lag frommy trip in right now, so I'm
like, blah.
So I don't know,
Alora (12:46):
19th.
Yep.
julia (12:46):
Okay.
Alora (12:46):
I.
julia (12:47):
Okay.
End of February.
Yeah.
Okay.
There we go.
And so much has changedhonestly, like.
Really, right now, I'm moreconfident in my pricing as well.
And I, that's a big thing.
It is, it's a lot about mindsetand just thinking more of also
it is a business and yes, I lovedoing that.
(13:10):
And also something that Ichanged and I wasn't realizing
is my brand messaging.
And that's something you pointedout and I was like.
Oh, it's true.
I didn't realize, because I didall of this like a year ago, I
rebranded myself and now I'mlike, I feel that I need to
rebrand myself again.
Not completely.
I just refine it.
(13:31):
Like, obviously I'm not gonnachange my website, but I did
change a bit of my, I'm startingto change the copy and I
actually paid someone more thana year ago to do my copy and it
was beautifully written andlike, I was like, oh, wow, this
is so nice.
But then when I read it, I'mlike, it's not me anymore.
First it's not really me, andthere's too much fluff.
(13:53):
I think people, they, they don'twanna have to read like all of
this and all those beautifulword.
Yes, it's nice, but it's.
And it's not the way I talkeither, so English is not my
first language and I'm, there'ssome many words I might not use,
but then it's all over mywebsite and the DS is beautiful.
It's elevated and all of this,but I now, I'm doing the copy
(14:18):
myself and I think it's justmore relatable.
It's still elegant, it's stillnice.
But it's more relatable,definitely.
And it's more me, so I think itjust makes more sense in the
end.
Alora (14:34):
Yeah, it's almost like you needed someone to kind of
zoom out.
Because you're so connected
julia (14:39):
Yeah.
Alora (14:40):
okay, this is all I know.
Like I've already, I've done thework like, like I remember
you're like, I don't wanna dothis.
I already did this.
I was like, I know, I know.
Hear me out.
We need to make tiny tweaks sothat you know who is your dream
couple.
And so we tried talking aboutthat and you were like, well,
julia (14:53):
Hmm.
Alora (14:53):
this, they like this.
And I was like, okay, this isnot on your website.
And you're like, huh,interesting.
And like, but.
I think what happens is a lot ofus as photographers, you know,
will just hire somebody, belike, okay, take this off my
plate.
I have a rebrand now I'm readyfor my 10 K weddings.
Right?
And it's just so much deeperthan that.
(15:14):
And I think that couples justwanna make a connection.
Like, yes, they like your work,but why you over someone else?
You know?
And I feel like you're startingto figure that part out.
julia (15:23):
Oh yes, a hundred percent.
And that's something, it wasactually very nice to just be
like, oh, that's actually theadded value I have.
I'm bringing like value to thetable.
And that helped me with myconfidence as an artist, as an
entrepreneur, It helped me beingconfident about my pricing, and
(15:43):
I realized that I should havecharged those pricing like years
ago, and that was my fault ofnot raising them constantly.
but now I kind of, that's whyI'm kind of catching up on that.
I'm at the price right now.
I could even, honestly, I couldeven charge more, I think, but
I'm like, okay, well I need tobook more weddings so I'm gonna
(16:03):
calm down.
But I think once I get thosereally ideal client, those
really high-end weddings that Iam looking to have, then I know
then just gonna be like, sky isthe limit at that point.
It really is.
I think if you know really whatyou're bringing to the table and
you're clear about it and yousend that message to other
(16:26):
people, and that's obviously soimportant, which I was not doing
because I didn't really knowactually what I, I mean I knew,
but not that much.
That's when I think everythingchanged.
And right now I'm working on apricing guide for planners in
the south of France, and I amliterally telling them my value.
I am bilingual.
(16:48):
I lived in the south of Francefor 10 years.
I am a joyful and calm presence.
I can be your ally to work withyou.
and I know what I'm bringing andI've talked to partners and they
were like.
Holy Molly.
Yeah, like definitely like wewanna work with you.
You know?
So it's just, and that's why I'mlike, things are gonna be
(17:10):
happening.
Nothing is set in stone.
Like nothing is signed, but I amgetting opportunities.
There's the planner.
I met last week and she's like,I just wanna work with you now.
She can't just work with me, butfact that she.
Is a win in itself because nowI'm like, okay, I'm gonna be
sending you this pricing ad.
(17:31):
Those are my pricing.
I still wanna be competitivebecause I am developing that
market and I'm not establishedyet over there.
Alora (17:39):
Yeah.
I mean to be the number onethough on a wedding planner's
list, that's.
julia (17:45):
yeah.
Alora (17:46):
Like you're, you're gonna be first picked, they're gonna
be pitching you to theircouples.
Like if you go to weddingplanner, you're good, you're
golden.
julia (17:53):
Yeah.
Alora (17:53):
is gonna be extra.
Okay.
I need to like kind of take thisin a little bit because I
remember in the dms and when wemet on our one-on-one call
before you, like, you know, whenyou joined, I was talking to a
whole different person.
I'm like, yeah, she's bilingual.
She's lived in France for 10years.
julia (18:10):
I,
Alora (18:10):
even,
julia (18:11):
where do I sign?
Yeah.
Alora (18:14):
yeah, I, I what sparked this huge 180?
julia (18:23):
For me it needs to work, there's no option to be honest.
it just needs to work.
I need to be booking thosehigh-end weddings, that contact,
'cause I know I can do it.
And I feel like I was just atthe edge of like.
I just need to push.
I just need a little push andthen it's gonna happen.
It's gonna happen.
(18:44):
But to do that, to have thatpush, I need to push myself and
obviously do the work.
It doesn't happen overnight,it's been a couple of weeks that
we haven't talked andeverything.
And like I said, a lot hashappened.
So yeah.
Good things.
Alora (18:58):
I just, I love it.
You just look like sunshine,like just talking about the
business and I feel like youjust started the spark of what's
gonna trailblaze the rest of theyear for you I mean, ugh, you're
making such good marketingconnection, so.
Have you booked any weddingssince joining in February?
I don't, I wasn't able to
julia (19:16):
Yes.
Alora (19:16):
of like all of your wins.
Okay.
Wow.
julia (19:19):
Yeah.
Alora (19:20):
tell me.
julia (19:21):
I booked two weddings and like I said, I just needed to
book someone to have someincome.
Because of all my investment.
So those are the two confirmed.
I booked also an engagementsession that's actually a from
the US but they're doing theproper wedding in Mexico next
(19:42):
year.
I quoted on that.
So I know she's considering meand we have a good thing going
on.
I'm taking pictures of them nextweek for that session.
this is like a 12, like 10 to 12k proposal that I sent to her
because it's gonna be amulti-day celebration'cause
she's South Asian, so it's a bigthing.
(20:03):
So you know, things arehappening.
And then I mentioned in thesouth of France, all those
connection happening and I'mgoing to be quoting soon and
that for sure is going to be.
I would say 10 to 15 K for sureas well'cause it's multi-day
celebration, it's going to be,high-end weddings.
(20:23):
And then I have a planner thatI've been wanting to work with
for so long that just contactedme a couple days ago.
I was in the airport.
I was like, oh my God, she'scontacting me.
super excited.
for a wedding, it's gonna be asmall wedding.
just six hours.
But I'm like, you know what?
It's at a Fairmount, a beautifulhotel.
(20:44):
With a great planner that I'vebeen wanting to work with.
So I'm like, I don't care.
it could be three hours as longas I get to work with her, she
sees how I work, she lost myrib, boom.
She start referring me.
that's really it.
so it's good also that I am nottoo busy because that's super
last minute.
it's in early July, so that'salso something Yeah, and it was
(21:06):
actually May 31st originally,and they changed the July 7th.
Alora (21:09):
Oh my
julia (21:10):
and I still am getting inquiries, I'm getting inquiries
for this year too.
Alora (21:15):
What has
julia (21:16):
and people are,
Alora (21:17):
there?
julia (21:17):
I don't know what's happening it's like, it is just
crazy.
Alora (21:21):
It's
julia (21:22):
Just gave me
Alora (21:23):
you're getting.
julia (21:23):
just.
Alora (21:24):
like crazy.
I remember you saying, okay, mybiggest issue is marketing and
now you're telling me about allof the marketing strategies
you've implemented in twomonths.
Julia.
That's crazy.
julia (21:34):
yeah.
Like I said, I was like, I haveno choice.
Alora (21:37):
Yeah,
julia (21:37):
Yeah.
and now I know I have more workto do.
I have all my portfolio to justcompletely redo.
But that will be sending you aswell for you to review.
this needs to happen.
'cause I have new content.
And because my style is evolvingas well.
I need to showcase more of thatnew style that I'm going to be
(21:58):
offering to book those clients.
you need to show what you wannaattract.
That's like the number onething.
And so many people still like,they showcase.
I'm like, oh, that's a nicepicture.
Yeah, no, do you wanna do that?
No, then don't show it.
It's like, curation is soimportant, so important.
Alora (22:19):
teaching
julia (22:19):
So yeah, I'm like, let's do it.
let's do a master class.
Alora (22:23):
Let's do a so many things.
I mean, from mindset tomarketing, and you're booking
weddings and you're getting thewins that you wanted.
I mean, the connections aregonna be, ugh, that's gonna pay
off so much.
So Julia, like what advice doyou have for somebody who's
thinking about joining or in aposition like you, they feel
like they have all of thepieces, but something's not
(22:44):
working.
And they're like, okay, well, isthis for me?
Because.
my business looks good.
Like I had a rebrand.
I have a website, but I'm notbooking weddings.
julia (22:53):
Well, I think if you join, you're gonna know what's
missing and what's not working.
It's true because if something'snot working, maybe it's
something you're not doing ormaybe it's something you're
doing, you're not doing itproperly.
And I think that having thisexternal eye that is a pro will
help you.
(23:14):
To understand or to see and orjust give you guidance on where
to look as well, because maybeyou don't even know where to
look, where you know what is notworking.
And I think for me it was a bitof that I wasn't sure.
I knew I had some ideas, butalso you gave me some tips that
I thought things were working,they were actually not working.
(23:36):
So I was like, oh.
I didn't know that.
Well, I guess I, let's try it.
but yeah, I think it's sovaluable to have this external
eye definitely to go and helpyou look because you will have
to do the work.
Like, it's not like you don'thave to do anything.
You will have to do the work,but if you know where to look.
(23:58):
That will make it just, you cando it so much faster and get the
results faster.
'cause that's what you want.
You want to get the results assoon as possible.
Alora (24:07):
Yeah, I mean,
julia (24:09):
So join now,
Alora (24:10):
so
julia (24:11):
do it.
Alora (24:12):
Be like Julia, because this transformation in two
months, I can't even wait to seewhat it's gonna look like in the
next six months.
The end of the year, I cannotwait to see what's gonna come.
I'm so excited.
Congrats.
julia (24:25):
Thank you.
Alora (24:25):
Yeah, I mean, and it's well deserved and you earned it
like you put in the work, Ithink a lot of people think that
when they join a program thateverything's gonna be done for
them or just look at my stuffand it should work out.
But it's like if you're willingto put in the work and those
little details are gonna cometogether and have a huge result.
And I believe that for sure.
julia (24:44):
Yes.
Alora (24:44):
Yeah.
Thank you so much, Julia, forcoming on the podcast, sharing
your story and your journey inthe past two months.
It's been great, and I can'twait to continue to see how this
is gonna develop over time.
All right.
See you guys next week.
Bye.
Hello and welcome back to the podcast.
Today we have a special guest.
One of my alumni, Julia, is onhere, and I hounded her because
she got a win very quickly andshe got a five figure inquiry
also very quickly.
Now, to be fair, Julia has beenin business for a little bit,
but she was like, I just need awin.
I need to raise my prices.
(00:20):
I just need to do it.
And so I kind of ripped it up inthe dms and Julia can kind of
tell you how that went.
And then she joined the programand she's already getting wins
left and right.
So I want Julia to share herjourney.
So Julia, welcome to thepodcast.
I'm so excited to have you here.
So tell me about the backstoryof your business and how you got
(00:41):
into photography how you kind ofgot to where you are now where
you're like, okay, I'm stuck.
I need to really take someaction.
I need to raise my prices.
julia (00:51):
Yeah, so I mean, in the past I've invested a lot in
different courses with differentcoaches and I think every one of
them obviously brought me some.
Great ideas or some guidance,but I think at this point in my
career and this point in theyear, I wanted something really
actionable right away.
(01:12):
No bs.
And to give me some really quickwins just because I've invested
so much.
And bookings have been slowerthan usual because I have raised
my price and I'm also rebrandingmyself, so I have this.
Past clients and past pricingkind of makes with this newer
(01:34):
clientele, new pricing.
So it just, it's not alignedyet.
And I'm in this place where Ijust, yeah, I just needed some
win to financially also be morestable and continue on.
So when I decided to start theprogram I really liked first.
(01:54):
The way you gave some insighteven before joining in, I had
some really good guidance, so Iwas like, okay, this is good.
I'm not even in the program.
And she's even like, she'salready giving me good tips.
And I could tell that I wasmentioning the no BS approach
and I could tell that that wasit.
And it's been, yeah, it's beentotally that.
(02:16):
All the module are really easyto access, to implement quickly.
Especially if you know what'slacking and what you need to
work on.
You can directly go to thatmodule watch the video, listen
to the video, and then just doit.
Just put it into action and thenit worked.
(02:39):
And I think for me it was notmuch was missing.
I think there was a bit of themindset, a bit of that
confidence.
again, because I am, as Imentioned working on a like new
rebranding and new clientele.
And yeah, really quickly, Ichanged a bit of the way I was
replying to my inquiries and Ialmost, I think on like 10
(03:04):
inquiries, I got ghosted one ortwo times.
And before that it was, I wouldsay at least like 50 or 60% of
the times.
and from people that seemedreally interested in the first
place.
So I just implemented a coupleof things and then I started
getting a lot of replies andpeople being interested and
(03:26):
sending over some proposals.
I booked just a couple ofweddings.
I just needed a little wince to,you know, feel a bit more
confident.
Also, about my pricing, Itweaked a bit my pricing.
So offering a lower price pointfor the starting collection, but
also offering a collection thatwas.
(03:48):
just more of a essential basiccollection and then moving on to
my signature collection, the onethat I want people to book.
So that's been, yeah, it's beengood.
I am still working on all ofthis but I'm developing a new
market right now, so that's alsoa new, exciting project coming
up.
So, yeah.
Alora (04:09):
Yeah, you said that back before you joined, you have
basically had couples that wereghosting 50% of the time.
julia (04:17):
Yeah.
Alora (04:18):
you've been able to book inquiries just by making a
couple of tweaks, like in yoursales process, your emails and
the calls.
What would you say has been theone tool that has really done
that?
Or was it a bunch of littledetails that came together?
julia (04:30):
I think it's a bunch of little details that came
together.
Definitely.
I think you just need to look atoverall and get inspired by
different ideas and then make ityour own and try.
You know what things that I'mdoing are not working.
I need to do somethingdifferent.
And that's something we alsotalked about.
(04:51):
You're like, Julia, just trythis.
And I was like, okay.
And I did it.
And then it, you know thatthat's what happens.
You know, if you need to reallytry different approach and see
what works.
And maybe sometimes it's notgonna work and it's okay.
But then try again.
Do something different.
And yeah, so that, really, thatwas great.
Alora (05:13):
Yeah.
julia (05:14):
just like chatting with you, having your feedback on
some, also just my pricingguide.
You know, I sent you my pricingguide and just having that,
those like little tweaks, butlittle tweaks make a difference
and it's all those added littletweaks that are gonna make
actually in the end a bigdifference.
So just be able to have thatapproach you know, I was
(05:35):
mentioning, I did othercoaching.
I feel like the other coachingthe coaches are not that
available and with you, we get,actually you, you look at our
stuff, it's not any like anassistant or someone else.
You actually look at our stuffand I think that is very
(05:56):
valuable.
Yeah.
Alora (05:58):
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
I have been in containers likethat where I'm like am I ever
gonna speak to them?
And then you don't.
I feel like presence is reallyimportant to me, but like
getting to know every one ofyou, I have documents and all of
you, you guys have profiles.
I can look at your wins.
Like we keep such good data justto make sure that like we're
giving you the right advice.
And also, like, I love rippingapart websites and pricing
(06:20):
guides.
That's my love language.
So it's perfect.
Okay.
So back to mindset, Julia.
'cause I know you said likeyou've invested in other
programs and maybe it was good,maybe it was fluffy.
But you said it was mostly justmindset, not strategy, but do
you feel like at least recently,your mindset has changed?
Just trying new strategies andplaying in your business?
julia (06:41):
Oh yes, a hundred percent for sure.
And I think a lot of what we do,and you know, because we are
artists and we're so close toour work and sometimes we just
forget to.
Think like a business and alsowe have our own issues with
(07:02):
money or just how peopleperceives us.
And we, we, I think are alsolike our worst enemies in some
ways as artists sometimes.
And I think having thatdifferent perspective.
And being part of the communityand chatting with other
photographers that are in theprogram can really be a big help
(07:24):
in terms of mindset.
Alora (07:26):
Yeah, like that.
It actually is possible becauseI know right now, and let me
know if this is correct, but inthe
julia (07:33):
Mm-hmm.
Alora (07:33):
Everyone is complaining about no bookings.
The possible recession, likephotographers are scrambling and
freaking out.
But I told somebody, I was like,my girls are doing fine.
They're still making money.
Like I don't
julia (07:47):
Yeah,
Alora (07:48):
I.
julia (07:48):
no, like right now I am sending proposals that are like
yeah, 12 K and I'm, right now,I'm, I'm actually looking at a
proposal for planners in thesouth of France and it's gonna
be like.
You know, 12 k probably whereI'm just like working on my
(08:09):
pricing right now, but, and inCanadian dollars is gonna be
amazing for me because I'm gonnacharge in Euros, so I've done
the math and like my, right now,my biggest collection would be
around 16,000 Canadian.
Which would be like the biggestever for me.
I have a top planner that isconsidering me and she's she,
(08:34):
she told me in about like twoweeks she's going to be sending,
like, sending me some, a couple.
So she wants some quote and sheis.
She's a top planner in the southof France, so I'm very, very
excited.
So we'll see.
We'll see what's gonna behappening.
But there's good stuff.
Good stuff.
You know, I think if you do thework and if you implement and
(08:55):
you change your way, the wayyou've been doing things, if it,
if it wasn't working, obviouslythen it's gonna happen.
Yeah.
If, if everything is workingamazing.
Alora (09:05):
Yeah.
julia (09:06):
Just trying, trying new things and looking at all the
module, I haven't looked at allof them.
I haven't done everythingbecause I wanted to go a bit
more straight to the pointbecause I had a need of booking
right away.
But still, you know, I wannalook at different module and so
easy to just watch and implementas I said.
Alora (09:29):
Yay.
That is literally the bestcompliment that I keep it short
and sweet and that you can justtake action.
That's my dream.
That's all I want.
I love it.
I just, Julia so many thingslike I didn't know 16 K is
crazy.
I'm like, that's a 10 x from,you know what I mean?
Like, that's, that's insane.
julia (09:46):
I know.
Alora (09:48):
Okay, so what was your biggest hangup with raising your
prices?
Because to me, on the outsideI'm like, okay, Julia has the
brand, she has the vibe, she hasthe accolades.
She's always getting featured.
I'm always like, are you gettingpublished again today, Julia?
Like always getting published.
I'm like, oh, another blog postfor wed vibes.
Cool.
But was your biggest hangup withpricing and how, like how were
(10:11):
we able to help you?
To skyrocket and to five figuresor nothing.
julia (10:16):
I think just, I'm just trying to figure out like in
terms of, okay, so for example.
That was, so my starting ratewas 6,000, but I was offering
way too much for that price.
Like it was, I have there liketwo photographers.
There's this, there's this like,just like it, like it's amazing
(10:39):
value and that's the startingprice.
And then you told me, okay, wellmaybe, and I had trouble
actually just booking that oneand that was my starting price.
And I was like, what the hell?
You know?
So we like, well, maybe just,no, offer less, remove like the
other photographer, you know?
And I was like, oh, okay.
Like, okay, let's try it.
(10:59):
I really love, honestly workingas a team, but I was like, you
know what, let me just try it.
And I did.
I mean, I did book it and I'mactually making as much as I was
making, By having a secondphotographer.
So, but at least I'm booking it.
So there was something in mypricing that was clearly not
(11:20):
working and just by doing that,and I, now start at 5,900.
It's eight hours, onephotographer and.
That's pretty much what theyget.
There's no fluff, there's no,like, you know, obviously they
have an online giving, all thoselittle things, but they don't
have a beautiful box withprints.
They don't have an, you know, analbum that that happens in the
(11:42):
other collection that I create,which then obviously brings
value.
And for people who.
Care about that stuff.
They're gonna book those, youknow, they're gonna book those
collection, but for people whojust, they just want really
beautiful picture.
They want heirlooms, but just interms of having beautiful
memories and they want my style,then it allows those people to
(12:04):
still book me and then I can,you can upsell later on, but at
least you got that contract bookand you got that income also.
Coming in.
So yeah, that, that's about it.
Alora (12:19):
Yeah.
I remember when we were doingour onboarding call and I was
like, all right, Julia, what doyou want?
Like by the end of this call,what do you want?
You're like, I need to book awedding.
I was like, okay, we're gonna dowhatever it takes to make sure
that these packages areappealing so that you book your
next wedding.
And I'm trying to figure outwhen did you join?
Do you ever remember?
julia (12:35):
No time flies, honestly, is just.
I am, I've been all over theplace.
I'm sure I'm still jet lag frommy trip in right now, so I'm
like, blah.
So I don't know,
Alora (12:46):
19th.
Yep.
julia (12:46):
Okay.
Alora (12:46):
I.
julia (12:47):
Okay.
End of February.
Yeah.
Okay.
There we go.
And so much has changedhonestly, like.
Really, right now, I'm moreconfident in my pricing as well.
And I, that's a big thing.
It is, it's a lot about mindsetand just thinking more of also
it is a business and yes, I lovedoing that.
(13:10):
And also something that Ichanged and I wasn't realizing
is my brand messaging.
And that's something you pointedout and I was like.
Oh, it's true.
I didn't realize, because I didall of this like a year ago, I
rebranded myself and now I'mlike, I feel that I need to
rebrand myself again.
Not completely.
I just refine it.
(13:31):
Like, obviously I'm not gonnachange my website, but I did
change a bit of my, I'm startingto change the copy and I
actually paid someone more thana year ago to do my copy and it
was beautifully written andlike, I was like, oh, wow, this
is so nice.
But then when I read it, I'mlike, it's not me anymore.
First it's not really me, andthere's too much fluff.
(13:53):
I think people, they, they don'twanna have to read like all of
this and all those beautifulword.
Yes, it's nice, but it's.
And it's not the way I talkeither, so English is not my
first language and I'm, there'ssome many words I might not use,
but then it's all over mywebsite and the DS is beautiful.
It's elevated and all of this,but I now, I'm doing the copy
(14:18):
myself and I think it's justmore relatable.
It's still elegant, it's stillnice.
But it's more relatable,definitely.
And it's more me, so I think itjust makes more sense in the
end.
Alora (14:34):
Yeah, it's almost like you needed someone to kind of
zoom out.
Because you're so connected
julia (14:39):
Yeah.
Alora (14:40):
okay, this is all I know.
Like I've already, I've done thework like, like I remember
you're like, I don't wanna dothis.
I already did this.
I was like, I know, I know.
Hear me out.
We need to make tiny tweaks sothat you know who is your dream
couple.
And so we tried talking aboutthat and you were like, well,
julia (14:53):
Hmm.
Alora (14:53):
this, they like this.
And I was like, okay, this isnot on your website.
And you're like, huh,interesting.
And like, but.
I think what happens is a lot ofus as photographers, you know,
will just hire somebody, belike, okay, take this off my
plate.
I have a rebrand now I'm readyfor my 10 K weddings.
Right?
And it's just so much deeperthan that.
(15:14):
And I think that couples justwanna make a connection.
Like, yes, they like your work,but why you over someone else?
You know?
And I feel like you're startingto figure that part out.
julia (15:23):
Oh yes, a hundred percent.
And that's something, it wasactually very nice to just be
like, oh, that's actually theadded value I have.
I'm bringing like value to thetable.
And that helped me with myconfidence as an artist, as an
entrepreneur, It helped me beingconfident about my pricing, and
(15:43):
I realized that I should havecharged those pricing like years
ago, and that was my fault ofnot raising them constantly.
but now I kind of, that's whyI'm kind of catching up on that.
I'm at the price right now.
I could even, honestly, I couldeven charge more, I think, but
I'm like, okay, well I need tobook more weddings so I'm gonna
(16:03):
calm down.
But I think once I get thosereally ideal client, those
really high-end weddings that Iam looking to have, then I know
then just gonna be like, sky isthe limit at that point.
It really is.
I think if you know really whatyou're bringing to the table and
you're clear about it and yousend that message to other
(16:26):
people, and that's obviously soimportant, which I was not doing
because I didn't really knowactually what I, I mean I knew,
but not that much.
That's when I think everythingchanged.
And right now I'm working on apricing guide for planners in
the south of France, and I amliterally telling them my value.
I am bilingual.
(16:48):
I lived in the south of Francefor 10 years.
I am a joyful and calm presence.
I can be your ally to work withyou.
and I know what I'm bringing andI've talked to partners and they
were like.
Holy Molly.
Yeah, like definitely like wewanna work with you.
You know?
So it's just, and that's why I'mlike, things are gonna be
(17:10):
happening.
Nothing is set in stone.
Like nothing is signed, but I amgetting opportunities.
There's the planner.
I met last week and she's like,I just wanna work with you now.
She can't just work with me, butfact that she.
Is a win in itself because nowI'm like, okay, I'm gonna be
sending you this pricing ad.
(17:31):
Those are my pricing.
I still wanna be competitivebecause I am developing that
market and I'm not establishedyet over there.
Alora (17:39):
Yeah.
I mean to be the number onethough on a wedding planner's
list, that's.
julia (17:45):
yeah.
Alora (17:46):
Like you're, you're gonna be first picked, they're gonna
be pitching you to theircouples.
Like if you go to weddingplanner, you're good, you're
golden.
julia (17:53):
Yeah.
Alora (17:53):
is gonna be extra.
Okay.
I need to like kind of take thisin a little bit because I
remember in the dms and when wemet on our one-on-one call
before you, like, you know, whenyou joined, I was talking to a
whole different person.
I'm like, yeah, she's bilingual.
She's lived in France for 10years.
julia (18:10):
I,
Alora (18:10):
even,
julia (18:11):
where do I sign?
Yeah.
Alora (18:14):
yeah, I, I what sparked this huge 180?
julia (18:23):
For me it needs to work, there's no option to be honest.
it just needs to work.
I need to be booking thosehigh-end weddings, that contact,
'cause I know I can do it.
And I feel like I was just atthe edge of like.
I just need to push.
I just need a little push andthen it's gonna happen.
It's gonna happen.
(18:44):
But to do that, to have thatpush, I need to push myself and
obviously do the work.
It doesn't happen overnight,it's been a couple of weeks that
we haven't talked andeverything.
And like I said, a lot hashappened.
So yeah.
Good things.
Alora (18:58):
I just, I love it.
You just look like sunshine,like just talking about the
business and I feel like youjust started the spark of what's
gonna trailblaze the rest of theyear for you I mean, ugh, you're
making such good marketingconnection, so.
Have you booked any weddingssince joining in February?
I don't, I wasn't able to
julia (19:16):
Yes.
Alora (19:16):
of like all of your wins.
Okay.
Wow.
julia (19:19):
Yeah.
Alora (19:20):
tell me.
julia (19:21):
I booked two weddings and like I said, I just needed to
book someone to have someincome.
Because of all my investment.
So those are the two confirmed.
I booked also an engagementsession that's actually a from
the US but they're doing theproper wedding in Mexico next
(19:42):
year.
I quoted on that.
So I know she's considering meand we have a good thing going
on.
I'm taking pictures of them nextweek for that session.
this is like a 12, like 10 to 12k proposal that I sent to her
because it's gonna be amulti-day celebration'cause
she's South Asian, so it's a bigthing.
(20:03):
So you know, things arehappening.
And then I mentioned in thesouth of France, all those
connection happening and I'mgoing to be quoting soon and
that for sure is going to be.
I would say 10 to 15 K for sureas well'cause it's multi-day
celebration, it's going to be,high-end weddings.
(20:23):
And then I have a planner thatI've been wanting to work with
for so long that just contactedme a couple days ago.
I was in the airport.
I was like, oh my God, she'scontacting me.
super excited.
for a wedding, it's gonna be asmall wedding.
just six hours.
But I'm like, you know what?
It's at a Fairmount, a beautifulhotel.
(20:44):
With a great planner that I'vebeen wanting to work with.
So I'm like, I don't care.
it could be three hours as longas I get to work with her, she
sees how I work, she lost myrib, boom.
She start referring me.
that's really it.
so it's good also that I am nottoo busy because that's super
last minute.
it's in early July, so that'salso something Yeah, and it was
(21:06):
actually May 31st originally,and they changed the July 7th.
Alora (21:09):
Oh my
julia (21:10):
and I still am getting inquiries, I'm getting inquiries
for this year too.
Alora (21:15):
What has
julia (21:16):
and people are,
Alora (21:17):
there?
julia (21:17):
I don't know what's happening it's like, it is just
crazy.
Alora (21:21):
It's
julia (21:22):
Just gave me
Alora (21:23):
you're getting.
julia (21:23):
just.
Alora (21:24):
like crazy.
I remember you saying, okay, mybiggest issue is marketing and
now you're telling me about allof the marketing strategies
you've implemented in twomonths.
Julia.
That's crazy.
julia (21:34):
yeah.
Like I said, I was like, I haveno choice.
Alora (21:37):
Yeah,
julia (21:37):
Yeah.
and now I know I have more workto do.
I have all my portfolio to justcompletely redo.
But that will be sending you aswell for you to review.
this needs to happen.
'cause I have new content.
And because my style is evolvingas well.
I need to showcase more of thatnew style that I'm going to be
(21:58):
offering to book those clients.
you need to show what you wannaattract.
That's like the number onething.
And so many people still like,they showcase.
I'm like, oh, that's a nicepicture.
Yeah, no, do you wanna do that?
No, then don't show it.
It's like, curation is soimportant, so important.
Alora (22:19):
teaching
julia (22:19):
So yeah, I'm like, let's do it.
let's do a master class.
Alora (22:23):
Let's do a so many things.
I mean, from mindset tomarketing, and you're booking
weddings and you're getting thewins that you wanted.
I mean, the connections aregonna be, ugh, that's gonna pay
off so much.
So Julia, like what advice doyou have for somebody who's
thinking about joining or in aposition like you, they feel
like they have all of thepieces, but something's not
(22:44):
working.
And they're like, okay, well, isthis for me?
Because.
my business looks good.
Like I had a rebrand.
I have a website, but I'm notbooking weddings.
julia (22:53):
Well, I think if you join, you're gonna know what's
missing and what's not working.
It's true because if something'snot working, maybe it's
something you're not doing ormaybe it's something you're
doing, you're not doing itproperly.
And I think that having thisexternal eye that is a pro will
help you.
(23:14):
To understand or to see and orjust give you guidance on where
to look as well, because maybeyou don't even know where to
look, where you know what is notworking.
And I think for me it was a bitof that I wasn't sure.
I knew I had some ideas, butalso you gave me some tips that
I thought things were working,they were actually not working.
(23:36):
So I was like, oh.
I didn't know that.
Well, I guess I, let's try it.
but yeah, I think it's sovaluable to have this external
eye definitely to go and helpyou look because you will have
to do the work.
Like, it's not like you don'thave to do anything.
You will have to do the work,but if you know where to look.
(23:58):
That will make it just, you cando it so much faster and get the
results faster.
'cause that's what you want.
You want to get the results assoon as possible.
Alora (24:07):
Yeah, I mean,
julia (24:09):
So join now,
Alora (24:10):
so
julia (24:11):
do it.
Alora (24:12):
Be like Julia, because this transformation in two
months, I can't even wait to seewhat it's gonna look like in the
next six months.
The end of the year, I cannotwait to see what's gonna come.
I'm so excited.
Congrats.
julia (24:25):
Thank you.
Alora (24:25):
Yeah, I mean, and it's well deserved and you earned it
like you put in the work, Ithink a lot of people think that
when they join a program thateverything's gonna be done for
them or just look at my stuffand it should work out.
But it's like if you're willingto put in the work and those
little details are gonna cometogether and have a huge result.
And I believe that for sure.
julia (24:44):
Yes.
Alora (24:44):
Yeah.
Thank you so much, Julia, forcoming on the podcast, sharing
your story and your journey inthe past two months.
It's been great, and I can'twait to continue to see how this
is gonna develop over time.
All right.
See you guys next week.
Bye.
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