Experiencing major setbacks in your business? You definitely are NOT alone.

Marcela Límon, owner of Lemonshoots Photography in San Francisco, joins The ReWork this week to talk about her journey

Marcela has been running a successful portrait studio for over a decade. In fact, her income has increased year after year, until 2024. Cue screeching tires soundtrack. 

For the first time ever, Marcella questioned herself, her approach to business, EVERYTHING. 

Was it her? The economy?

Was it the impending election? 

Did people no longer want portraits? 

What the HECK was going on? 

For the first time, Marcella faced the reality that what had been working in the past, was no longer working, so she had to rethink her approach to keep things going.

Listen in as Marcela shares how she got through a tough year by tweaking things in small but strategic ways. 

She discusses adjusting her pricing, refining her marketing, and leaning on her community to rebuild her momentum.

Marcela also opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her push through the self-doubt and how reminding herself of past successes, seeking support, and giving herself grace made all the difference.

If you’ve ever faced setbacks in your business (and, let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), then this episode, packed with insights into resilience, adaptation, and using failure as a way to grow, might just be the gentle kick in the pants you need to get your business moving again. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• That setbacks are normal and simply part of the business cycle
• To surround yourself with people who are supportive
• To take action, even when you feel paralyzed by fear
• To see that value in small tweaks rather than major overhauls
• To practice consistency in marketing and building personal connections

Timestamps:

[3:44] Surrounding herself with successful people inspires Marcela, but setbacks are just part of entrepreneurship.

[4:58] Marcela feels that overcoming challenges requires the right mindset, a supportive community, and fresh perspectives on problem-solving.

[7:28] Growth in business demands that Marcela step outside of her comfort zone and embrace necessary but scary changes.

[9:42] Success sometimes comes down to making small tweaks rather than major overhauls.

[11:06] Marcela prioritizes consistent marketing by balancing virtual connections with in-person ones.

[13:02] ATJ shares how, after a divorce, therapy helped her improve, but neglecting coping strategies resulted in more struggles.

[16:57] Mistakes are inevitable, but they often lead to unexpected opportunities and valuable lessons.

[17:39] ATJ argues that waiting for perfection hinders progress; taking action is the key to growth.

[18:26] Hear how Marcela realized that selling her work requires confidence, timing, and being willing to adapt to client needs.

[20:59] Marcela argues that it's helpful to review your materials with someone whom you trust.

[22:24] ATJ points out that changing business language is like learning a second language, taking time before it becomes natural.

[25:14] Facing challenges taught Marcela that failure is normal and that being persistent and adaptable lead to success.

[27:40] Building genuine connections is more important than immediate referrals, as relationships can bring unexpected value later on.

[29:39] ATJ admires Marcela’s positive personality, bringing light and warmth to others.

Click here to listen!

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Marcella Límon / Lemonshoots Photography

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