In this episode, I’m walking you through the real story behind how my business (and myself!) have changed over the last 17 years.

I call them KJ 1.0 and KJ 2.0. These two versions of me worked hard, chased big dreams, and carried some heavy mindsets along the way.

One hustled to prove herself.

One scaled while breaking inside.

Both taught me something I didn’t know I needed.

Whether you’re in your own 1.0 hustle era or stepping into a new version of yourself, I hope this episode helps you look back with grace—and forward with freedom!

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Listen to KJ 3.0 Episode!

See the brand new Katelyn James site by Tonic Site Shop!

There’s a weird mix of grief and excitement that comes when you outgrow something that used to fit.

In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to rebuild my website from the ground up—and why it’s so much more than a fresh design. I talk with Becca, my marketing director, about the story behind the rebrand, the identity shift that came with it, and the deeper reason I knew it was time to make this move.

👉 Go To The New Website!

This isn’t just about changing fonts or colors. It’s about building a digital home that reflects the whole story—not just the photographer side of me.

KJ 3.0 is here.

And it’s not just a new version of me—it’s a new way of serving photographers and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are ready to show up fully and build brands that start with who they are.

What happens when your business outgrows your website… but you’re still emotionally attached to it? That’s where I found myself. And in this special episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of my BIGGEST brand shift yet—with the one and only Jen Olmstead, my dear friend and longtime web designer (and Tonic Site Shop co-founder).

We’re talking about:

• What “KJ 3.0” really means and why bold, colorful confidence feels right in this season
• The biggest mistakes creatives make with their websites (and how to fix them!)
• Why your about page might be boring...and how to make it unforgettable!
• Jen’s accidental journey into entrepreneurship and designing brands like Wendy’s and maybe… Taylor Swift someday?
• How shame and self-doubt show up in branding (yes, even for 7-figure creatives)

PLUS: we unpack the one thing your website must do in 2025 if you want to actually stand out in a sea of “beige sandals.”

If my new site makes you want to refresh your own? You can save 15% at tonicsiteshop.com with my code KJSENTME 💻✨

This episode hit deep! If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one driving vision in your marriage or that your spouse doesn’t seem as invested, you’re not alone. Julia Woods and I dive into why vision casting as a couple can feel so challenging—and why it often triggers emotions like fear, shame, and frustration.

Julia shares powerful insights on:

• How vision exposes deeper beliefs about ourselves and our relationship.

• The tension between feeling like we’re “too much” or “not enough” in marriage.

• Why we default to blame instead of doing the deeper work within ourselves.

• The real purpose of vision casting—hint: it’s NOT just about planning trips or setting goals.

>> Learn more about Julia Woods Coaching

I walked away from this conversation so encouraged, especially by the reminder that failed vision meetings aren’t failures at all—they’re gifts that reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface.

If you’re struggling to get on the same page with your spouse, this episode will give you a whole new perspective!

Reflection Questions:

1️⃣ Before approaching a vision conversation, what stories am I telling myself about my spouse? Are they true?

2️⃣ How do I typically react when I feel unseen or unheard in vision planning?

3️⃣ What fears come up when I think about casting vision together? Am I afraid of being “too much” or “not enough”?

4️⃣ How can I shift from trying to get my spouse on my page to creating a page we both want to be on together?

5️⃣ What would it look like to approach vision casting from a place of humility and surrender instead of control?

Take a moment to sit with these before your next vision conversation—you might be surprised what comes up!

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What does success really mean? Is it about income, status, or something deeper?

In this episode, Michael and I sit down for a candid conversation about how our childhood shaped our views on success and how we’re intentionally redefining it for our own children.

We reflect on growing up in a small-town community, the hidden lessons we learned about money and work, and the challenges of raising kids in a world that often equates success with wealth and achievement.

We share three key ways we’re guiding our children in this area:

1. Focusing on Failure First – Helping our kids develop resilience and a healthy relationship with failure before they even define success.

2. Defining Success Holistically – Teaching them that success isn’t just about money or status but about relationships, impact, and purpose.

3. Highlighting Impact Over Income – Emphasizing service, generosity, and solving problems for others rather than chasing financial gain.

Whether you’re a parent or simply reflecting on your own definition of success, I hope this episode challenges you to think differently about what really matters!

Reflection Questions:

• What was your definition of success growing up? How did your parents influence that?
• Have you ever felt pressure to measure success by income or status? How has that shaped your decisions?
• If you’re a parent, what messages about success do you think your children are absorbing from you?
• How do you personally handle failure? Have you created space for yourself (or your kids) to fail without shame?

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>> Want to learn more about Acton Academy? Click here!

In this episode, I’m sharing how my perspective on business shifted from hustle to purpose and how I’ve seen God use my work as a ministry.

From unexpected conversations with clients to moments of service on wedding days, I reflect on the ways faith has overflowed into my business.

If you’ve ever wondered how your work could make a bigger impact, this episode will encourage you to see opportunities right where you are—whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or simply showing up for others.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Needs of the Heart by Chip Dodd
• The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd

Reflection Questions:

• How can I approach my work with a mindset of service rather than just completing tasks or meeting goals?
• Have I ever prayed for God to use my work for a greater purpose? If not, how can I start?

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In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I share a raw and honest recap of my December digital detox. Spoiler: it was nothing like I expected!

What started as a plan for distraction-free family memories quickly turned into a season of survival, self-discovery, and surprising lessons.

From navigating a rare allergy and health scares to the unexpected gifts of stepping away from social media, this episode is packed with reflections on intentional living in the midst of chaos.

KJ Reflection Questions:

• What would your life look like if you removed social media for a season?
• How might a digital detox help you reconnect with what matters most?

KJ Mentions:

My diagnosis of Alpha Gal Syndrome

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In this deeply personal episode, I’m opening up about my bizarre and life-changing journey with Alpha Gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy that has completely reshaped how I live.

From mysterious symptoms and terrifying reactions to the unexpected diagnosis and a functional medicine approach that’s brought relief, I’m sharing it all—the fear, the frustration, and ultimately, the hope and healing.

This isn’t just about an allergy; it’s about learning to care for yourself, embracing help, and living with intentionality, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

I’ll walk you through the resources that have helped me, the lessons I’ve learned, and how faith has carried me through this valley.

Whether you’re dealing with medical challenges, anxiety, or just the hard stuff of life, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is possible.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Needs of the Heart by Chip Dodd
• The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd
• SAAT Therapy (Acupuncture) by Dr. Solomon-trained practitioners
• Studies on vagus nerve function and allergy response (linked in the blog post accompanying this episode)

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In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I’m sharing why I’m stepping into a digital detox for the month of December!

I dive into the heart behind this decision—both the practical and spiritual motivations that led me to hit pause, especially on social media like Instagram. For me, this detox is about creating space to be more present with my family and making room for stillness and reflection in a season that’s often filled with noise and distraction.

I talk about the challenges technology brings to staying present, my hopes for this detox (like improving how I listen—to myself and to God), and how I’m planning to manage my social media presence during this time.

I’m excited for this journey, and I hope it inspires you to think about your own relationship with technology. Could a digital detox be the reset you need? Let’s explore it together!

MENTIONS:

The Anxious Generation Book

Aro Box

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Doing Life Differently

00:55 The December Digital Detox

02:45 Practical Reasons for the Detox

08:15 Spiritual Insights and Intentions

12:30 Logistics of the Detox

20:57 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of Doing Life Differently, I'm opening up about my family’s journey to a healthier, lower-toxicity home.

Our family has been learning so much about about food additives and dyes! So I'm sitting down to shares actionable steps and real-life insights that have helped my family reduce our toxic load and promote better health.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the topic of toxins this is an episode for you!! I hope you find encouragement that small, manageable changes can have a big impact!

MENTIONS:

Calley & Casey Means on the Joe Rogan Podcast

Truly Free Detergent

Crunchi

Organic Grassfed Tallow

Dye-Free Sprinkles

Thrive Market

Power Balls Recipe

Jonny Pops Popsicles