What do you do when you get feedback that wrecks you a little… but also wakes you up?

This week, I got some of the hardest critique I’ve ever received—about my work & how I show up. And while it wasn’t meant to be rude… it felt rude. It also happened to be exactly what I needed to hear.

In this episode, I’m talking candidly about what happens when growth gets real, your confidence gets rocked, and you have to decide what comes next. No bullet points. No fluff. Just the honest truth about where I’ve been lately—and where I’m going from here.

If you’ve ever felt knocked down by critique (even the loving kind), this one’s for you.

Show Notes:

This episode is for the moments when growth doesn’t feel good.

I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what happened this week:
→ The harsh feedback I didn’t see coming
→ Why it felt so personal
→ What I realized about my own confidence
→ And how I’m moving forward—with more clarity, less fear, and a little humor.

No expert teaching today—just a messy, real moment in motion.

• A raw look at the difference between critique and rejection

• The invisible line between being seen and feeling exposed

• What I’m learning about my own identity and feedback

• How I’m stretching into something bigger, even if it’s uncomfortable

• What’s the hardest piece of feedback you’ve ever received—and how did you handle it?

• Have you ever made something you loved that someone else ripped apart?

• What do you do when your confidence gets rocked?

• What’s something you’re afraid to admit about your creative or business journey?

In this episode:Ask Me Anything Questions (for you to answer or DM me):

Part two of my conversation with Lauren Mayer. In this episode, Lauren shares her journey to Korea to experience the latest innovations in Korean beauty treatments—and how that trip transformed the way she approaches skincare.

Connect with Lauren

https://blushshadeandbody.com/

https://www.instagram.com/blush.shade.body

https://www.tiktok.com/@blush.shade.body?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/Blush.Shade.Body/#

Olive Young

https://global.oliveyoung.com/

In this conversation, Lauren Mayer shares her journey in the beauty industry, focusing on her experiences with body sculpting and permanent makeup. She discusses the challenges of starting her own business, balancing personal life, and the importance of education in her field. Lauren highlights her innovative approaches to skincare, particularly in treating acne with Korean skincare products, and emphasizes the significance of authenticity in the skincare market.

Connect with Lauren

https://blushshadeandbody.com/

https://www.instagram.com/blush.shade.body

https://www.tiktok.com/@blush.shade.body?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/Blush.Shade.Body/#

Olive Young

https://global.oliveyoung.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lauren and Her Journey

03:47 Transitioning into the Beauty Industry

05:00 The Rise of Permanent Makeup and Body Sculpting

05:52 The Impact of Korean Skincare

08:12 Client Success Stories and Treatment Approaches

09:06 Understanding Korean Skincare Regulations

10:51 Navigating the Client Experience

In this episode of Just Figure Later, host Laura Stansberry shares personal updates, insights from a recent photography conference, and her vision for the future of the podcast. She discusses the challenges of balancing her photography business with podcasting, the importance of community support, and the need for self-care in the creative journey. Laura emphasizes the value of leaning into one's vision and the power of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals.

Find Laura

Web: Laura Stansberry Photography

Insta: Laura Stanberry Photography | Insta

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Life Updates

01:23 Behind the Scenes of Business Growth

03:22 Insights from the Tampa Photography Conference

09:26 Embracing Delusion and Confidence in Business

12:21Future of the Podcast and Final Thoughts

Mentions

Brittany Elise Photography

Focus & Flourish Conference

Shannon Griffin

J. Anne Photography

Today we got nothing. Laura has no voice. Without a voice there can be no podcast.

In this episode, Laura Stansberry reflects on her journey as a photographer and podcaster, discussing the purpose of her podcast, her transition into boudoir photography, and the challenges she faces in production. She emphasizes the importance of action over perfection, shares personal experiences that have shaped her, and expresses excitement for future community engagement and growth.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

05:02 Transitioning to Boudoir Photography

10:38 Challenges and Growth in Podcasting

14:47 Personal Growth and Mindfulness

20:58 Future Plans and Aspirations

28:26 The Impact of Mentorship

29:15 Anticipating Future Conversations

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Zaher, a master-certified health and wellness coach and former ship captain, to talk about her incredible journey from navigating the open seas to guiding others on their health journeys. We discuss the challenges of midlife health shifts, the power of strength training, and practical strategies for building sustainable wellness habits. Lindsay shares her expertise on prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and creating a nutrition plan that works for you—without restrictive diets or overwhelming routines. If you’re ready to take control of your health and feel strong, energized, and confident, this episode is packed with insights to help you get started!

How to Connect with Lindsay

Sailor Health Coaching

www.sailorhealthcoaching.com

• Instagram: @sailorhealthcoaching
• TikTok: @sailorhealthcoaching
• Email: [email protected]

Dan Go - 321

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danfounder/?hl=en
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kWLWq23NxY

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Zahner's Journey

03:26 The Impact of the Pandemic on Health and Career

07:40 Understanding Health Changes in Midlife

15:41 Debunking Myths About Metabolism and Weight Gain

17:59 Balancing Nutrition, Sleep, and Stress Management

23:04 The Pitfalls of Diet Trends

24:48 Personalizing Your Health Journey

25:37 Foundational Steps to Prioritize Health

28:05 The Role of Accountability in Health Success

29:14 Sustainable Efforts Over Perfection

31:42 Encouragement for Small Steps in Wellness

In this conversation, Laura Stansberry shares her journey from a career in EMS to becoming an EMT, her experiences with love and marriage, and the challenges of infertility. She discusses the impact of stress on fertility, the importance of community support, and how her personal struggles have shaped her perspective on life and relationships. Laura emphasizes the significance of empathy, communication, and personal growth through adversity, ultimately finding purpose in helping others navigate similar challenges.

Hannah Nelson

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram 

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Dr. Grant Nelson (STL Chiro) - www.STL-Chiro.com

• Dr. Jill Scherbel - https://scherbelclinic.com/

• Dr. Clay Brigance (Shiloh Counseling) - https://shilohcounselingllc.com/

• Change Raven (Alana Lerch) - www.changeravenllc.com• Justin Froelker - https://justinefroelker.com/

• The Crossing - www.thecrossing.church

• STL Fertility - https://www.stlfertility.com/

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• TURN MY MOURNING INTO DANCING 

• The Infertility Companion: Hope and Help for Couples Facing Infertility (Christian Medical Association)

• Suffer Strong: How to Survive Anything by Redefining Everything 

KEYWORDS:

EMS, infertility, marriage, community support, entrepreneurship, career transition, personal growth, mental health, resilience, worshiP

In this conversation, Laura Stansberry and Angela Barra explore themes of self-reflection, alignment, and the importance of creating purposeful spaces in our lives. They discuss the power of journaling, the significance of embracing discomfort, and the role of breath work and yoga in mental health. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support and practical tools for personal growth and alignment.

Connect with Angela

Website: Arcana Collaborative

Professional Instagram: @arcana.collaborative

Personal Instagram: @angela.berra

YouTube: Arcana Collaborative

Podcast: Lean In and Listen

Facebook: Arcana Collaborative

Angela's Upcoming Events

Mocktails and Mindfulness - Feb 12, 2025

Next Bound for Better Book Club - Feb 19, 2025

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

01:58Angela's Journey to Arcana Collaborative

05:41 Understanding Alignment and Authenticity

11:25 The Importance of Internal Dialogue

14:49 Navigating Grief and Change

19:59 Mental Health Support and Breath Work

26:32 The Transformative Power of Yoga

28:59 Practical Steps for Alignment

30:51 Exploring the Art of Journaling

33:32 Movement as a Form of Connection

35:19 Understanding and Expressing Personal Values

38:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery

41:13 The Power of Storytelling and Connection

43:30 Introduction to Angela's Events

44:20 Mocktails and Mindfulness: A Celebration of Self-Love

44:49 Bound for Better Book Club: A Journey of Self-Growth

45:05 Upcoming Guest: Hannah Nelson and Her Story

In this engaging conversation, Laura and Jesse Stansberry share their journey from a memorable first date to building a successful business together, BrewHop STL. They discuss the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, maintaining a work-life balance, and the importance of prioritizing their relationship. With humorous anecdotes from their brewery tours and insights into their personal lives, this episode offers a heartfelt look at love, business, and the craft beer community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marriage and Business

11:03 The Journey of BrewHop STL

21:23 Balancing Work and Personal Life

32:27 Advice for Couples in Business

36:42 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

keywords

dating, love story, BrewHop, entrepreneurship, photography, work-life balance, marriage, craft beer, St. Louis, relationships