Shine Podcast with Shanna Star

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In this solo episode- I get honest about client red flags and why the biggest warning signs show up before you ever book the job. I share a tough early-career story that reshaped how I screen clients, write contracts, set boundaries, and protect my time and peace.

• a real engagement shoot story that reveals early warning signs 
• communication red flags like evasive answers, rude messages, and unrealistic response expectations 
• money red flags including discount demands, payment delays, and contract haggling 
• scope red flags like revision overload, raw file requests, and unclear usage rights 
• instinct-based red flags and why your gut is pattern recognition 
• a practical vetting process with calls, questionnaires, and non-negotiables 
• staying open to client questions while holding firm boundaries 
• pricing confidence and using real monthly numbers to set rates

please contact me and you can send me a DM on Instagram. It’s Shine Podcast with Shauna Star, or you can even email me [email protected] too 
if you love today’s episode, I would love and appreciate if you repost this on your Instagram 

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

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We break down why in-person events are becoming even more valuable in the age of AI, and how real community can change the trajectory of your business. Angelica Pompey shares practical ways to network with intention, turn conversations into collaborations, and use Instagram and email marketing to keep relationships warm. 
• building community as a growth strategy for creative women entrepreneurs 
• setting an intention before events to make time and money count 
• volunteering strategically to get in the room and grow your email list 
• why relationships generate revenue more than quick business card swaps 
• simple follow-up systems using Instagram, voice notes, video DMs, and connection calls 
• what is working on Instagram now: story-led carousels, reels, and consistent posting 
• storytelling that creates demand and brings in qualified leads 
• building an owned audience with email marketing so your business is not tied to the algorithm 
• the “Secret To Your Next Instagram Sale” free resource and how it helps sell without “book now” 
• Business Church Live summit details and why intentional networking is designed into it 

Connect and follow Angelica Pompy

The secret to your next instagram sale 

https://angelicapompy.com/instagram-secret

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelicapompy/

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

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Keep Shining- Shanna Star

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We talk with Nida about why the quality of our relationships is one of the highest-return assets in life and business, especially as AI makes everything feel faster and less personal. We share practical ways to build community, stay intentional about friendships, and expand your circle without turning people into transactions. 
• defining network versus real relationships 
• using a simple grading system for closeness and trust 
• naming the energy drain of overinvesting in the wrong people 
• building deep relationships while also going broad strategically 
• why acquaintances often create the biggest career opportunities 
• keeping up with people using WhatsApp lists and personalized outreach 
• why the human touch matters more with deepfakes and scams 
• the idea behind IRL as a “second brain” for relationships 
• Nita’s path from introvert to super connector through hosting and TEDx 
• hosting dinners, walks, and small gatherings as community leadership 

Connect and follow Nida Leard 

https://www.instagram.com/nidaleardofficial

Join the IRL waitlist 

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

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Keep Shining- Shanna Star

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I had the opportunity to chat with Jessica Rhodes, founder of Interview Connections, to talk about why podcast guesting is the rare kind of marketing that builds real connection instead of leaving us burned out. We share practical steps for getting booked, what makes a pitch feel professional, and why relationships still matter more than automation as AI changes the landscape. 
• podcast guesting as connection-first marketing for remote entrepreneurs 
• feeling “full” after interviews as a sign of alignment 
• building instant credibility and social proof through guest appearances 
• confidence gains from real-time feedback with a host 
• choosing interview topics based on client problems and transformations 
• pitching like a human instead of an AI template blast 
• including a one sheet with headshot, bio, links, topics, and questions 
• finding active podcasts using Listen Notes, Rephonic, Podmatch, and groups 
• quick research hack by searching where peers have guested 
• Jessica’s origin story as a new mom and virtual assistant 
• scaling from hourly work to packages, pricing, and an agency model 
• returning to CEO role and reshaping the company vision 
• competing with low-cost AI tools while protecting quality 
• handling change, grief, and identity shifts as a founder 
• why rest and nervous system care improves business results 

Connect and follow Jessica  

https://interviewconnections.com/

https://interviewconnections.com/podcast/ 

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

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We follow the clues behind fatigue, brain fog, cravings, irritability, and shutdown and trace them back to nervous system overload instead of personal failure. Lori Montry shows us how survival adaptations shape behavior and how a simple daily check-in can rebuild safety, capacity, and real choice. 
• common nervous system distress signals such as sleep issues, low energy, brain fog, cravings, irritability and chronic symptoms 
• Lori’s personal path from early adaptations to somatic healing work and nervous system education 
• why trauma is not a contest and why “small” experiences still shape protective patterns 
• shifting from controlling the nervous system to building a relationship with it 
• the graduated cylinder 1–10 model for mapping regulation, activation and shutdown 
• using thoughts, sensations, emotions and behaviors as data points for self-awareness 
• how shutdown can mimic calm and why the body is the reliable compass 
• why behavior change fails in survival mode and how to reduce time spent at 6+ 
• attuned self-care prompts like “What does this need?” and “What would feel good right now?” 

Follow Lori and get her book! 

https://www.lorimontry.com/

Take the free quiz 

https://yourenottheproblem.com/quiz

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

Support the show

Keep Shining- Shanna Star

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Malaysia talks about what spiritual alignment actually looks like when you are successful on paper but struggling inside. We connect trauma, grief, purpose, and peace, and we get honest about what it costs to keep performing instead of healing. 
• spirituality as alignment and awareness rather than religion 
• repeated patterns in work and relationships as a signal to look inward 
• reframing a survival job as an investor in your purpose 
• unacknowledged trauma and grief living in the body 
• miscarriage loss and creating rituals and support that women rarely receive 
• Malaysia’s near-death sepsis story and why self-advocacy matters in healthcare 
• preparing for what you pray for by building systems and practicing stewardship 
• recognizing alignment as peace even during change, grief, and chaos 
• combating loneliness through community, creativity, nature, and prayer 

Follow Malaysia https://www.instagram.com/malaysiahharrell

download your copy of "The Becoming Manifestation Guide"

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

Support the show

Keep Shining- Shanna Star

Send us Fan Mail

Kay talks about why receiving feels so vulnerable for so many women, from compliments and gifts to support, money, and bigger opportunities. We name the habits that keep us shrinking and share practical ways to build self-worth, confidence, and emotional capacity so we can let good things land. 
• why giving is easy and receiving can trigger guilt and self-doubt 
• how rejecting a compliment rejects the giver’s joy too 
• fear of success and “waiting for the shoe to drop” mindset 
• affirmations, journaling, and speaking worth out loud 
• a simple breath-and-pause practice to actually receive praise 
• using encouragement in DMs and being mindful of online negativity 
• over-apologizing, trauma patterns, and taking up space 
• replaying conversations, anxiety spirals, and learning to move on 
• confidence as the result of receiving and showing up fully 
• dimming our glow to avoid growth, loss, or visibility 
• health, chronic illness, gratitude, and asking for help 

Connect and follow Kay 

https://www.instagram.com/discovering_kay

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

Support the show

Keep Shining- Shanna Star

Send us Fan Mail

We talk with personal branding photographer and educator Heike Delmore about creating brand photos that actually support your business goals instead of just looking pretty. We break down how to plan imagery that feels authentic, builds trust fast, and helps you show up as who you are becoming. 
• the difference between influencer style photos and strategic personal branding photography 
• why showing your face builds connection and makes your business more memorable 
• what goes wrong after a shoot: overposting, underposting, and imposter syndrome 
• how to choose a branding photographer who understands marketing and messaging 
• questions to ask yourself about perception, identity shifts, and brand direction 
• how to plan outfits across professional, business casual, and casual looks 
• using “purpose” images so every photo supports a specific offer or goal 
• updating brand photos yearly and bridging the gap to your next level identity 

Follow and work with Heike: https://www.heikedelmore.com/

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

Support the show

Keep Shining- Shanna Star

Send us Fan Mail

We sit down with Andrea Engstrom to unpack how she bets on herself, walks away from a comfortable job, and builds a six-figure coaching launch through clarity, confidence, and referrals. We get practical about organic Facebook growth, workshop strategy, and why the inner work matters just as much as the business plan.
• betting on yourself and taking the leap with a date on the calendar
• choosing an offer based on your current circle of influence and what people already ask you for
• building organic leads through Facebook friends, consistent posting, and priming your profile
• hosting a free workshop and using a free next step to drive sales conversations
• urgency and frequency of activity through repeat workshops and direct outreach
• mapping a signature coaching program with the rule of threes and selling from the outline
• building confidence through action and doing the messy reps
• five ways to double income through leads, conversion, pricing, repeat sales, and profit margin
• using referrals and strategic partnerships to get higher quality leads that close faster
• making referrals easy with scripts, clear steps, and a simple intro process
 
I have a workshop that you can register for on my website, https://andreaengstrom.com/. My workshop is 100k in 90 days for keys to launch your own coaching program. 

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

Support the show

Keep Shining- Shanna Star

Send us Fan Mail

Let's start to rethink what leadership really is and why the most powerful leaders often have no formal title. We talk through practical ways to build influence, fight imposter syndrome, prevent burnout, and create a workplace culture where women back each other. 
• redefining leadership as impact, inspiration, and influence instead of titles 
• learning leadership through Toastmasters, public speaking, feedback, and active listening 
• leading teams when you feel too young and building trust through action 
• showing leadership through kindness, initiative, and mentoring others 
• handling imposter syndrome with self-talk, reframing, and documenting wins 
• preventing burnout with priorities, time blocking, sleep, and balance 
• career growth advice on networking, LinkedIn, mentors, and coffee chats 
• building women’s empowerment at work by supporting ideas and sharing opportunities 
• finding community through women-led networking groups and social events 
• remembering self-care matters and letting go of guilt 

https://linktr.ee/urmihossain

People can connect with me on LinkedIn. It’s called Urmiho Sign. I also have a YouTube page called Urmiho Sign. I have a podcast called Stories Beyond Borders, which is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And my book is available on Amazon. It’s called Discovering Your Identity, a Rebirth from Integration Struggle. If people can just Google like Women in Leadership Foundation, they will find out about the work that we do on a national level 

Are you ready to streamline your business and elevate your client experience? Right now you can get 30% off with my discount code: https://share.honeybook.com/shannastar

You can try Pic Time for free with my code and get an extra free month when you upgrade to a paid plan: head to the notes and click the link to start your beautiful galleries today

https://davistaphotography.pic-time.com/referral

Support the show

Keep Shining- Shanna Star