It’s the quarterly business bestie chat! In this episode, Colie James and I are sharing an honest recap of Q2 and what’s coming up next for our businesses. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

Review the Show Notes: 

Colie’s offer pivot (2:35)

Replacing sales calls (4:24)

Sabrina’s summer camp (5:37)

Root to Rise revamp (8:44)

Systems in Session tweaks (11:22)

Ads strategy (14:01)

New freebie waitlists (16:40)

Launch ethics drama (20:52)

Root to Rise launch results (22:56)

Colie’s launch timing (28:56)

Summer launch experience (32:10)

Price versus trust objections (33:03)

Micro-wins build confidence (36:48)

Trial week idea (38:16)

Pricing and logistics (41:12)

Audits as downsell (48:04)

New fall retainer offer (50:32)

Serving Q3 and Q4 plans (51:46)

Sharing client wins (52:48)

Mentioned in this episode:

Systems in Session: coliejames.com/systems-in-session

The Experience Edit: coliejames.com/the-experience-edit

Root to Rise: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membership

Summer Camp: sabrina-gebhardt.myflodesk.com/summercamp

Our Quarterly Business Bestie Chats:

Q2 2026: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/194-q2-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james 

Q1 2026: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/183-q1-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james

Q4 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/165-q4-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james

Q3 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james

Q2 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q2-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james

Q1 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/128-q1-2025-business-bestie-chat

Q4 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q4-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james

Q3 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james

Q2 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/88-q2-business-besties-chat-with-colie-james

Q1 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/75-quarterly-business-chat-with-colie-james

Connect with Colie:

Podcast: coliejames.com/podcast

Instagram: instagram.com/coliejames

Website: coliejames.com

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might know your enneagram type, but what does it mean for your business? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, known as Enneagram Ashton, about how understanding the enneagram can help support you as a business owner. Plus, we’re diving into the deeper motivations for each type, burnout and stress responses, and how to use the enneagram to set your business up for more success. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

Make sure you’ve hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes!

Review the Show Notes:

Meet Ashton (2:01)

What is the Enneagram and what it does for you (3:54)

Common patterns among Enneagram types (6:00)

Combating burnout and overwhelm with identity work (7:38)

How burnout differs among Enneagram types (14:13)

How your Enneagram type impacts how you show up (17:32) 

The connection between Enneagram types, confidence, and money (19:20)

How the Enneagram can help you manage stress (24:20)

Where to start with using the Enneagram as a business tool (28:26)

Connect with Ashton:

Website: enneagramashton.com

Instagram: instagram.com/enneagramashton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashton-whitmoyer-ober

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feel like you’re constantly working and still not making money from your business? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with money and business coach Erinn Bridgman about why that might be the case. We’re getting real about how you can have success in your business but still feel broke, plus how to actually get on top of your financial stress.

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

Review the Show Notes:

Meet Erinn (1:43)

From wedding photographer to money coach (2:44)

Why you’re still stressed about money (5:15)

When you have success but still feel broke (10:11)

How to actually pay yourself (18:26)

Why more money isn’t always the answer to financial stress (28:21)

One thing to do this week to get a better handle on your money (36:39)

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Your Money Glow Up Quiz: go.erinnbridgman.com/money-glowup-quiz

Connect with Erinn:

Website: erinnbridgman.com

Instagram: instagram.com/erinn_bridgman

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you constantly working, but feel like you’re still behind? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with accountability coach Amanda McKinney about the common problems entrepreneurs face with overwhelm and not having enough time. Plus, where to start to get out of that “stuck” feeling. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

Review the Show Notes:

Meet Amanda (1:51)

Time is not the problem, overcommitment is (6:06)

The trick to adding something in when you’re already overwhelmed (17:16)

When you’re so overwhelmed, you freeze (25:25)

Feeling uncomfortable with white space (29:12)

Approaching your goals with intentional design (32:18)

Re-building your self-trust (37:44)

Being busy and “productive” versus making progress on what matters (43:55)

Where to start if you always feel behind (47:39)

Connect with Amanda:

Website: amandamckinney.com

Instagram: instagram.com/theamandamckinney

Accountable Podcast: amandamckinney.com/podcast

Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur’s Guide To Success: amandamckinney.com/book

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the secret to being a great storyteller? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Jen Olmstead, co-founder of Tonic Site Shop and storytelling extraordinaire. We’re diving into why photographers and entrepreneurs need to include storytelling in their marketing, plus a real example where Jen turns one of my wildest stories into an epic business email. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

Review the Show Notes:

Meet Jen (2:01)

Why Jen has so much material (4:12) 

To the entrepreneur who thinks their life is “too boring” for storytelling (6:24)

The framework for crafting a story and tying it into your business (11:12)

Relating a wild story to your business and audience (18:38)

Where you’re getting it wrong connecting stories to your business (21:16)

Turning one of Sabrina’s stories into a business email (24:23)

How to get better at telling stories (33:08)

Why photographers need to tell stories (35:53)

Connect with Jen:

Email List: tonicsiteshop.com/tonic-vip

Website: tonicsiteshop.com

Instagram: instagram.com/tonicsiteshop

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your business feel stuck? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Tara Cory, a recent member of my Root To Rise mastermind. Tara shares her journey of overcoming challenges in order to finally have a thriving photography business.

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. 

Review the Show Notes:

Meet Tara Cory (1:34)

Tara’s business prior to Root To Rise (2:23)

What led Tara to joining the program (8:24)

What surprised Tara the most about Root To Rise (12:22)

Tara’s mindset and boundaries shift (18:08)

Tara’s biggest challenge through the mastermind (22:54)

The impact of being around the other women (25:47)

Tara’s thoughts on the Root To Rise retreat (28:40)

Tara’s business achievements thanks to Root To Rise (30:47)

If you’re on the fence about Root To Rise (34:04)

How to tell if Root To Rise is meant for you (or not) (35:32)

Tara’s exciting wins (40:48)

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Connect with Tara:

Website: taralee618.com

Instagram: instagram.com/taraleephoto

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever signed up for a coaching program… and not gotten results? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my perspective as a coach and the hard truth about why that might be. Plus, what you need to do in order to have success in the next program you join. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist.

Review the Show Notes: 

You have to be committed (2:40) 

You have to be coachable (10:26)

The problem is you, not the programs (23:28)

How to actually get results (29:34)

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the 200th episode of Shoot It Straight! On this very special episode, I am joined by my daughter, Emerson. We’re interviewing each other and diving into life with an entrepreneur for a mom, lessons I’ve learned over years of motherhood and business, plus our upcoming life transition. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight.

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. 

Review the Show Notes: 

What did Sabrina want to be when she was her daughter’s age? (3:00)

Has Emerson always understood what Sabrina did for work? (5:04)

What are Sabrina’s non-negotiables in business and motherhood? (6:09)

Emerson’s memories of Sabrina working (10:35)

Did Sabrina miss out on family stuff because of the business? (13:59)

When Emerson felt proud of Sabrina (16:47)

When things got really hard, what kept Sabrina from quitting? (19:14)

What Emerson has seen Sabrina struggle with (25:19)

If Sabrina could go back to when Emerson was little, what would she do differently? (30:32)

How watching Sabrina has changed what Emerson wants her own life to look like (34:09)

Sabrina and Emerson’s relationship when Emerson is an adult (35:48)

Something Emerson wishes people knew about Sabrina (41:38)

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Episode 190 From Skeptical to Obsessed with Jaiden Hamilton: 

sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/190-from-skeptical-to-obsessed-with-jaiden-hamilton

Episode 100: Childhood, Intuition, and High-Achieving Women with D’Arcy Benincosa: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/100-childhood-intuition-and-high-achieving-women-with-darcy-benincosa

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you found your business bestie? In today’s episode, I’m diving into the importance of photographer friendships and why they lead to greater success for your business. Plus, I’m sharing real-life examples of how having photographer friends has changed mine and my students’ lives. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. 

Review the Show Notes:

The cost of going it alone (1:48)

“I don’t have time” (5:00)

Stories from myself and students (8:25)

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Episode 194: Q2 2026 Business Bestie Chat with Colie James: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/194-q2-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-james

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you pushing off your email marketing? Maybe you think you only need to email your list a few times a year, when you’re offering mini-sessions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what photographers get wrong when it comes to email marketing. 

The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. 

This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. 

Review the Show Notes:

The numbers prove the value of email marketing (3:11)

The shift in your strategy (4:56)

Emailing only when you’re selling (6:19)

Selling to the same list over and over (9:17)

“I don’t have anything to say outside of my business” (10:16)

Email does not have to be salesy or formal (13:32)

Email is a relationship tool (15:32)

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlist

Episode 193: Why Your Mini Sessions Aren’t Selling Out Anymore (It’s Not Your Pricing Or Your Photos): sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/193-why-your-mini-sessions-arent-selling-out-anymore-its-not-your-pricing-or-your-photos

Connect with Sabrina:

Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardt

TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.