Unpacking Taxes and Business Myths with CPA Helena Sweeter

In this episode of the Climb Tribe podcast, host Kelsey sits down with Helena Sweeter, a distinguished CPA and bookkeeper, to delve into the intricacies of business taxes.

Helena shares expert insights on tax management, debunking common myths about business entities, and offers advice on expenses, bookkeeping, and the importance of separate bank accounts. The discussion covers vital topics for small business owners, such as choosing the right business entity and understanding tax obligations. Helena also provides practical steps to simplify bookkeeping with software recommendations like QuickBooks and Gusto.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, ensuring listeners can navigate their tax obligations with confidence and clarity.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:50 Meet Helena Sweeter: CPA and Bookkeeper Extraordinaire

01:08 Helena's Journey: From Big Four to Sweeter CPA

03:18 The Birth of Sweeter CPA

08:38 Understanding Business Expenses

14:04 Navigating Car Expenses for Your Business

18:57 Common Tax Surprises and Misconceptions

24:42 Filing Taxes: Key Deadlines and Business Structures

34:30 Understanding S Corporation Taxation

35:00 Salary and Profit Streams in S Corporations

35:22 Tax Implications of S Corporation Profits

35:38 When to Consider Becoming an S Corporation

36:58 DIY S Corporations: Common Mistakes

38:20 The Importance of Consulting an Accountant

42:00 Bookkeeping Tips for Business Owners

45:41 Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Software

54:14 Sales Tax Considerations for Photographers

01:00:03 Final Thoughts and Resources

Book your dream elopement

Business coaching for photographers with Kelsey

In this episode of the Climb Tribe podcast, host Kelsey is joined by her friend Alyssa for an in-depth discussion on Alyssa's recent vow renewal.

They chat about the significance of the renewal, the changes and challenges Alyssa and her husband Greg have faced since their wedding, and the intentionality behind their commitment. Alyssa shares stories from their memorable day at Glacier National Park, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful milestones irrespective of time. The episode also touches on the contrast between wedding days and vow renewals, highlighting the personal and less performative nature of the latter.

Both Kelsey and Alyssa reflect on the joy and freedom found in the adventure of renewing vows, offering listeners inspiration to celebrate love at any stage.

00:00 Introduction and Latest Obsessions

01:14 Alyssa's Original Wedding

02:16 Inspiration for the Vow Renewal

05:53 The Vow Renewal Day

08:38 Reflections on the Vow Renewal

16:02 Working with the Photographer

23:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

consult call

In this episode of the Climb Tribe podcast, host Kelsey welcomes feminist business coach Becky Mollenkamp to discuss the challenging yet crucial topic of asking for what we want and learning to receive.

Becky shares her journey, insights on avoiding toxic corporate leadership styles, and the importance of embracing our true desires. They delve into family dynamics, cultural conditioning, and the impact of religion on our ability to ask. Becky provides practical advice on being direct without being demanding and swapping out unhelpful emotional responses.

She also highlights her work with various podcasts and offers a mini-course to help listeners get better at identifying and asking for their needs. Tune in to learn how to break free from societal conditioning and empower yourself to ask and receive what you deserve.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:02 Becky's Background and Business Ventures

05:11 Empowerment and Asking for What We Want

05:39 Latest Obsessions and Personal Insights

11:24 Challenges in Asking and Receiving

26:23 Understanding the Power of Asking

26:56 Distinguishing Between Demands and Boundaries

28:22 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Asking

29:15 Gender Differences in Communication

32:23 Developing Emotional Intelligence

37:52 The Importance of Naming Emotions

44:02 Reframing Emotions as Helpful or Harmful

47:21 Conclusion and Resources

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Feminist Podcasters Collective

Hey Climb Tribe! 

This episode is a must-listen if you're feeling overwhelmed by choices and burnt out. Host Kelsey and the incredible Dr. Ruby Rhoden, a licensed psychologist and founder of Lavender Therapy, dive deep into the concept of decision fatigue. 

They cover why our brains get bogged down by too many choices, how it connects to burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries. Dr. Ruby shares insights on how to streamline your day by delegating tasks, using your community, and understanding the root causes of your need to be useful. Plus, they explore how decision fatigue shows up differently for entrepreneurs and people-pleasers, and offer practical self-care strategies. Tune in to learn how to give yourself a break and reclaim your energy!

You can book a free 15-minute consultation to explore how therapy with Dr. Ruby can help reduce your decision fatigue here: www.thelavendertherapy.com

Follow Dr Ruby on Instagram: @dr.rubyny

Join Kelsey in this episode of the Climb Tribe podcast as she takes you behind the scenes of a memorable elopement she photographed at Arches National Park.

From the first inquiry email to the final epic adventure, Kelsey details the unique elements that made Hannah and Casey's special day unforgettable. Listeners get an inside look at the planning process, the couple's heartfelt review, and strategic details like pricing and package offerings. Kelsey shares personal anecdotes, technical tips, and key takeaways for photographers looking to capture authentic, adventurous weddings.

Tune in to learn how to create meaningful, fun, and enduring wedding memories for your clients.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:37 Reading the Couple's Review

03:19 Inquiry and Booking Process

06:06 Planning the Perfect Elopement

08:03 The Wedding Day Experience

10:03 Capturing the Ceremony and Photos

14:56 Post-Ceremony Celebrations

18:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

19:39 Coaching and Workshops

Hey Climb Tribe!

Today, I'm getting real about my own struggles with goal chasing and how I found a system that works—it's called the Summit Vision System.

We'll dive into creating a five-year vision of who you want to become and break it down into actionable steps. I'm sharing insights from James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' and real success stories like Kat's, who transformed her business using my system.

We'll explore identity-based goals, creating five-year, one-year, and quarterly plans, and building a business that truly aligns with who you are.

Kelsey shares her personal journey of chasing goals, feeling inadequate, and the transformative power of the Summit Vision System. She explains how this system shifts focus from outcomes to identity-based goals, helping individuals build a meaningful business and life.

Kelsey highlights the importance of small, actionable steps and offers guidance on establishing a five-year vision, breaking it down into yearly and quarterly goals.

She also emphasizes the role of healthy habits and systems in achieving long-term success. Tune in to learn how to create a business and life that feels aligned and fulfilling.

00:00 Introduction to The Climb with Kelsey

00:12 Getting Real: My Messy Story of Chasing Goals

05:59 The Summit Vision System: A New Approach to Goal Setting

08:36 Creating Your Summit Vision System

13:07 Implementing Systems for Success

18:00 Final Takeaways and Encouragement

Hey Climb Tribe!

Today, I'm getting real about my own struggles with goal chasing and how I found a system that works—it's called the Summit Vision System. We'll dive into creating a five-year vision of who you want to become and break it down into actionable steps.

I'm sharing insights from James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' and real success stories like Kat's, who transformed her business using my system.

We'll explore identity-based goals, creating five-year, one-year, and quarterly plans, and building a business that truly aligns with who you are.

Grab the FREE workbook in the show notes.

00:00 Introduction to The Climb with Kelsey

00:12 Getting Real: My Messy Story of Chasing Goals

05:59 The Summit Vision System: A New Approach to Goal Setting

08:36 Creating Your Summit Vision System

13:07 Implementing Systems for Success

18:00 Final Takeaways and Encouragement

They Said ‘You Can’t’ — She Saddled Up and Did It Anyway

Katie Davis, a jockey, shares her experiences of being underestimated, including a pivotal moment when her agent told her she wouldn't make it. Katie's resilience and determination are evident as she recounts her path, from dropping out and then returning to high school, to her relentless pursuit of a career in horse racing despite numerous setbacks.

She emphasizes the importance of inner drive, believing in oneself, and the support of those who truly understand your vision.

Katie's journey is a testament to pushing through adversity, making doubters into believers, and achieving personal and professional success on one's own terms.

In this episode, Kelsey interviews Katie Davis, a trailblazing female jockey in a male-dominated sport. Katie shares her journey of overcoming numerous challenges and doubters, including her own agent and family members, to carve out a successful career in horse racing. From nearly giving up after a severe injury to proving skeptics wrong by winning major races, Katie's tenacity and resilience shine through. She discusses the importance of self-belief, the role of supportive mentors, and balancing career ambitions with personal life. Katie’s story is a powerful testament to following one's passion and not letting anyone else's doubts dictate your path.

00:00 Introduction and Wedding Anecdotes

00:52 Navigating Name Changes in Horse Racing

02:24 Balancing Motherhood and Jockeying

07:06 Childhood and Early Love for Horses

13:19 Teenage Rebellion and Finding Direction

18:06 Challenges and Determination in Jockey Career

36:34 Considering Maryland for Racing

38:14 The Hustle to Succeed

39:26 Facing Doubts and Overcoming Challenges

45:56 Balancing Career and Family

49:20 Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery

51:57 Persistence in the Racing Industry

57:34 Proving the Doubters Wrong

01:03:58 Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Fields

01:08:02 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Hey Climb Tribe! 

Get ready to own your brand and book adventurous couples without overthinking. In this workshop, Kelsey introduces the Wildfire Method, which unfolds over five transformative steps: from conquering imposter syndrome to defining your ideal client.

The session dives deep into comprehensive strategies like brand messaging, client empathy, and leveraging reviews to stand out. She also covers effectively positioning yourself as the guide in your clients' love stories.

Packed with actionable tips and personal anecdotes, Kelsey promises to transform your brand in just seven days. Grab your notebooks and get ready to book the couples of your dreams!

Wildfire Method: Booking Adventurous Couples Without Overthinking

Join Kelsey in this episode as she introduces the Wildfire Method, a comprehensive guide to attracting adventurous elopement couples without second-guessing your brand. Over the next hour, learn to overcome imposter syndrome, define your unique qualities, identify your ideal clients, and position yourself as a trusted guide. Through personal stories, interactive exercises, and strategic tips, Kelsey breaks down the steps to clear messaging and engaging social media content. Gain insights on addressing internal anxieties, elevating your client experience, and crafting a strong brand message that resonates deeply with potential clients. Tune in and transform the way you approach your elopement photography business.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Wildfire Method

00:26 Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Wildfire Method

01:17 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

04:55 Reframing Your Narrative and Building Confidence

09:18 Discovering Your Why and Branding Boldly

12:56 Seven-Day Branding Challenge

15:12 Determining Your Ideal Client

20:39 Understanding Why Couples Choose to Elope

22:32 Becoming the Trusted Guide for Your Clients

23:22 The Hero's Journey: Positioning Your Client as the Star

23:52 Becoming the Guide: Shifting Your Brand Messaging

24:15 Identifying the Hero and the Guide in the Story

25:59 Understanding the Client's Problems

29:09 Solving the Obvious Problem: Need for an Elopement Photographer

33:47 Addressing Internal Problems: Emotions and Insecurities

37:24 The Unspoken Why: Creating Authentic Wedding Experiences

41:56 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

43:02 Q&A: Implementing Your New Marketing Strategy

The Rest Revolution: Transforming Productivity for Photographers

In this episode of The Climb with Kelsey, host Kelsey tackles the pervasive myth in the photography industry that rest is a luxury or a sign of laziness. Drawing insights from books like 'Rest' by Alex Soja and 'The Art of Rest' by Claudia Hammond, as well as her own experiences, Kelsey reveals how intentional rest can enhance productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.

The episode covers the different forms of rest, from physical and mental to creative and sensory, emphasizing the importance of integrating rest into one’s daily routine. Kelsey also shares practical steps for prioritizing rest alongside work, encouraging photographers to see rest as an essential component of their business strategy. Real-world examples from successful figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bill Gates, and Ariana Huffington illustrate how rest fuels success.

Lastly, Kelsey offers actionable tips for scheduling rest and staying balanced, urging listeners to redefine their approach to productivity.

00:00 Welcome to The Climb with Kelsey

00:57 Latest Obsessions and Listener Favorites

06:16 The Importance of Rest in Productivity

08:17 Debunking Rest Myths

10:52 Symptoms and Consequences of Burnout

15:49 Scientific Insights on Rest and Productivity

20:19 The Science of Rest: What Really Makes Us Feel Rested

20:57 Mini Rant: Resting is Not Laziness

22:15 Active Rest: Energizing Your Creative Cup

23:07 Famous People and Their Rest Strategies

26:32 Personal Rest Experiences and Physical Activity

28:54 The Seven Types of Rest You Need

32:05 Why Photographers Must Prioritize Rest

36:14 Actionable Tips for Intentional and Active Rest

37:53 Conclusion: Rest is Your Business's Best Friend