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Some transformations are born in quiet moments. Others are forged in fire.

In this conversation with Stef Graston, we go far beyond the highlight reel of running a photography business. Stef shares her journey from building success in a small Colorado town, to starting over in Charlotte, NC — and facing setbacks that would make most people walk away. From losing her studio to navigating the raw grief of miscarriage, Stef’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and turning pain into profound purpose.

You’ll hear:

• Why moving markets doesn’t guarantee success — and how to rebuild when your safety nets are gone
• The hidden cost of “survival mode” and how it impacts creativity and growth
• The power of connecting your work to your deepest values and lived experiences
• How The Nova Project is helping women process and honor miscarriage and child loss through art, storytelling, and community
• Why campaigns that are rooted in heart — not just revenue — can create both deep impact and sustainable business

This episode is about more than photography or business strategy. It’s about reclaiming your story, creating meaning from what was meant to break you, and allowing your work to be an extension of your own healing.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a season of loss into a legacy — or if you’ve felt the pull to create something bigger than yourself — Stef’s journey will remind you that your next chapter can start right here, right now.

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What if your next level wasn’t about doing more — but about creating space to be more?

In this conversation with Sissela, we explore the art of building a business and life that reflect not only your skill, but your values, vision, and pace. From refining your offer to structuring your days, she shares how intentional choices can lead to more freedom, more impact, and more fulfillment.

Inside, we talk about:

• Designing your business around your life, not the other way around
• Finding the balance between ambition and alignment
• The mindset shifts that turn “busy” into “purposeful”
• How clarity in your vision makes decision-making effortless
• Why your next level is less about adding and more about refining

This episode isn’t about chasing someone else’s version of success — it’s about crafting yours.

If you’ve been craving a way to expand without burning out, to grow while staying grounded, and to step into a business that truly reflects you, this conversation is your sign to move forward with intention.

Press play. Your next level is already waiting.

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What if “success” as you’ve been chasing it isn’t the version that will actually fulfill you?

In this conversation with photographer and former corporate leader Cate Scaglione, we move past the surface of business strategy and into the heart of alignment - building a life and business that supports your values instead of eroding them.

Kate shares her journey from high-powered, high-stress corporate roles to crafting a photography business rooted in creativity, peace, and purpose. We talk about:

• Redefining success so it’s measured by more than revenue
• Building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it
• Infusing luxury and intentional detail into every client touchpoint
• Pricing confidently without apology — and without losing yourself in the chase
• Using your values as the ultimate filter for decisions, growth, and scale

This episode isn’t about doing more — it’s about becoming more of who you already are, and letting that be the driver of your business, your artistry, and your impact.

If you’re ready to step off the treadmill of “more, faster, bigger” and instead step into your most aligned, next-level self, this conversation is your sign.

Press play. Your evolution starts here.

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Cat Ford-Coates and Pratik Naik explore the evolving landscape of AI in the creative industry, particularly in photography. They discuss the duality of AI's impact, from fear and uncertainty to excitement and opportunity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of adaptability, intentionality, and the human experience in a tech-driven world. They also touch on environmental considerations, the role of curiosity, and the potential for AI to enhance creativity while urging listeners to remain open-minded and proactive in shaping the future.


Takeaways

• AI is constantly evolving, and opinions about it are shifting.
• The creative process can be enhanced by AI tools.
• It's essential to question the impact of AI on society and personal value.
• AI can help clarify creative visions and improve communication.
• Environmental impacts of AI usage should be considered.
• Creativity can drive positive change in society.
• Staying curious and open-minded is crucial in a rapidly changing landscape.
• Intentionality in using AI tools can lead to better outcomes.
• The butterfly effect of our choices can have significant impacts.
• The future of creativity lies in collaboration between humans and AI.

Find Pratik Here:

• Website: www.solsticeretouch.com
• Instagram: @solsticeretouch

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The intricate relationship between self-worth and business success is a path every business owner travels. Cat and Lisa explore how confidence in one's value impacts pricing strategies, the importance of building a business that can operate independently of personal emotions, and the necessity of continuous learning and feedback. 
The discussion also touches on the evolving role of AI in creative industries, the significance of client education, and the need for accountability in overcoming challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of authenticity and connection in business, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes growth and resilience over ego.


Lisa Zahiya is a nationally known business strategist and life coach who helps:

Business owners cultivate lives on their own terms;
Mission-driven entrepreneurs make more and give more;
Small business owners scale quickly through effective digital marketing and products.

After receiving a BS and a MBA from the University of Maryland, Lisa served as a director of marketing at Sylvan Learning Centers. 

"I had always dreamed of being a professional dancer and left my corporate career to pursue my dreams of dance. I opened the award-winning Studio Zahiya and traveled as a professional belly dance teacher and performer.

I found that I enjoyed the community of body positivity, confidence, and success that Studio Zahiya created for my clients. I then furthered my goal of empowering others by training to be a life coach and opened a very successful coaching business. I

I have now personally grown several seven-figure businesses reaching revenues of over 5 million dollars. I leverage this experience to help others pursue their dreams and have had six clients grow their businesses to over 1 million dollars in revenue."

Lisa is based in New York, NY and El Gouna, Egypt, where she owns Lisa Zahiya Coaching.

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In this episode of the Studio Takeover Podcast, host Cat Ford-Coates delves into the significance of sponsorships and partnerships for business growth for photography business owners. She emphasizes the importance of building in-person relationships and how they can lead to substantial economic impact for both businesses and communities. The conversation covers effective strategies for creating sponsorship packages, identifying potential partners, and marketing events to maximize visibility and engagement. Cat encourages listeners to be bold in their outreach and to focus on creating win-win situations for all parties involved.

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Summary

In this episode of the Studio Takeover Podcast, Cat Ford-Coates discusses the importance of marketing for photographers, emphasizing the need for networking and hosting events to gain visibility and connect with potential clients. She shares insights on creating memorable events, engaging attendees, budgeting effectively, and leveraging sponsorships to enhance event experiences. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships within the community and the impact of well-executed marketing strategies on business growth.

Topics:

• Marketing is essential for gaining attention in photography.
• Networking and personal connections are crucial for business growth.
• Events can be simple yet memorable to attract clients.
• Collaboration with other businesses can enhance event success.
• Understanding your target audience is key to event planning.
• Engagement strategies should keep attendees entertained and involved.
• Budgeting wisely can lead to impactful events.
• Sponsorships can alleviate financial burdens of hosting events.
• Future sales opportunities should be integrated into events.
• Celebrating your work through events can strengthen client relationships.

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In this conversation, Elle Yeon shares her journey of entrepreneurship over the past year, discussing the challenges and triumphs of starting her photography business. 

After having officially completed her first year as the business owner of a Portrait brand in the DC area she emphasizes the importance of community, the transformative power of photography for clients, and the need for confidence and courage in pursuing one's calling. Elle also reflects on her role as a mother and the impact of her business on her family life, while looking forward to future growth and opportunities, including a campaign celebrating women over 40.

Find Elle here:

• Website: https://elleyeonphotography.com/
• Instagram: @elleyeonphoto

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Welcome André Smith, a photographer transitioning from sports photography to beauty and branding photography. They discuss the importance of empowerment in photography, the emotional reactions clients have during their photo reveals, and the significance of self-portraits in building confidence. André shares his journey, the challenges of being seen as a sports photographer, and his desire to help others see their beauty through portraiture. The conversation emphasizes the value of legacy and the impact of branding on personal and professional identity. In this engaging conversation, Cat Ford-Coates and André Smith explore the profound impact of photography on self-care, legacy, and empowerment. They discuss the importance of capturing moments, particularly through senior portraits, and how these images can build confidence in youth. André shares his personal story of why legacy matters to him, emphasizing the emotional weight behind each photograph. The discussion also touches on exciting new projects like the 40 Over 40 initiative, the significance of community in photography, and the critical need for photographers to value their worth through proper pricing strategies.

Find Andre Here:

• Website - https://www.andreelphotography.com/
• Instagram - @dre.smith

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In this episode of the Studio Takeover Podcast, Cat Ford-Coates discusses the challenges faced by photographers in the unregulated creative industry, emphasizing the importance of a strong portfolio and effective marketing strategies. 

She highlights the need for photographers to curate their portfolios to attract their ideal clients and create emotional connections through their work. Cat also stresses the significance of consistency in style and messaging to foster client desire and engagement, ultimately guiding photographers to think like their clients and understand their emotional needs.

You can find Cat on Instagram at @catfordcoates

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