65. Creativity Meets Profitability: Building a Business You Love with Michelle McAfee

You don’t have to choose between creativity and profitability in business.

In this episode, Michelle McAfee, photographer, studio owner, and business mentor, joins Mariah for a conversation about weaving artistry and strategy together in a way that actually works. With more than 17 years of experience, Michelle shares how following curiosity has shaped her career, why systems are essential for freedom, and what it looks like to build a business around your life instead of the other way around.

Together, they talk about how to know when it’s time to pivot, the role of community in sustaining your work, and why carving out space for creativity is key to staying profitable for the long haul. This conversation is both inspiring and practical, reminding moms that you can follow the arrows toward what lights you up and still create a thriving, sustainable business.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why creativity isn’t just artistry, but curiosity, play, and exploration
• How to build a profitable business model without sacrificing your life or family
• The systems and automations Michelle swears by to create a high-touch client experience
• What it means to design a career instead of chasing quick wins
• Permission to pivot when something in your business no longer feels aligned

Connect with Michelle:

• Website: michellelindsayphotography.com
• Instagram (Studio): @studioat428
• Instagram (Photography): @michellelindsayphoto

Ways to Connect Outside the Podcast

• Follow CEO & Founder on Instagram: @mariahstockman
• Follow Made for Mothers on Instagram:@madeformothers.co
• Join the Virtual Village: A community and monthly membership for business owning mamas! Special promo for our podcast listeners, get 20% off your first quarterly enrollment with code TWENTYOFF at https://www.madeformothersco.com/membership
• SHOP CEO MAMA MERCH designed just for business-owning mamas https://shopmadeformothers.com/