Doing Life Differently

Every entrepreneur falls into one of four identities: the Invisible Beginner, the Polished Pro, the Workhorse, or the Trapped Visionary. In this episode, I’ll help you identify where you are, what’s keeping you stuck, and what winning could look like in your business. ⭐️ Plus, a sneak peek of something brand new coming Monday that will feel like having a coach in your pocket anytime you need it! Join the NEW Brand Mentor Waitlist HERE!Follow Katelyn on Instagram: @katelynjamesFree Resource: 🎧 What Your Brand Says About You

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be sitting across from a therapist, holding buzzing paddles in my hands while my eyes tracked her fingers back and forth… I would have laughed and said, “Nope, not me.”I thought I was fine.I’ve been open about loss, near-death experiences, health struggles, and running a business through it all. I believed that because I could talk about the hard things, I had already processed them.But EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) showed me something I didn’t know—there were little pockets of unprocessed pain still quietly shaping my beliefs, my body, and even my health.In this episode, I share:What EMDR is and why I finally said yes to itThe repeating belief that had been quietly sabotaging me for yearsSpecific moments from my story that shifted from “disturbing” to “sad, but no longer controlling”Why this work matters for entrepreneurs who are living in constant fight-or-flight without even realizing itThis isn’t just a story about therapy—it’s about finally letting your body believe you’re safe. It’s about the relief of feeling like yourself again. And it’s a reminder that you don’t have to keep living with the weight you’ve learned to carry.If you’ve ever wondered whether the pain you’ve pushed down might still be pushing back… this one’s for you.Free Resource: 🎧 What Your Brand Says About You→ A free mini podcast + reflection journal to help you clarify your brand’s message.

Free Resource: 🎧 What Your Brand Says About YouIf your marketing feels like you’re shouting into the void… this episode might be the wake-up call you need.I’ve coached hundreds of entrepreneurs—photographers, real estate agents, coaches, and even multi-million-dollar business owners—and I see the same problem over and over again. They’re posting consistently, they’re doing “all the things,” but their audience still isn’t connecting.The issue isn’t always strategy.It’s often the missing brand boosters!!In this episode, I’m breaking down:What brand boosters actually are (and why they’re not just fluff)How they humanize your brand and make people feel connected to youWhy they work for both brand-new business owners and seasoned entrepreneursHow to start identifying your own brand boosters today!Your audience isn’t just buying what you sell—they’re buying you. And when you get intentional about letting people see the human behind your business, everything changes.JOIN THE WAITLIST! Something's coming this September that will help you build more connection and trust with your audience...and build a purposeful and profitable business! Join the waitlist here to get the scoop first.

In this raw and powerful episode, Katelyn shares a live coaching moment with a student walking through infertility, grief, and the fear of showing up vulnerably in her brand.If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to be strong but feel broken instead… this is for you.You’ll hear:Why strategy isn’t what’s keeping most businesses stuckHow to start sharing your story when you’re not “there yet”A reminder that your presence—even in pain—is proof of your strengthFree Resource: 🎧 What Your Brand Says About You→ A free mini podcast + reflection journal to help you clarify your brand’s message.

Today we’re digging into something I wish more business owners understood: your brand is saying something to the world—even if you’re not trying. Even if you feel invisible online. Even if you’re “taking a break.” Silence still speaks.👉 Download the guide that pairs along with this!In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I accidentally built a personal brand in 2008 just by being myself...and why that naive move was the best marketing decision I ever made!You are already building a brand. The question is—are you building the one you want?Get the free guide! What Your Brand Says About You Follow Katelyn on Instagram See the brand new Katelyn James site by Tonic Site Shop!

In this episode, I’m walking you through the real story behind how my business (and myself!) have changed over the last 17 years.I call them KJ 1.0 and KJ 2.0. These two versions of me worked hard, chased big dreams, and carried some heavy mindsets along the way. One hustled to prove herself. One scaled while breaking inside. Both taught me something I didn’t know I needed. Whether you’re in your own 1.0 hustle era or stepping into a new version of yourself, I hope this episode helps you look back with grace—and forward with freedom!Get the free guide! What Your Brand Says About You Follow Katelyn on Instagram Listen to KJ 3.0 Episode! See the brand new Katelyn James site by Tonic Site Shop!

There’s a weird mix of grief and excitement that comes when you outgrow something that used to fit.In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to rebuild my website from the ground up—and why it’s so much more than a fresh design. I talk with Becca, my marketing director, about the story behind the rebrand, the identity shift that came with it, and the deeper reason I knew it was time to make this move.👉 Go To The New Website!This isn’t just about changing fonts or colors. It’s about building a digital home that reflects the whole story—not just the photographer side of me.KJ 3.0 is here.And it’s not just a new version of me—it’s a new way of serving photographers and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are ready to show up fully and build brands that start with who they are.

What happens when your business outgrows your website… but you’re still emotionally attached to it? That’s where I found myself. And in this special episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of my BIGGEST brand shift yet—with the one and only Jen Olmstead, my dear friend and longtime web designer (and Tonic Site Shop co-founder).We’re talking about:What “KJ 3.0” really means and why bold, colorful confidence feels right in this seasonThe biggest mistakes creatives make with their websites (and how to fix them!)Why your about page might be boring...and how to make it unforgettable!Jen’s accidental journey into entrepreneurship and designing brands like Wendy’s and maybe… Taylor Swift someday?How shame and self-doubt show up in branding (yes, even for 7-figure creatives)PLUS: we unpack the one thing your website must do in 2025 if you want to actually stand out in a sea of “beige sandals.”If my new site makes you want to refresh your own? You can save 15% at tonicsiteshop.com with my code KJSENTME 💻✨

This episode hit deep! If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one driving vision in your marriage or that your spouse doesn’t seem as invested, you’re not alone. Julia Woods and I dive into why vision casting as a couple can feel so challenging—and why it often triggers emotions like fear, shame, and frustration.Julia shares powerful insights on: • How vision exposes deeper beliefs about ourselves and our relationship. • The tension between feeling like we’re “too much” or “not enough” in marriage. • Why we default to blame instead of doing the deeper work within ourselves. • The real purpose of vision casting—hint: it’s NOT just about planning trips or setting goals.>> Learn more about Julia Woods CoachingI walked away from this conversation so encouraged, especially by the reminder that failed vision meetings aren’t failures at all—they’re gifts that reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. If you’re struggling to get on the same page with your spouse, this episode will give you a whole new perspective!Reflection Questions:1️⃣ Before approaching a vision conversation, what stories am I telling myself about my spouse? Are they true?2️⃣ How do I typically react when I feel unseen or unheard in vision planning?3️⃣ What fears come up when I think about casting vision together? Am I afraid of being “too much” or “not enough”?4️⃣ How can I shift from trying to get my spouse on my page to creating a page we both want to be on together?5️⃣ What would it look like to approach vision casting from a place of humility and surrender instead of control?Take a moment to sit with these before your next vision conversation—you might be surprised what comes up!Follow Katelyn: Instagram YouTube Pinterest

What does success really mean? Is it about income, status, or something deeper? In this episode, Michael and I sit down for a candid conversation about how our childhood shaped our views on success and how we’re intentionally redefining it for our own children. We reflect on growing up in a small-town community, the hidden lessons we learned about money and work, and the challenges of raising kids in a world that often equates success with wealth and achievement.We share three key ways we’re guiding our children in this area: 1. Focusing on Failure First – Helping our kids develop resilience and a healthy relationship with failure before they even define success. 2. Defining Success Holistically – Teaching them that success isn’t just about money or status but about relationships, impact, and purpose. 3. Highlighting Impact Over Income – Emphasizing service, generosity, and solving problems for others rather than chasing financial gain.Whether you’re a parent or simply reflecting on your own definition of success, I hope this episode challenges you to think differently about what really matters!Reflection Questions:What was your definition of success growing up? How did your parents influence that?Have you ever felt pressure to measure success by income or status? How has that shaped your decisions?If you’re a parent, what messages about success do you think your children are absorbing from you?How do you personally handle failure? Have you created space for yourself (or your kids) to fail without shame?Follow Katelyn: Instagram YouTube Pinterest>> Want to learn more about Acton Academy? Click here!