The Risk I Had to Take: My Conversation on the Fearless Females Podcast
Saying Yes to Fear — and to Yourself
When Lorie Jones, host of the Fearless Females podcast, first received my pitch to be on her show, her honest reaction was no. But after a pre-interview conversation, she quickly realized this wasn’t just a story about photography — it was a story about women, courage, money, confidence, and doing the thing that keeps calling you even when it feels scary.
In this episode, we dive deep into what it really looks like to build a business rooted in empowerment, navigate fear and money mindset, and choose a path you know you’d regret not taking.
Below are some of the biggest highlights from our conversation — and I highly encourage you to watch the full interview to hear the nuance, humor, and heart behind each moment.
“If I Didn’t Do This, I’d Regret It at 85”
One of the most powerful moments Lorie pulled out was when we talked about fear — specifically the fear of failure.
“If I was 85 years old and sitting in an old folks home, I’d regret not doing this.”
That single thought was what pushed me to open Chicago Boudoir Photography, even when I didn’t have guarantees, experience running a brick-and-mortar studio, or a roadmap laid out in front of me.
The fear of trying — and failing — was real. But the fear of never trying at all was bigger.
From Stay-at-Home Mom to Studio Owner
My path wasn’t linear. I studied art history, earned a master’s degree in education, taught English, stayed home with my kids for seven years, and only later discovered photography when digital cameras became accessible.
Everything changed when I booked a boudoir session for myself.
I walked in nervous, inhibited, and unsure — and walked out feeling confident, energized, and ready to show up bigger in my life. That experience planted the seed:
Other women deserve to feel this way, too.
Nearly eight years later, I’ve photographed more than 2,000 women, each with her own story, her own fears, and her own transformation.
Boudoir Is Not About Perfection — It’s About Presence
A big question Lorie asked was how women move past insecurity in front of the camera.
The answer? Support, intention, and trust.
Every session begins with professional hair and makeup, guided outfit planning, and constant direction during the shoot — you never have to “know how to pose.”
And one of the most intentional parts of the experience:
Women see their images right away, unfiltered and before Photoshop.
That moment — seeing yourself as you actually are, through a compassionate and artistic lens — is where so much healing and confidence begins.
The Best Investment I Ever Made
When Lorie asked about the best investment I’d ever made in myself, the answer came quickly:
Joining a mastermind group early in my business journey.
It wasn’t cheap. I put it on a credit card. I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
But within 90 days, that investment paid for itself — not just financially, but emotionally. I gained mentorship, clarity, community, and confidence.
Asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s a shortcut.
This conversation dives deeply into why women so often feel like they have to do everything alone — and why that belief can hold us back.
Money, Debt, and Rewriting the Story
We talked candidly about money mindset — from being raised to fear debt, to learning the difference between consumer debt and leveraging debt to build something meaningful.
I also shared how hard it was at first to accept money for my work — especially after years of unpaid labor as a stay-at-home mom.
Learning to say:
“Yes, that will be $1,500,”
…without apology required growth, self-worth, and a total rewrite of how I viewed value, art, and labor.
If money stories resonate with you, this part of the interview is especially powerful.
Being a Woman in a “Taboo” Industry
Running a women-centered boudoir studio comes with advantages — and challenges.
Being a woman builds trust and safety for other women. At the same time, I’ve faced:
Being taken less seriously in business spaces
Being labeled as “adult entertainment” despite creating tasteful, empowering art
Being asked questions men are rarely asked — like “Who’s watching your kids?”
We talk openly about gender bias, emotional labor, and what it really takes to build a business while being a mother.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Yes, I’m proud of my business. Yes, I’m proud of my resilience.
But most of all, I’m proud of the women who walk through my studio doors.
Women who:
Reclaimed their bodies after breast cancer
Celebrated divorce and freedom
Honored IVF journeys and pregnancies
Embraced aging instead of fearing it
It’s been an honor to be trusted with their stories.
My Advice to Women Feeling the Pull to Do More
If you feel the nudge to start something — a business, a creative pursuit, a bold new chapter — my advice is simple:
Do it.
You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfection. You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You are smart enough. Capable enough. Brave enough.
Watch the Full Fearless Females Interview 🎧
This blog only scratches the surface of the conversation.
👉 Watch the full Fearless Females podcast interview with host Lorie Jones to hear the full stories, laughter, honesty, and depth behind these highlights, or listen in here.
If you’re craving inspiration, validation, or a reminder that you’re allowed to want more — this episode is for you.