Stacey, our badass founder and CEO, was lucky enough to be featured on a pretty wicked podcast for photographers called Bokeh, hosted by the equally awesome Nathan Holritz. Since Pepper was so excited to be a part of his world, we asked if he wanted to jump in and join ours for a bit of Q&A!
Here at Pepper, our philosophy is all about that work/life balance! What does work/life balance mean/look like to you?
My definition of work/life balance has evolved over time, but right now, it means presence and flexibility. The ability to be present for the important people in my life, and the flexibility to do something besides work – when I want to.
We work with a ton of incredible creative entrepreneurs but have noticed that so many of them feel the burnout that comes along with running their own business while still fuelling their creative minds. Has this ever happened to you? If so, what did you do to survive that inevitable burnout?
Took a break! Whether it was escaping to the Bahamas for a few days, or taking a few hours to go ride my motorcycle, taking a break from work life helped correct the feeling of burnout!
Back to the importance of flexibility. 🙂
What is the best thing, in your opinion, a creative entrepreneur can do to achieve the highest level of success?
Think differently! See what others are doing, and go the opposite direction! And then if I can add a second best: be consistent. It’s easy to start the thing, but make sure you follow through and show up day in and day out to make that thing happen!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Flight. For the sake of freedom and perspective.
What is the number one piece of advice you’d give to photographers who are struggling with maintaining a successful business and a fulfilling personal life?
Structure and freedom aren’t mutually exclusive. Put systems in place to help you run your business more efficiently, and you’ll have more time at the end of the day… or during the middle of the day, or even at the beginning of the day, if you’d prefer.
If you could sit down at dinner with any single person, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Tony Robbins. I’ve gained so much perspective on life (and business) from Tony; it would be a privilege to pick his brain for a couple of hours, and feed off that incredible energy of his! 🙂
What is your favorite thing about doing your Podcast?
Connection with the wonderful people of our photography industry!
If your life was a famous movie title, which one would it be? Who would play you?
Love Actually. And I’ve been told I look like the Wolverine version of Hugh Jackman (spikey hair and beard), so I’ll go with Hugh. 😉
Quick interruption here from this important broadcast — yes, you do look like Hugh Jackman! 😉
Do you have any creative outlets aside from being a badass photographer?
I’m no longer a photographer. I previously photographed weddings for over 10 years, but I think my biggest outlet for creativity at the moment is in finding solutions – especially design solutions – to problems my company Photographer’s Edit is experiencing. In addition, I’m working on a top-secret new business, and the design process for that app has been challenging, creatively!
Lastly, what was the best piece of advice you have ever been given, whether about business or just life in general that you think our audience should hear?
It’s what you make of it. 😉
There you have it, folks! And we totally agree – everything you do both in life and at work is what you make of it! And we think you should make it badass no matter what!
Nathan, we can’t thank you enough for taking the time out of your busy schedule with Bokeh, Photographer’s Edit, and of course that personal life you’re juggling, to chat with us! We can’t wait to hear the Podcast and keep up with all the awesome work you do!
Kelsey Munson
Badass Assistant to the CEO
Pepper – Your Badass Business BFF Inc.
