Lydia Fine is a lifestyle photographer based in North Liberty, Iowa, specializing in families, seniors, and newborns. With over 22 years of marketing experience and a marketing degree and MBA from the University of Iowa, Lydia brings a unique perspective to running her fast-growing photography business while continuing her work in marketing. She’s passionate about teaching photographers how to uplevel their marketing, book more clients, and use systems and technology to spend less time on the backend of their businesses.

When she’s not working, Lydia enjoys playing pickleball, kickboxing, and tackling jigsaw puzzles—and she dreams of one day solving the Wordle in a single try.

In this episode, Lydia shares how she balances multiple roles and responsibilities while breaking traditional rules of entrepreneurship. She reminds us that success doesn’t have to follow a set path—photography doesn’t have to be your sole job, and social media isn’t the only way to advertise.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• How to automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce stress
• Smart outsourcing: Identifying which tasks to delegate for maximum impact
• The power of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in running a smooth business
• Optimizing your Google Business Profile for local SEO to appear in "near me" searches

Lydia’s journey proves that you can create a business and a life that works on your terms. Tune in to hear her tips, insights, and strategies for thriving as an entrepreneur.

Connect with Lydia:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Free guide: How to Get More Clients with Google Reviews

Template shop, mentoring/coaching, and more free resources

Connect with Brittnie: Website Instagram Free Content Planning Pages Purchase The Planner

The Planner

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Grab The Capture The Chaos Planner. Use code CHAOS15 for 15% off your order

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In this episode, I answer listener questions and share my insights and personal journey in managing time, balancing work and family, and staying grounded during the busy holiday season. I discuss my evolving approach to planning with young children and my strategies for maintaining peace during Christmas. My reflections offer listeners practical advice and encouragement to prioritize self-care while setting realistic expectations.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Consistent Planning

• I emphasize the importance of dedicating time each week for planning, regardless of the specific method I use. For me, Mondays work best because they provide fresh motivation, and I encourage others to find their own rhythm for planning.
• I also share how my planning practices have evolved since I created my planner. I transitioned from survival mode to a more structured approach, which helped me stay organized amidst the chaos.

2. Brittnie’s Time Management Journey

• Reflecting on my journey over the past five years, I’ve seen how implementing routines has transformed my daily life. I believe starting morning and evening routines earlier would have made a significant difference for me. I remind myself that challenging phases in life are temporary.
• I’ve also learned to let go of non-essential tasks to reduce stress and focus on what truly matters.

3. Navigating Family Life and Independence

• Balancing family dynamics has been an ongoing challenge for me. At first, I thought toddlerhood would be the hardest phase, but I've realized that the demands of my older children and their activities are just as challenging, if not more so. I try to navigate my roles at work and home while making sure to spend quality time with my husband and take care of myself, all amidst our family responsibilities.

4. Time Management Strategies

• I outline my key strategies for effective time management, which include time blocking, using a planner, and utilizing organizing apps. I also have cleaning routines and morning and evening rituals that help me maintain order and reduce stress.
• By establishing systems in my business, I’ve streamlined client tasks, which allows me to focus more on my family during busy periods.

5. Managing Stress and Finding Peace During Christmas

• I simplify the Christmas season by setting boundaries and lowering my expectations. Growing up in a large family taught me the importance of prioritizing family time, so I now spend Christmas mornings at home with my immediate family.
• I encourage you to find your balance and create a peaceful holiday. For me, this means wrapping up work early in December, skipping the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and focusing on the season's true meaning.

Submit your questions for the next Q+A episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/capturethechaospodcast

Connect with Brittnie: Website Instagram Free Content Planning Pages Purchase The Planner

The Planner

2025 Planner Reveal: Watch it here !

Grab The Capture The Chaos Planner. Use code CHAOS15 for 15% off your order

Listen to more episodes of The Organized Creative Podcast!

Listen on: Apple | Spotify | Google

In this episode, Brittnie welcomes Ashley, a motherhood and business coach, to discuss mom entrepreneurs' common struggles. They explore topics including imposter syndrome, self-doubt, time management, and the challenges of balancing family life with a growing business. Ashley shares her experiences with a scarcity mindset, and both women emphasize that these struggles are universal among mothers. This episode provides encouragement and practical advice for moms who aspire to thrive in both their family and business lives.

Highlights:

• Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt: Ashley reveals how she and 75% of attendees at a recent event felt imposter syndrome or self-doubt, showing that no one is alone in these challenges.
• Time Management and Intentional Prioritization: Brittnie and Ashley discuss the importance of managing time with intention, and sharing personal stories and insights on the journey to becoming more organized.
• Balancing Homeschooling and Business: Ashley talks about her strategy of creating an "ideal week" and delegating tasks, while Brittnie relates this approach to principles found in the Capture the Chaos Planner.
• Work-Life Balance Tips for Moms: Ashley suggests ways to carve out dedicated work time, such as trading childcare or hiring a sitter, and shares tips on using time-blocking effectively.
• Finding Support and Community: Ashley shares Matthew 11:28 as a source of comfort for busy moms and discusses the importance of seeking support. She also introduces her free mini-course, "The Ideal Week Blueprint," available on her website.

Ashley Freehan is a business and motherhood coach for mom business owners. She is also a photographer, podcaster, wife and homeschooling mama saved by grace. She is passionate about helping mamas maximize their limited time, increase profitability and create work/life balance through efficient systems and effective time management strategies. She does this through her top 2% ranked podcast the Organized Mompreneur and her signature group coaching program called The Efficient Mompreneur.

Connect with Ashley

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepurposegathering

Facebook: https://www.thepurposegathering.com/mamas

Podcast: https://thepurposegathering.com/podcast/

Website: thepurposegathering.com

Passion to Profit Challenge: https://thepurposegathering.com/challenge

Connect with Brittnie: Website Instagram Free Content Planning Pages Purchase The Planner

The Planner

2025 Planner Reveal: Watch it here !

Grab The Capture The Chaos Planner. Use code CHAOS15 for 15% off your order

Listen to more episodes of The Organized Creative Podcast!

Listen on: Apple | Spotify | Google