Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

[Special Episode] Collaboration with Sarah Abbot of Totline

In this special collaboration episode with Totline Podcast, Sarah and Nichole talk about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and navigating big life transitions. Nichole shares her whirlwind season of leaving corporate, getting engaged while pregnant, house hunting, and welcoming her baby.
Sarah discusses her path from school speech therapist to occupational therapist, launching a private practice, and starting the Totline Podcast. Together they also explore toddler feeding anxiety, the pressures of motherhood and business, and the grounding practices that help them manage stress.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:13 Nichole Life Update02:07 Sarah Career Pivot02:58 OT Origin Story04:41 Gaps in Child Support07:08 Why Start Podcast09:05 Entrepreneur Mindset10:13 Sarah Corporate to Photo14:14 Building Photography Business16:03 Niche and Branding18:03 Toddler Feeding Advice24:16 Perspective on Parenting Fears25:51 Mom and Business Owner Balance26:31 COVID Baby and Early Community28:38 Burnout Signs and Body Signals30:04 Societal Pressure and Matrescence33:02 Grief for the Old Self39:05 Trust Timing and Stay the Course39:57 Rituals and Boundaries That Help45:04 Rebuilding Habits After Baby49:20 Final Takeaways Self CompassionListen to Sarah Abbot on The Totline Podcast here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-totline-podcast/id1857630572 You can reach Nichole here:
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

Ep 41. Taxes Made Simple: The Truth About Tax Refunds, LLCs, and Write-Offs with CPA Andrew Elkan

Think getting a big tax refund means you won the year? Think again.In this episode, Nichole sits down with her go-to CPA, Andrew Elkan for a refreshingly honest, jargon-free conversation about the taxes questions every entrepreneur, freelancer, and small business owner is too afraid to ask. Whether you've been running your business for years or just started your LLC last month, this one will change the way you think about your money.Andrew breaks down why the thing most people celebrate at tax time might actually be a red flag and what it really means for your cash flow. He also clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about LLCs (hint: it's probably not what you think it is), and explains the moment it might make sense to flip a switch that completely changes how your business is taxed.They get into write-offs, what actually qualifies, why your coffee run probably counts less than you hoped, and why that "wild" deduction you heard about at a dinner party may not work the way you think. There's a real case that will make your jaw drop a little.Andrew also walks through the tax changes hitting in 2025 that affect tips, overtime pay, and auto loans plus a Philadelphia-specific update that directly impacts local business owners and freelancers.And if you've ever wondered what it's actually like to work with a CPA, Andy shares how he approaches client relationships and why the most important conversations happen before you make a big financial move, not after.
 
This episode is for you if:
You have an LLC and aren't sure what it actually does (or doesn't) protectYou've Googled "should I elect S-corp status" and gotten more confusedYou want to know what's actually deductible before your next business expenseYou live or work in PhiladelphiaYou want a CPA who explains things like a real personTopics Covered:Tax refunds, LLC basics, S-corp election, reasonable compensation, payroll, write-offs, meal deductions, entertainment deductions, 2025 federal tax law changes, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, auto loan interest deductions, Philadelphia BIRT exemption, proactive tax planning, working with a CPA
 
00:00 Meet Andy the CPA01:56 Are tax refunds REALLY the best case scenario03:52 LLC Protection Basics05:40 S Corp Election Explained09:33 When S Corp Makes Sense12:43 Write Offs Demystified14:47 Meals and Deductions Rules17:01 Creative Write Off Myths17:51 Wild Write Off Case18:58 Luxury Purchases Reality Check19:40 New Federal Tax Breaks22:25 Philly BIRT Exemption Ends24:48 Planning Ahead And Organization28:06 Working With Andy31:34 Save Money and get an even bigger ROI from your CPA with this Advice35:36 Reach Out And Wrap Up
 
 
About Andy:
Andrew Elkan, CPA, is the founder of his own tax preparation and advisory practice, where he helps individuals and small businesses navigate tax strategy with clarity and confidence.
After beginning his career in financial planning at Northwestern Mutual, Andy earned his Master of Accounting from Villanova University and went on to pass all four sections of the CPA exam on his first attempt. He then spent five years at Grant Thornton, working with a wide range of clients before launching his own firm to provide more personalized, strategic support to entrepreneurs and families.
Andy specializes in helping business owners understand not just what they owe, but why — breaking down complex tax concepts into clear, practical guidance that empowers better financial decisions year-round.
Outside of the office, he’s a proud season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles and once crossed “compete in a professional wrestling match” off his bucket list — in a match against his brother, no less. 
 
You can connect more with Andy here: 
https://www.andrewelkancpa.com/
 
And with Nichole here:
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

Ep 40. (Expanded ver.) Why Social Media Visibility Feels Hard for Moms Who Own Businesses and What to Do About It

In this expanded version of the previous episode, Nichole speaks to moms building businesses who feel guilt or emotional exhaustion around being visible online. After experiencing a “wired and tired” vulnerability hangover herself, she explores how modern motherhood, nervous system changes, and cultural pressure make visibility feel heavier than it should.
She explains the biology behind mom guilt — from postpartum brain shifts to stress hormones — and why it’s not a mindset problem to push through. Instead, she offers a compassionate approach: regulate first, question the guilt story, prioritize presence over proximity, and redefine courage as vulnerability plus self-trust so showing up can feel safer and more sustainable.
00:00 Why Visibility Feels So Hard for Mom Entrepreneurs (Episode Setup)
01:09 The “Wired & Tired” Vulnerability Hangover: A Personal Story
05:20 From Quiet Work to Personal Brands: How Business Changed
09:19 The First Generation Asked to Do Both: Motherhood + Visibility
12:21 Mom Guilt Explained: The Caregiving Brain & Threat Response
14:33 Hormones, Stress, and the Body Signals Behind Guilt
16:55 Regulate First: Grounding Practices Before Mindset or Strategy
18:50 Reframing the Story: Presence Over Proximity
22:31 Mantras That Your Nervous System Can Believe
25:13 Quiet Courage & Worthiness: Showing Up Without the Armor (Wrap-Up)
 
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

Ep 39. Why Social Media Visibility Feels Hard for Moms Who Own Businesses and What to Do About It

Showing up on social media as a mother can feel heavier than anyone prepares you for.
In this episode, we explore why personal branding on social media feels so different after motherhood—and why visibility can feel exhausting, vulnerable, and emotionally loaded for moms in business.
Through a personal story and an honest conversation about motherhood, biology, and cultural expectations, this episode unpacks the real reasons visibility feels hard—not because of strategy, but because of the internal and societal pressure mothers carry. We talk about the “wired and tired” feeling so many moms experience, how perfectionism shows up online, and why courage—not confidence—has to come first when building a personal brand.
Inspired by Brené Brown’s work on wholehearted living, this episode invites you to rethink how you show up on social media, release the pressure to perform, and lead with authenticity instead of exhaustion.
You’ll hear about:
Why social media visibility feels emotionally different after motherhood
The biological, cultural, and internal pressures moms face online
Personal branding through the lens of courage, worthiness, and vulnerability
How to show up on social media without burning out or abandoning yourself
Redefining success and visibility as a mother and entrepreneur
If you’re a mom navigating social media, personal branding, and the desire to be seen without losing yourself, this episode is for you.
 
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

Ep 38. Finding Joy in Change: Staying Present and Grounded During Life and Work Transitions with Tracy Davidson

In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, host Nichole introduces Tracy Davidson, a distinguished Emmy award-winning journalist and professional speaker. Tracy's impressive career spans over 30 years, known for delivering trusted information and inspiring resilience through her stories. Transitioning from her role at NBC 10 to full-time speaking, Tracy provides deep insights on maintaining present and joyful living. Listen as she discusses practical strategies for staying grounded during life's shifts, discovering personal identities amid change, and sharing the profound importance of human connection and self-care. Tracy also shares her 'Reset Protocol,' a method to navigate overwhelming moments, and highlights the power of curiosity and courage in fostering personal growth and joy.
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast
00:14 Introducing Tracy Davidson
00:30 Tracy's Career Journey
01:50 The Importance of Presence and Joy
04:35 Navigating Identity Shifts
06:51 Self-Care and Creativity
08:40 Embracing Transitions with Grace
13:06 Gratitude and Resilience
15:18 The Reset Protocol
16:13 Curiosity and Self-Assessment
16:37 Understanding and Managing Reactions
16:57 Evaluating Options and Taking Action
17:50 Transitioning to New Challenges
19:04 Building Confidence and Embracing Change
20:54 Finding Joy in Learning and Growth
23:55 Overcoming Self-Doubt
26:29 The Power of Connection and Helping Others
27:08 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
 
You can connect more with Tracy here -
https://www.tracydavidson.com/
https://liftingyourvoice.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracydavidson/
and with Nichole here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

Ep 37. From Stuck to Clear: How Much Money Do You Really Need to Live Your Dream Life?

In this episode, I am sharing a transformative conversation with a fellow entrepreneur that challenges the pressure of chasing seven-figure business goals. By discussing our true desires and needs, we have realized that a fulfilling life doesn't necessarily require such high financial benchmarks.
This epiphany lead me to create a 'Dream Life Calculator' to determine the actual cost of my ideal life, focusing on specific day-to-day desires and lifestyle preferences.
I am sharing this tool for free below to help you calculate what your dream life costs and redefine success looks and feels like for you!
Ultimately I hope it shows you that achieving a satisfying and enjoyable life may be more attainable than you previously thought.
00:00 Introduction: A Conversation That Changed Everything
00:26 The Pressure of the Seven-Figure Benchmark
01:43 Rethinking the Dream Life
02:37 Creating the Dream Life Calculator
03:49 Defining Daily Luxuries and Support
07:07 Calculating the Cost of the Dream Life
07:32 Realizing the Dream Life is Achievable
08:23 Implementing Small Aligned Shifts
09:13 Introducing the Dream Life Calculator Tool
10:13 Conclusion: Living a Satisfying Life
 
Find out how to get crystal-clear on your ideal lifestyle, price your services, and take intentional steps toward the life you actually want; without burning out or mindlessly chasing a million dollar brand.
GET DREAM THE CALCULATOR - HERE
https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator
 
You can Connect More with me Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

Ep 36. Instagram Visibility & Camera Confidence with Erin Blackwell (and how it feels to hit 93K followers this year)

In this episode, Nichole interviews Erin Blackwell, a posing, visibility, and confidence coach who has made significant strides in her professional journey. Erin shares her transition from boudoir photography to becoming a visibility coach, her personal experiences, and tips on building confidence. They discuss effective social media strategies, dealing with setbacks, battling and overcoming personal adversities, and the importance of practicing gratitude. Erin also offers practical advice on using affirmations and maintaining a positive mindset. The conversation covers Erin's posing commandments and the vital role of inner and outer confidence in professional growth. Tune in for an inspiring chat filled with actionable insights to help women and entrepreneurs thrive.
 
00:00 Introduction to Erin Blackwell
01:44 Erin's Journey to Confidence Coaching
03:54 Impactful Client Stories
05:58 Social Media Strategies for Business Growth
09:59 The Importance of Enjoying Your Content
13:49 Advertising and Sponsored Posts
17:47 Erin's Posing Commandments
19:47 The Importance of Practice
20:33 Facing New Challenges
22:42 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles
24:31 The Power of Gratitude and Affirmations
27:49 Balancing Motherhood and Business
30:51 Building Confidence and Visibility
36:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Erin Blackwell is an internationally award-winning portrait, branding photographer and confidence coach. Through her Camera Confidence Code method and posing tips, she helps female entrepreneurs build their confidence, show up on camera and connect with their dream clients so they can make money doing what they love. Erin lives in Meridian, ID with her five kids and two dogs.
 
Connect with Erin here -
www.erinblackwellstudio.comwww.Instagram.com/iamerinblackwell
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

Ep 35. Motherhood Journeys: Navigating Parenting, Careers, and Joy

Motherhood Journeys: Navigating Parenting, Careers, and Joy
 
This podcast was created in collaboration with PrettyWise, a podcast dedicated to all things beauty and aging, with a little help from science along the way hosted by Jill Wharton, RN. Each episode of Pretty Wise features interesting and thought-provoking conversations, combined with expert interviews to empower you to look and feel your best at any age. This is a link to check it out: https://open.spotify.com/show/77ZNCLBGgpXMkmcPMrWQpc?si=56680a4639804d12
 
In this episode, Nichole and Jill, host of PrettyWise podcast and a mother whose children range from a college student to a toddler, explore how their parenting stages affect their personal and professional lives, the evolution of their priorities, and the challenges they encounter. The conversation highlights the blend of joy, self-care, and the complexities of managing careers while raising children. Key topics include the importance of being intentional with parenting, the relevance of travel as a form of self-care, skin care routines post-motherhood, and maintaining meaningful connections with family. Their reflections on the differences between raising children 20 years ago versus today offer insightful perspectives for parents at any stage.
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:14 Motherhood Journeys: Different Stages
01:35 Discussing Kids and Parenting Styles
04:12 Baby Books and Family Memories
08:10 Parenting Philosophies and Manners
13:27 Screen Time and Technology
18:40 Balancing Business and Motherhood
25:20 Balancing Self-Care and Motherhood
26:35 The Role of Technology in Parenting
27:17 Travel as a Form of Self-Care
28:21 The Importance of Family Travel
29:04 Encouraging Independence in Children
33:18 Skin Care Routines Through Motherhood
40:44 The Evolution of Parenting
43:11 Cherishing the Moments
46:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Meet Jill — Entrepreneur, Registered Nurse, and Mom of Four
Jill is the founder of Avenue Beauty Science, a concierge-style beauty and wellness practice dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse, Jill combines medical insight with a personalized, holistic approach — guiding clients not only through rejuvenating aesthetic treatments, but also through balanced wellness routines, hormone support, supplementation, and simple, effective home care practices.
At Avenue Beauty Science, Jill’s goal is to empower women (and men, too!) to feel confident, radiant, and genuinely cared for — inside and out.
Visit avenuebeautyscience.com or follow Avenue Beauty Science on Instagram and Facebook to learn more and join the community.
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

Ep 34. Embrace Authenticity: Overcome Fear of Judgment and Discover the Power of Being Seen, a candid conversation recorded live with Confidence Coach - Cat Vaz

In this episode of 'The Joy Makers,' host Nichole sits down with her friend and confidence coach, Cat Vaz, in Mallorca, Spain. They discuss life, business, and motherhood while reflecting on their personal journeys. Cat shares insights about vulnerability, overcoming the fear of judgment, and the importance of being present. Both Nichole and Cat emphasize the value of curiosity in understanding personal insecurities and the joy of authentic living. The episode captures a candid, unscripted conversation filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice for entrepreneurs and moms alike.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers
00:38 Meet Cat Vaz: Confidence Coach Extraordinaire
02:49 Gratitude and Joy in Business
04:28 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
09:22 Embracing Discomfort and Vulnerability
17:37 Overcoming Fear of Judgment
18:54 Embracing Authenticity Online
20:33 Finding Joy in Routines
22:17 The Importance of Slowing Down
25:53 Curiosity and Self-Acceptance
28:15 Cherishing Meaningful Friendships
31:28 Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
Connect with Cat here:
www.instagram.com/iamcatvaz/
Biography - Cat is a confidence coach and works with female coaches, healers and service providers who are done hiding their true voice and holding their breath before showing up online so they can post authentically, boldly and consistently, and turn their voice into real opportunities, all without overthinking every post, being terrified of judgement, or scared of being cancelled.
You can Connect More with Nichole here -
www.Nicholemchphotography.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/
@IamNicholeMCH on Insta and TikTok!

Ep 33. Balancing Passion, Business, and Motherhood (Part 2)

In Part 2 of Nichole's interview with Shelly Hughes, they delve further into the personal journey of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self-care routines. It highlights the challenges of maintaining daily practices such as yoga, meditation, and journaling while managing the demands of being a working mom. The conversation also touches on the importance of giving oneself grace, the concept of seasonal life changes, setting priorities, and the realities of making sacrifices for both personal and professional growth. Additionally, it explores the impact of external pressures and social media on personal routines and mindset. Key takeaways include the necessity for flexibility, the importance of identifying core desired feelings to guide decisions, and finding a personalized approach to self-care and work-life balance.
 
00:00 Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care
00:18 Struggles and Adjustments in Early Motherhood
01:51 Finding Time for Self-Care
03:02 The Importance of Flexibility
05:49 Navigating Routine Changes with Kids
06:30 The Overwhelm of Modern Expectations
11:50 Adapting to Life's Seasons
16:47 Finding the Sweet Spot in Life
17:25 Balancing Work and Motherhood
18:21 Cherishing Family Moments
19:49 The Power of Comparison and Sacrifice
21:23 Networking and Personal Boundaries
25:57 Choosing the Right Books for Growth
29:10 Wrapping Up and Contact Information
 
 
Connect with Shelly here -
https://www.instagram.com/shellyhughes_/
Unearth Podcast link:
https://open.spotify.com/show/29pO2szo10sLYtibOOQmAy?si=ff65590218224567
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@Nicholemchphotography on Insta and TikTok!