Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

”Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast! I’m your host, Nichole, and I’m a little obsessed with living a meaningful life and leaving a lasting impact. I believe as entrepreneurs, we hold the power to bring immense joy to our clients, communities, and, most importantly, ourselves. But we often need support along the way, which is where this podcast comes in! Join me, biweekly, on this journey as we explore the concepts, ideas, stories, and experiences of those who are on their own entrepreneurial path. I’ll share my insights and learnings as I meet fascinating individuals with inspiring tales, and together, we’ll uncover the keys to a fulfilling, joyful and impactful entrepreneurial journey. This podcast is your go-to source for inspiration, practical wisdom, and the art of blending joy with entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find valuable insights and motivation to create a lasting impact while leading a joyful and meaningful life. Tune in and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!”

Episodes

Dec 3, 2025

27 min

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/

Nov 17, 2025

51 min

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/

Oct 16, 2025

33 min

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!

Oct 1, 2025

31 min

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!

Sep 24, 2025

29 min

In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, Nichole is interviewed by Shelly Hughes, host of Unearth, an Entrepreneur, Brand Architect, & Agency Owner. She is a trusted advisor and creative visionary to brands worldwide. Shelly Hughes and Nichole went for a deep dive into the intricacies of building a profitable and passionate brand. They discuss Nichole's journey from a corporate project manager to a successful entrepreneur and mom, emphasizing topics such as mindset, human design, female entrepreneurship, and the tactical aspects of running a business. Nichole shares her insights on finding a balance between masculine and feminine energies in business, carving out creative space, and the importance of giving oneself grace. This episode sets the stage for part two, which will delve even further into entrepreneurial strategies and time management.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Meet Nichole Howard: Confidence Builder and Photographer
04:02 Nichole's Journey: From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business
05:54 Balancing Business and Motherhood
09:05 Navigating Masculine and Feminine Energies in Business
10:14 Challenges and Realities of Women in Business
15:13 Embracing the Power of Saying No
15:44 Introduction to Human Design
17:38 Understanding Energy Types
22:28 The Importance of Creative Outlets
24:31 Creating Space for Creativity
26:02 Revamping Schedules for Better Balance
 
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!

Sep 16, 2025

35 min

In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, host Nichole welcomes Michelle Citrin, a successful multiple six-figure photographer and owner of Michelle Citrin Studios, who is now sharing her knowledge and coaching fellow photographers for the first time. Michelle discusses her journey in the photography business over the last 16 years, the significance of pricing models and money mindset, and how motherhood has influenced her business decisions. The episode dives deep into how photographers can scale their business, break through income barriers, and avoid the trap of being a 'starving artist' by evaluating their pricing strategies. Michelle offers practical advice and insights on finding one's niche, dealing with challenges, and maintaining a balance between professional growth and personal life.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast
00:10 Introducing Michelle Citrin
01:30 Michelle's Journey to Coaching
02:41 The Reality of Photography Pricing
04:48 Strategies for Scaling Your Photography Business
06:19 The Importance of Knowing Your Costs
14:53 Balancing Motherhood and Business
17:35 Experimenting with High-Value Services
19:25 The Importance of Offering High-Priced Packages
19:53 The Power of Pricing Psychology
21:02 A Life-Changing Client Experience
23:01 Motherhood and Business: A Balancing Act
26:31 The Emotional Work of Being a Mom and Entrepreneur
33:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for Photographers
 
Connect with Michelle here -
https://www.instagram.com/michellecitrin_studios/
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@Nicholemchphotography on Insta and TikTok!

Aug 22, 2025

8 min

In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, host Nichole, a personal brand photographer and business coach, discusses the emotional and practical aspects of entrepreneurship. Drawing parallels between owning a business and a love affair, Nicole shares her insights into the initial excitement, the evolving commitment, and the challenges that arise along the way. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, managing responsibilities, and avoiding burnout. Nicole encourages her listeners to appreciate their journey, highlight their achievements, and consider pauses not as signs of weakness but as necessary for long-term success.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast
00:33 The Struggles of Entrepreneurship
01:42 Business and Love: A Unique Comparison
04:35 Facing Challenges and Finding Rest
07:04 The Journey of Personal Growth
08:02 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@Nicholemchphotography on Insta and TikTok!

Aug 1, 2025

42 min

In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, host Nichole welcomes Alexandra Janelli, CEO and founder of Go Burble, the groundbreaking mental wellness platform revolutionizing how people access change. Alexandra, a renowned hypnotherapist and visionary entrepreneur, shares insights about her journey and the development of her customizable hypnosis app, Go burble. She discusses her approach to hypnotherapy, the distinctions between hypnosis and meditation, and provides a live demo of a hypnosis session focused on relaxation and trust. The episode also explores important themes like community support, trust in the unknown, and the power of gratitude.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast
00:11 Introducing Alexandra Janelli, and Go Burble
02:36 The Importance of Personalization in Mental Wellness
04:37 Verbal Insight Cards and the Power of Community
06:32 Trust and the Subconscious Mind
13:53 Parenting and Subconscious Associations
16:02 Understanding Hypnosis
21:23 Hypnosis vs. Meditation
22:00 Preparing for a Hypnosis Demo
22:37 Understanding Sleep Patterns and Anxiety
23:20 The Role of Dreams and Morning Thoughts
23:51 Addressing Sleep Issues: Digging Deeper
24:33 Hypnosis Demonstration: Basics and Techniques
26:44 Guided Hypnosis Session
32:48 Reflections on Hypnosis Experience
33:44 The Importance of Community and Support
39:13 Human Connection in a Digital Age
40:58 Gratitude Rituals and Final Thoughts
 
Connect with Alex here:
https://www.instagram.com/iamalexandrajanelli/
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@Nicholemchphotography on Insta and TikTok!
 
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Jul 3, 2025

13 min

Nichole, a new mom and entrepreneur, discusses the importance of saying no to tasks that don't align with personal and professional values. She explains how being selective allows for more energy and better results in her roles as a mom and business owner. Highlighting her experience as a 'generator' in human design, Nichole shares practical examples from her photography and business coaching career to illustrate how focusing on aligned opportunities leads to greater success. She emphasizes the need for space in schedules for creative insights and living a values-aligned life. Nichole also introduces her new free guide, the 'Soulful Success Action Plan,' designed to help others achieve values-aligned action in their business.
 
00:00 The Power of Saying No
00:33 Discovering Human Design
01:53 The Shift to Branding Photography
03:38 Mastering Personal Branding Photography
06:48 Balancing Schedule for Creativity
09:19 Aligning Actions with Values
11:52 Conclusion and Free Resources
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@Nicholemchphotography on Insta and TikTok!
 
🎁 Get a FREE $350 Gift! 🎁
Leave a review of the podcast, send us a screenshot via DM, and we’ll send you a special gift worth $350 completely free!

Jun 19, 2025

14 min

In this episode of Joy Makers, host Nichole delves into her personal journey of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal dreams. She shares the misconception of having a 'big life' and redefines it as one that is full, messy, and intentional. Nichole offers an honest portrayal of her daily life, emphasizing the importance of intentional living and the embrace of both good and challenging days. She concludes with encouraging listeners to find their 'why' and offers one-on-one coaching to support others in managing their big lives. Connect with Nichole on Instagram at @iamnicholemch for more insights and community.
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:40 Setting the Scene: A Mom's Evening
01:32 Redefining a Big Life
02:50 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood
06:16 A Day in the Life
09:16 Intentional Living and Embracing Chaos
10:27 Invitation for Support and Connection
12:49 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
 
You can Connect More with Nichole Here -
Book your call here!: www.Nicholemchphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

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