Shoot It Straight

It’s the 200th episode of Shoot It Straight! On this very special episode, I am joined by my daughter, Emerson. We’re interviewing each other and diving into life with an entrepreneur for a mom, lessons I’ve learned over years of motherhood and business, plus our upcoming life transition. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes: What did Sabrina want to be when she was her daughter’s age? (3:00)Has Emerson always understood what Sabrina did for work? (5:04)What are Sabrina’s non-negotiables in business and motherhood? (6:09)Emerson’s memories of Sabrina working (10:35)Did Sabrina miss out on family stuff because of the business? (13:59)When Emerson felt proud of Sabrina (16:47)When things got really hard, what kept Sabrina from quitting? (19:14)What Emerson has seen Sabrina struggle with (25:19)If Sabrina could go back to when Emerson was little, what would she do differently? (30:32)How watching Sabrina has changed what Emerson wants her own life to look like (34:09)Sabrina and Emerson’s relationship when Emerson is an adult (35:48)Something Emerson wishes people knew about Sabrina (41:38)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistEpisode 190 From Skeptical to Obsessed with Jaiden Hamilton: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/190-from-skeptical-to-obsessed-with-jaiden-hamiltonEpisode 100: Childhood, Intuition, and High-Achieving Women with D’Arcy Benincosa: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/100-childhood-intuition-and-high-achieving-women-with-darcy-benincosaConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Have you found your business bestie? In today’s episode, I’m diving into the importance of photographer friendships and why they lead to greater success for your business. Plus, I’m sharing real-life examples of how having photographer friends has changed mine and my students’ lives. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:The cost of going it alone (1:48)“I don’t have time” (5:00)Stories from myself and students (8:25)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistEpisode 194: Q2 2026 Business Bestie Chat with Colie James: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/194-q2-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Are you pushing off your email marketing? Maybe you think you only need to email your list a few times a year, when you’re offering mini-sessions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what photographers get wrong when it comes to email marketing. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:The numbers prove the value of email marketing (3:11)The shift in your strategy (4:56)Emailing only when you’re selling (6:19)Selling to the same list over and over (9:17)“I don’t have anything to say outside of my business” (10:16)Email does not have to be salesy or formal (13:32)Email is a relationship tool (15:32)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistEpisode 193: Why Your Mini Sessions Aren’t Selling Out Anymore (It’s Not Your Pricing Or Your Photos): sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/193-why-your-mini-sessions-arent-selling-out-anymore-its-not-your-pricing-or-your-photosConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Do you feel like you’re in a spiral or something is just off? I’ve been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 questions to ask yourself when everything in your business feels off. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistReview the Show Notes:What doesn’t feel good right now? (4:32)Why doesn’t it feel good? (8:15)Who can support you through this? (9:43)What am I missing? (11:25)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

Are you in a funk? It happens to every business owner from time to time. In today’s episode, I’m sharing honestly about the last few months: why I’ve been in a funk and how I’m working through it. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. This episode is brought to you by Root To Rise, a high-touch mastermind for established female photographers ready to lead their business, not just run it. Over the six-month experience, you’ll gain clarity on your vision and offers, build sustainable systems, and get to know the most supportive community of women. The program also includes lessons with incredible industry experts, weekly calls, and ongoing accountability. Sign up today to join the waitlist. Review the Show Notes:Why I’m in a funky season (1:08)Wrestling with business discomfort (6:07)The huge breakthrough (11:43)If you’re in a funk too (13:29)Mentioned In This Episode: Root To Rise Mastermind: sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind-waitlistThe First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membershipConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.com

Are you in the early years of your business and exhausted? In today’s episode, I’m reflecting back on 15 years of business and how it felt those first few years. Plus, 5 lessons that I wish someone would have told me back then. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Confusion is not a sign that you’re doing it wrong (3:41)You are going to outgrow your prices faster than you think (6:07)When you say yes to everything, it will cost you (8:52)They’re not your competition, they’re your community (12:09)You don’t need a bigger audience, you need one that trusts you (14:52)Connect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

It’s the quarterly business bestie chat! In this episode, Colie James and I are chatting in-person after spending a few days at a conference together. We’re recapping Q1 of 2026 and looking ahead to Q2. The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Recapping the Creative Educator Conference (1:45)Sabrina’s brand new retreat (9:02)Colie choosing to offer only one thing (11:27)A community space for Sabrina’s memberships (13:10)Re-evaluating our programs (18:46)Our ad strategy goals (23:13) Sparking new ideas (27:43)Our plans for Q2 (28:57)Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 190 From Skeptical to Obsessed with Jaiden Hamilton: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/190-from-skeptical-to-obsessed-with-jaiden-hamilton/Root To Rise Summer Camp: sabrina-gebhardt.myflodesk.com/summercampOur Quarterly Business Bestie Chats:Q1 2026: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/183-q1-2026-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ4 2025 : sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/165-q4-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ3 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ2 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q2-2025-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ1 2025: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/128-q1-2025-business-bestie-chatQ4 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q4-business-bestie-chat-with-colie-jamesQ3 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/q3-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ2 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/88-q2-business-besties-chat-with-colie-jamesQ1 2024: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/75-quarterly-business-chat-with-colie-jamesConnect with Colie:Podcast: coliejames.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/coliejamesWebsite: coliejames.comConnect with Sabrina:TikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardtInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.com

Feel like you’re doing everything right, but your offers aren’t selling out like they used to? I’m hearing this a lot from the women I coach, and in today’s episode I’m diving into why this might be happening. Plus, 3 things you can do to fix it before your next launch.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:You’re launching to the same list (1:17)What a stale email list might look like (2:57)You only send emails when you’re launching (4:12)Pause and plan for list growth (7:01)Creating value with your freebie (8:20)Use your offers to build a waitlist (11:49)Get creative with collaborations (12:40)Nurture your audience in-between selling (15:05)Consider running Meta ADs (16:00)3 things to do before your next launch (18:19)Mentioned In This Episode: The First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membership  | Use code: 50% off first month "PODCASTDEAL"Marketing That Attracts: sabrinagebhardt.com/marketingEpisode 191 Meta ADs for Beginners with Brooklyn Grotte: sabrinagebhardt.com/podcast/191-meta-ads-for-beginners-with-brooklyn-grotteConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt

What does a strong marriage look like for an entrepreneur? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my own experience of what marriage has looked like with the demands of owning a business, raising a family, and so much more. Plus, what it has meant for my husband and I to truly choose each other.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it’s like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you’re trying to find balance in this exciting place you’re in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:Sharing our lowest point (2:40)Doubling down and choosing each other (4:51)Hidden pressures of marriage (6:36)What we did to make things better (8:50)Mentioned In This Episode: The First Class Lounge: sabrinagebhardt.com/membershipConnect with Sabrina:Website: sabrinagebhardt.comInstagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtTikTok: tiktok.com/@xo.sabrinagebhardt