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That’s My Personal Business

Eden Strader
233 episodes   Last Updated: Jun 23, 25
“Our personal lives and businesses are so intertwined” - said everyone ever with no further details. That’s My Personal Business is pulling back the curtain on all things personal, all things business, and all things in between - showing you what it *actually* takes to become a successful creative and photographer through self work, actionable steps, social media strategy and more. Every Monday we’re helping you skip the learning curve by hearing from industry professionals including your host, Eden Strader - a destination wedding photographer turned business coach, leading creative entrepreneurs in building a life of artistic growth, wealth, and freedom. Helping photographers and creatives scale their businesses four-fold, sell out workshops in a week, fill out their calendars and more, Eden scaled her own business to over $1 million in revenue by age 27 while still having a beautiful life outside of her business. It’s time for you to learn how to do the same.

Episodes

Today we're chatting with queer San Diego-based wedding photographer Clarisse Rae all about showing up as your full self in life and business. From how she got her start in weddings to what it’s been like building a career that reflects who she is, Clarisse brings a mix of humor, honesty, and real-world experience. We talk about growing into your identity, navigating visibility, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways people treat you based on how you show up. We also dive into what true inclusivity looks like in creative industries, from language and representation to allyship that goes beyond the surface. Whether you’re in the wedding world or just figuring out how to build a business that aligns with your values, this episode is packed with thoughtful insight, good laughs, and reminders to stay grounded in who you are.   Follow Clarisse on IG: https://www.instagram.com/clarisse.rae/ Clarisse's website: https://clarisserae.com/   Come join our Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on November 12th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!  
In honor of Pride Month, we're opening up about the raw, unfiltered reality of being a queer business owner in 2025. From navigating homophobia in both life and business to building Garden of, a sapphic community collective that’s grown faster than ever imagined, Eden shares what it really looks like to build a life and brand that’s radically aligned with who you are. In this episode, we're talking privilege, politics, burnout, visibility, and the power of choosing courage over comfort. We unpack why silence is never neutral and how queerness has shaped Eden's journey as an entrepreneur. If this conversation resonated with you, the best way to support is by following along, sharing the episode, or donating to Garden of. Every bit helps build something bigger.   Follow Garden Of on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gardenof.collective/ Garden Of website: https://www.gardenofcollective.com/ Garden Of Fundraiser: https://givebutter.com/SXsJAL   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
This week on the podcast, we’re celebrating Pride with Kade Joy—trans masc lesbian photographer and queer history archivist—whose lens captures the vibrancy, complexity, and intimacy of queer life in New York City. Kade shares how documenting community events, nightlife, and self-portraits has not only shaped their career, but also deepened their connection to identity and healing.  We talk about the magic of discovering queerness in a city that fully embraces it, the power of self-documentation, and why creating art just for yourself matters now more than ever. It’s a conversation about identity, community, and what it really means to be seen. Come listen!   Follow Kade Joy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kadejoyphotography/ Kade Joy's website: https://www.kadejoyphotography.com/ Kade Joy's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/KadeJoy    Come join our Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on November 12th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email hello@edenstrader.com for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come shop our education at https://edenstrader.com/the-best-education-resources-to-better-your-business#galleries   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
If you’ve ever felt dismissed by a doctor or wondered why your body feels off for no apparent reason, this episode is for you. I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Erin Ellis, a licensed naturopathic doctor who’s on a mission to change how women experience healthcare. From surviving a rare cancer diagnosis to building a thriving practice in Arizona, Dr. Ellis shares how her own journey led her to become an advocate for women who feel unheard in the medical system. We dive into what it really means to get to the root cause of your symptoms and why most of us are more dehydrated, undernourished, and overtired than we think. This conversation goes far beyond typical wellness talk—we’re breaking down tangible steps you can take right now to feel better in your body, even if you're juggling business, family, and a million to-dos. Dr. Ellis shares her top self-care habits, why hormones absolutely matter, and how to start advocating for your health.   Follow Dr. Erin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.erinellis/ Follow Dr. Erin on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.erinellis?_t=ZM-8wa3g4DFxoc&_r=1   Come join our Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on November 12th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email hello@edenstrader.com for more information on our newest coaching container.   https://edenstraderweddings.com/   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
If you’ve ever felt torn between strategy and creativity in your business, or wondered how to bring more of you into your work—this episode is your permission slip to explore both. I’m joined by the incredible Jessica Pye, a creative business mentor who’s redefining what it looks like to blend art and entrepreneurship. From launching a paint-and-sip style business retreat to publishing her own guided journal, Jessica shares how she reignited her creativity after burnout, and how not following the "proven path" led to the most fulfilling chapter of her business yet. We get into everything: navigating pivots when your business is working but your heart's not in it, building multiple income streams without burning out, and finding unexpected inspiration. Come listen in on a truly energizing and honest conversation that’ll have you rethinking what your creativity is capable of.   Follow Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejessicapye/ The Fun & Money Playbook: https://a.co/d/j3z96LB   Come join our Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on November 12th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
If you’ve ever wondered how creative entrepreneurs actually stay organized behind the scenes, this episode with Kesh Jay of By Second Society is a must-listen. Kesh is a brand strategist and designer, creating high-end brands with a touch of character. Eden sits down with Kesh to talk all about the daily, weekly, and monthly habits that keep her grounded while running a thriving brand strategy studio. From her transition out of a burnout-heavy tech career to becoming a full-time designer, Kesh shares how structure became her unexpected superpower, and why discipline matters even more in a creative business. They dive into how Kesh plans her weeks, how she balances content creation with client work, and why personal projects are key to keeping her creativity alive. You’ll also hear honest thoughts on avoiding burnout, redefining productivity, and staying inspired in an online world that’s constantly moving. If you’ve been craving more rhythm and less chaos in your creative business, this episode will feel like a deep breath - so come listen!   Follow Kesh on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bysecondsociety/ Kesh's website: https://bysecondsociety.com/   Come join our Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on November 12th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
This episode is a candid, powerful conversation with Bridgette Boucha—fractional CFO, author of Money Queen, and expert in the kind of habits that actually lead to freedom. We talk about starting over, the small daily practices that build real self-trust, and why listening to your body might be the most underrated decision-making tool you have. From walking away from a corporate career to reimagining her life post-divorce, Bridgette shares what it takes to build a life that feels good, not just one that looks good on paper. If you’ve ever questioned your routines, felt stuck in someone else’s version of success, or struggled to balance ambition with alignment, this one’s for you. Bridgette offers so much wisdom on how to create new patterns around money, energy, and self-worth, so come and listen!   Follow Bridgette on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetteboucha/ Bridgette's book: https://www.amazon.com/MONEY-QUEEN-Financial-Entrepreneurs-Profitable-ebook/dp/B0CFT6ZXXM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email hello@edenstrader.com for more information on our newest coaching container.   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the emotional and psychological layers of our relationship with money with financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin. Lindsay is a financial therapist, social worker, author, and speaker who helps people improve their relationship with money—without shame or guilt. As the founder of the financial wellness business Mind Money Balance, she blends psychology and personal finance to guide individuals and organizations toward financial confidence. Lindsay shares how her personal and professional journey led her to bridge mental health and money. We explore why personal finance advice often misses the mark—and how understanding your money mindset can make all the difference. You’ll hear why so many of us fall into cycles of avoidance or perfectionism when it comes to finances, and how small, intentional steps can shift everything. Lindsay also gets real about navigating recession anxiety, building an emergency fund without overwhelm, and tapping into community resources. Whether you’re stuck in analysis paralysis or ignoring your bank app, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, empowered, and ready to take your next small step with money—on your own terms.   Follow Lindsay on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindmoneybalance/ Newsletter https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter Quiz: https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz    LAST CALL! Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
It's another episode of Money March and today we're talking to Parween Mander, a South Asian money expert on a mission to provide honest and relatable financial coaching for women of color from immigrant upbringings through 1:1 coaching and mentoring. She's built a net worth of $300,000 by the age of 30 and is on a mission to help other WOC overcome their financial traumas and build generational wealth. Parween shares her journey and the financial mindset shifts that changed everything. We dive into what it means to feel "safe" with money, how to overcome guilt and shame around spending, and practical strategies to start building financial confidence—without falling into the trap of extreme restriction. If you’ve ever felt like money controls you more than you control it, this conversation is for you! Parween breaks down how to shift from avoiding your finances to engaging with them in a way that feels empowering. We talk about small, actionable steps to build trust with yourself, create structure around your finances, and even reframe budgeting so it doesn’t feel like a punishment. Whether you’re paying off debt, supporting loved ones, or just trying to make smarter money moves, this episode is packed with insights that will help you take control.   Follow Parween on IG: https://www.instagram.com/parween.mander/ Parween's website: https://thewealthywolfe.ca/   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email hello@edenstrader.com for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!
If you've ever felt stuck when it comes to money—whether it's paying off debt, trying to save, or building financial stability—this episode is for you. I sat down with financial educator and author Kara Perez to talk about how she paid off over $25k in student loans while making less than $16K a year, and how she went from financial struggle to financial freedom. We dive into sustainability, value-based budgeting, and how to put your money where your heart is without sacrificing your quality of life. Kara shares her real, no-BS approach to building wealth, the hustle that got her out of debt, and how she turned her passion for financial literacy into a thriving business. We also get into the emotional side of money—how to avoid falling into a scarcity mindset while still being intentional with your spending. Whether you're working your way out of debt or just trying to be smarter with your money, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical tips!   Follow Kara on IG and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/webravelygo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@webravelygo Kara's website: https://bravelygo.co/ Money for Change book: https://bravelygo.co/green-money-book/   We're diving into manifestation, meditation and self empowerment practices for energetic and logistical upgrades within your business! Email hello@edenstrader.com for more information on our newest coaching container.   Come join our annual Flash Photography Workshop in NYC on April 8th, 2025! You'll learn how to shoot on camera and off camera flash, with a plethora of techniques to absolutely stun your ideal clients and explode your portfolio. After class is over, you'll have multiple hours in studio to practice your new skills while Eden helps you troubleshoot! https://edenstrader.com/in-person-flash-photography-workshop   If you enjoyed today's episode, please:   - Leave a positive review or rating! - Come join our free Manifestation Challenge, a fan favorite freebie! https://edenstrader.com/manifesting-challenge - Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us @edenstrader so we can repost you. - Follow (+) our show for new episodes every Monday!