Create Beautifully™

How to Life Authentically & Navigate Life’s Diverse Paths Using Core Values with Jenelle Botts

My guest today has been around the world and back, living many different "lives," joining the army, brand photographer, SEO guide, substitute teacher and more. On the surface it can look like she's bounced all over the place, but what she's done is actually stay true to her values. By following what's most important, she's always known which choice to make when her seasons of life were calling for different things.
 
This episode is great for many, including those who are trying to find the through-line in their lives. Maybe you've seemingly bounced all over the place, but what if you could tap into that guiding thread? Listen in and see if some new ways to look at your life pop up for you! 
 
Similarly, if you're at a cross-roads and the next step looks vastly different from the previous one and you're wondering what the hell is happening and how do you choose it and how can it feel consistent with who you are - this is a wonderful episode for you.
 
As is often the case, one the most magical parts of our conversation came near the end, when Jenelle was sharing about a time in her life when she had an extremely limited amount of downtime during a season that was hard, emotional and over very overwhelming. What she did to find groundedness and her advice around seasons like this are incredibly helpful.
 
I hope you enjoy this episode of Create Beautifully!
 

Learn This Revolutionary Approach to Loving Yourself in Photos

"The soul, fortunately, has an interpreter - often and unconscious, but still a faithful interpreter - in the eye." -Charlotte Brontë
 
Being a brand photographer, I know that most women aren't HUGE fans of seeing themselves in photos. Some squint and hem and haw, choosing just the right photos that they're not *too* critical of, and some simply can't even bring themselves to book a shoot with me or anyone else because they're too afraid they'll hate every single one.
 
It's more than just a sad truth, it's oppressive. This obsession with our bodies and needing to look as much as we can like the "default" body (aptly named by Sonya Renee Taylor) is keeping us from so much joy, so much abundance and goodness and aliveness. 
 
The problem is in this thought: I don't like my body, therefore I need to change my body. 
 
It's a natural thought, a natural progression - fix the thing you don't like, right? Change the thing that's causing you stress? But that only gets us so far. The closer we get to the default, perhaps the easier it is to be less self-conscious, but what are we actually CHANGING that's lastingly and overwhelmingly positive, compassionate and loving? As we age or as our botox fades, we're right back where we started, left with our negative thoughts about our bodies and obsessively trying to figure out a body-based solution.
 
But what if the real solution isn't body-based at all? What if, in fact, what we're judging and being so repulsed by in photos isn't actually *anything* related to our physical appearance? In this episode, I present the idea that what we're actually hating in our photos is the look in our eyes, the thing that's connected to our soul and our soul desperately trying to reach us saying, "Hear me. Be guided by me," and knowing that we haven't headed it in several areas of our lives and feeling like we don't know how to trust ourselves. And that, when we begin the soul-led path of intentionality and healing, we automatically begin to love what we see in photos of ourselves without ever changing a damn physical thing about us.
 
Join me in this discussion. I'd love to hear your thoughts - feel free to DM me on Instagram!

How to Tap into Your Inner Creative Soul Through Authenticity and Self-Belief with Katey Windholz

Ah, this episode is such a treat! My guest today is Katey Windholz, a choreographer at my daughters' dance school.  Although she teaches a variety of styles, she's the head of the tap program there. She's always had a creative brain around music, hearing the "holes" in songs and mentally filling them with beats that she would translate into choreography. 
 
This past season, she was working on a tap number for one of the high school aged classes and some ideas came to here that were NOT her usual style.  She was used to doing loud, entertaining, in-your-face dances, but this was different.  She questioned herself, as many of us creatives do when some new type of inspiration strikes asking, "Am I crazy? Will this be well-received or totally shot down?"
 
Well, she went with it and at the very first dance convention they performed it at, the number won Best Overall, which is HUGE, especially for a dance number!
 
Katey and I get into the creative brain, the soul-sucking-ness of imposter syndrome that comes from too much time online, her one simple hack to get out of it, and also...playing music for chickens?! And an animal whisperer? Haha! This episode was a fun one! 
 
This is a perfect episode for anyone questioning that little voice inside that's calling you to something that may seem out of the realm of possibilities, but it also making you excited.
 

I Got Breast Implants & Then I Took Them Out #ittybittytittycommittee

In this vulnerable and personal episode, join me as I take you on a transformative journey through my experiences with body image, breast implants, explant, and the pursuit of self-love. 
 
As a teenager and into my 20s, I struggled with having small breasts, and in this episode, I open up about the challenges I faced during that time. From clothes that didn't fit properly to the frustrating search for bras in tween clothing stores, I felt the weight of societal beauty standards that seemed to favor women with larger breasts. The media's portrayal of bigger breasts as more desirable, powerful, and worthy of love and devotion only heightened my insecurities.
 
At the age of 26, while living in Los Angeles, I made the decision to get breast implants. Although they initially helped alleviate my self-consciousness, I admit that I never truly loved my augmented breasts. After 14.5 years, the implants started causing me physical discomfort, and it deeply affected me when my daughters started questioning if their bodies would resemble mine. I never wanted my daughters to feel that surgery was necessary to love their bodies or feel beautiful. Motivated by this, I made the courageous choice to explant two years ago.
 
During this episode, I share the emotional and physical challenges I faced after the explantation. While the results were not as aesthetically pleasing as I had hoped, I discovered a profound sense of self and authenticity that had been missing for so long. Recently, I consulted with a plastic surgeon to explore my options, and it became clear that I no longer desired implants. Instead, I began considering a fat transfer. However, the most significant lesson I learned through this journey is that my worth, beauty, femininity, and power are not contingent on changing my physical appearance.
 
In addition to sharing my personal story, I am excited to introduce you to my transformative photography sessions called Lens of Love. These sessions are designed to help women heal their relationship with their bodies and foster self-love. Inspired by my own experiences, I am passionately dedicated to supporting other women in embracing their authenticity and discovering their inner beauty.
 
Join me in this deeply personal episode as I open my heart and share my powerful journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the realization that embracing authentic beauty begins from within.
 
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How to Rediscover Passion and Pursue Dreams in Midlife with Fanacek

In this captivating episode of Create Beautifully, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Fanacek, a remarkable individual who's fighting against the tide of a corporate career to reclaim his true passion for TV and film.
 
Join us as Fanacek shares his poignant story of being raised by television, with absent parents who often left him in front of the screen. We explore how this early immersion in the world of entertainment shaped his love for the industry, leading him to embark on a pursuit of acting in the bustling city of Los Angeles. Along the way, Fanacek discovered that his true calling lay in writing, unraveling a deeper connection to storytelling.
 
Discover the fascinating world of Fanacek's sticky brain, brimming with an unrivaled wealth of TV and film trivia. We delve into his insatiable curiosity, which propels him to explore IMDB rabbit holes, uncovering the intricate web that connects actors, directors, writers, and producers.
 
Tune in as we explore the genesis of Fanacek's own podcast, a creative outlet that has become his lifeline to reignite his passions. Gain valuable insights into his journey of self-discovery, the challenges he's facing, and the transformative power of embracing one's true calling.
 
Moreover, this episode serves as a powerful source of inspiration for individuals currently caught in the web of a corporate career or any profession that feels misaligned with their purpose. Fanacek's story illuminates the transformative potential of reconnecting with one's true passions, even after years of neglect. Through his journey of self-reflection, perseverance, and unwavering determination, listeners are encouraged to embark on their own quests to reignite the spark of their passions. Whether you're yearning to pursue a long-lost dream or simply seeking a path that aligns with your purpose, this episode offers invaluable insights and encouragement to embrace the power of rediscovery.
 
If you're a cinephile, a TV enthusiast, or simply someone seeking inspiration to follow your dreams, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we peel back the layers of Fanacek's remarkable story, unveiling the reel truth behind his pursuit of passion and the magic of storytelling.
 

How to Move from Fear to Freedom When You’re Attacked on Social Media with Jess Lemmé

Join in on this episode of the Create Beautifully podcast, where my guest and I delve into the realm of entrepreneurship and social media, uncovering the fears that hold us back and the transformative power of embracing vulnerability. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the all-too-common fear of putting ourselves out there on social media platforms for our businesses, afraid of being judged, hated on, or rejected.
 
My guest, Jess Lemmé, shares her personal journey of resilience and growth after experiencing a harsh social media attack from a family member. What initially seemed like an overwhelming setback became a catalyst for her personal and professional transformation. Through this eye-opening experience, she discovered the hidden gifts within adversity and learned to push past her fears.
 
Together, we examine the barriers that prevent entrepreneurs from fully leveraging the power of social media, and how fear can limit our potential for success. We discuss strategies to overcome the fear of judgment and rejection, empowering listeners to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities.
 
Discover how this courageous entrepreneur turned her experience into a springboard for growth, gaining newfound confidence to take action and embrace calculated risks. By sharing her powerful story, we inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to conquer their fears, shatter self-imposed limitations, and embrace the possibilities that await them.
 
Tune in to this episode and learn how to break free from the fear that holds you back, unlock your full potential on social media, and harness the power of vulnerability to achieve success in your business.

#hardthings: How I Attended the Taylor Swift Eras Tour Concert with my Neurodivergent & Neurotypical Daughters & It Wasn’t (and Was) What We’d Hoped For

This past weekend I took my 10 year old and almost 13 year old to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert.  My 13 year old is neurotypical, while my 10 year old is neurodivergent.  I definitely learned a few what TO DOs and MANY what NOT to dos - cue the mom guilt.
 
In this episode, I'll share my experience, what didn't go so well (panic attack, crowds) and a handful of tips that can make YOUR experience at a big even with a neurodivergent kiddos as successful as possible.
 
I'll discuss these 5 points:
 
1. Name "neurodivergent"
2. Have a plan
3. Lots of prep work
4. Find the joy & presence as much as possible
5. Decide how much you care about the event

How Hating Yourself in Photos Robs You of Fulfilling Your Potential

As a brand photographer, I have heard countless women express their dissatisfaction with how they look in photos. But negative body image is not limited to professional photoshoots. It's a pervasive issue that affects many of us in our everyday lives - perhaps way more than we realize.
 
In this episode, I'll explore the damaging impact of negative body image on our mental and emotional well-being, as well as our ability to be fully present and engaged in our lives. We'll discuss how self-criticism and self-rejection can hold us back from achieving our full potential, and why learning to love and accept ourselves, flaws and all, is so incredibly important.
 
Join me as I explore the hidden costs of self-rejection, and learn to see yourself through a new lens. Begin to discover how to embrace your true potential and unleash your inner radiance.

Learn from My 9 Year Old What It’s Like to Leave School & High Level Athletics All in the Same Two Weeks

In episode 8 I shared my story of honoring my season particularly when it came to 2022 and the unexpected event of taking my daughter out of public school and out of competition dance in order to homeschool and help calm her nervous system overall.
 
For this episode, she'd asked to come on and share HER experience of that time. She talks about the stress she was feeling, what homeschooling was like and where she is now. It was super cool to have my daughter on, so I hope you'll give it a listen! 

Is a Subconscious Heal & Release Session Be the Alternative Therapy You’ve Been Looking For? with Chris Hancock

This episode is WILD.  Have you ever had a healing session with someone who was given the divine gift of discernment and feels their head nod or shake in response to what is true or isn't true for YOU? Well, I have, and it was deeply impactful. 
 
My guest on this episode is a former photography client and a friend. Chris Hancock has a background in traditional psychotherapy, but after a dark night of the soul and his willingness to lean in, to surrender and learn, he has a thriving practice full of "outside the box" therapeutic, spiritual and healing practices. 
 
Chris offers energy psychology, spiritual support, integrative counseling and Internal Family Systems (IFS).  Listen in to learn about his journey, unique healing modalities and my experience with what Chris calls a Subconscious Heal and Release Session!