36: From Wedding Photographer to Author: How to Rebuild Your Passion and Business After Life’s Unexpected Changes
In a recent episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast, host Nata Salvatori interviews Maya Manseau, a former wedding photographer, staging studio owner, and multi-book author. Maya’s story is one of resilience, finding passion, and transforming life’s hardships into purposeful business endeavors. She shares how grief, unexpected opportunities, and a deep sense of purpose shaped her career and life’s journey. Here, we dive into Maya’s journey and the lessons she’s learned about reclaiming passion, purpose, and long-term success after experiencing major life changes.
Navigating a Career as a Wedding Photographer
Maya began her journey as a wedding photographer in 2003 after leaving a high-stress corporate job. At the time, she was grappling with personal losses, including the passing of her father and her mother-in-law’s terminal illness. Seeking more out of life, she took a leap of faith and spent the summer with her two daughters, indulging her love for photography.
“I did a lot of research about what couples were looking for. I set up my pricing and packages so that they were fair to me and also to the couples. I told everyone I talked to that I was new in business, but I had a plan,” Maya recalls. Her dedication paid off, as she booked 18 weddings in her first summer.
Over nine years, Maya’s photography business thrived, and she had the unique experience of working with her daughters. This family dynamic brought a new dimension to her relationship with her children and taught her invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship.
Working with Family: A Unique Dynamic
While Maya never intended for her daughters to join her business, they eventually did, adding a unique dynamic to their relationship. It was a transformative experience, allowing Maya to share her passion for photography with her daughters while teaching them about entrepreneurship and customer service.
One of the most rewarding moments in her career was when her older daughter praised her ability to handle a difficult situation with a client. “I had such a proud mother moment,” Maya says. Her older daughter went on to study small business and entrepreneurship, becoming an early adopter of social media and even speaking to local groups about its impact on business.
From Photography to Writing and Coaching
The transition from wedding photography to author and life coach came after Maya faced a heartbreaking loss. Her older daughter, who had become her business partner, was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away within three months of the diagnosis. This loss forced Maya to reevaluate her life and business.
“I had to think about my purpose, why I was still here,” Maya shares. The idea of returning to wedding photography felt impossible, so she made the difficult decision to close both her photography and staging businesses.
However, her daughter’s legacy lived on. Shortly before her passing, her daughter had asked Maya to write a list of books she wanted to create. “She wanted me to write survivor guides on how to make it through high school, being a young adult, and other helpful how-tos,” Maya remembers. This list eventually became a catalyst for Maya’s writing career, resulting in the publication of four books.
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Key Tips for Aspiring Wedding Photographers
In her book, Photographer’s Focus, Maya offers practical tips for building a successful wedding photography business. Here are two key takeaways:
Networking is Crucial: Maya emphasizes the importance of networking with others who can connect you to potential clients. One of her most surprising referrals came from an exterminator in her networking group, who introduced her to wedding venues. “When you’re networking, don’t just think about wedding-related contacts. Consider who knows the people where the couples are,” she advises.
Offer Exceptional Customer Service: Maya stresses that the little things can make a big difference. She became known for her Mary Poppins-like camera bag, filled with items like scissors, bobby pins, and sewing kits to handle any wedding day mishap. “It cost me nothing, but it added immense value,” she says. These small acts of service not only helped her book more weddings but also made her a memorable part of the couples’ special day.
Defining Long-Term Success: A Three-Part Alignment
In her second book, Navigating the Small Business Path, Maya redefines long-term success beyond financial gain. She believes that success lies in the alignment of three key elements:
- The Problem: Identify the problem you’re solving and the people you serve. For wedding photographers, this means recognizing that the couple is the direct customer, but the entire wedding party and guests are indirect customers.
- Your Passion: Your business must align with your passions. If you’re not passionate about weddings, then wedding photography isn’t the right path for you.
- The Plan: Develop a clear plan for where, when, and how you will offer your services. Successful long-term business requires this strategic approach.
“Having alignment between these three parts is the foundation for long-term success,” Maya explains.
Turning Grief into Purpose
The loss of her daughter was a pivotal moment in Maya’s life, deeply influencing her approach to business and life coaching. She realized that she wanted to work with purpose-driven individuals seeking to make an impact in the world. Her journey of reclaiming purpose after loss has become a guiding principle in her coaching practice.
After her daughter’s passing, Maya started asking herself, “Why am I still here? What is my purpose?” This introspective question led her to a new mission: to help others find their passion and purpose after experiencing loss or significant life changes.
Living Intentionally: A Step Toward Healing
In her book Living Intentionally After Loss, Maya discusses steps for reclaiming passion and living intentionally. One of the most transformative practices she shares is choosing five to ten words that describe how you want to feel at the end of each day. This simple exercise can dramatically change how you make decisions, both personally and in business.
“If I focus on how I want to feel at the end of the day, I make decisions differently,” Maya says. She advises business owners to think about not just their own feelings but also how they want their clients to feel at the end of their experience.
Seizing Unexpected Opportunities
The creation of the staging studio was a testament to Maya’s openness to new opportunities. After helping a family member sell their house, a realtor reached out and asked if she would offer the same staging services to other clients. Despite having no prior experience, Maya embraced the opportunity, partnering with a friend to start the business.
“Sometimes, opportunities present themselves in the most unexpected ways,” Maya reflects. Her advice to entrepreneurs is to remain open to new ventures and not be afraid to take that leap of faith.
Trusting Yourself and Your Path
Maya’s varied career path has taught her the importance of trusting yourself and following your passion. For those who have experienced loss and are looking to find their purpose again, she emphasizes the need to listen to your inner voice and take that leap.
“The key is trusting yourself,” she advises. If you feel drawn toward a new direction, whether in business or personal life, it’s important to give yourself permission to explore that path, even if it feels scary.
Final Thoughts
Maya Manseau’s journey from wedding photographer to author and life coach is an inspiring example of how life’s unexpected changes can lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Her experiences underscore the importance of passion, purpose, and intentional living in both business and personal life.
If you’re looking to rebuild your passion after a major life change, consider Maya’s advice: trust yourself, be clear about who you serve, and align your work with your passion. For more insights from Maya and to access her free books, visit SheCreatesPeace.com.
Listen to the full episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast to hear more of Maya’s incredible story and the lessons she’s learned on her journey to reclaiming passion and purpose.
