From Corporate Job to Full-Time Photographer & Coach: Halle Heather’s Story
Have you ever felt trapped in a job that didn’t light you up, but the fear of leaving held you back? If so, you’re not alone.
On this episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast, I sat down with Halle Heather, the creative force behind Luli Photo and Film and host of the Take Your Shot Podcast. Halle shared her inspiring journey from climbing the corporate ladder to running a thriving wedding photography business—and how she now coaches creatives to help them break free from fear and build businesses they love.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take the leap in your business—this is it.
Leaving the Corporate World for Creative Freedom
Like many, Halle followed the “safe” path. She earned a college degree, landed a Fortune 500 corporate job, and was on track for a big promotion. But despite the external success, something felt off.
While juggling her corporate job, she had a photography side hustle, shooting weddings and portraits on weekends. When an unexpected corporate restructuring caused her promotion to fall through, Halle felt relieved instead of disappointed—a sign that she was chasing the wrong dream.
Facing Fear & Taking the Shot
Halle knew she needed to make a change, but fear held her back—until a life-changing message gave her the clarity she needed.
A friend from church sent her a voice memo saying, “I had a vision of you playing soccer. You had the ball, stopped to pass it, but no one was there. Then, in a thundering voice, God yelled, ‘Take the shot!’”
This hit hard. As a former soccer player, Halle had always hesitated to take the shot—on the field and in life. She realized she had been playing it safe, avoiding risk, and following a path that wasn’t truly hers.
At that moment, she knew: It was time to take her shot and go full-time with photography.
And she did.
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Overcoming the Fear of Going Full-Time in Business
If you’re hesitating to take your side hustle full-time, Halle offers this advice:
✔ Identify the Fear: What’s really holding you back? Is it financial insecurity? Fear of failure? Imposter syndrome? Write it down.
✔ Break It Down: Instead of focusing on the big leap, set small, actionable steps toward your goal.
✔ Think Like Your Future Self: What would 80-year-old you say? Would they regret staying stuck—or be proud that you took the chance?
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re feeling stuck, working with a business coach can help you build confidence, create a strategy, and take action.
How Halle Built a Sustainable Photography Business
Today, Halle and her husband run Luli Photo and Film, specializing in luxury destination weddings while maintaining a work-life balance. Here’s how they scaled sustainably:
✨ Prioritizing quality over quantity – Capping weddings at 15-20 per year instead of overbooking.
✨ Setting boundaries – Separating business and personal time to protect their relationship.
✨ Leveraging SEO & content marketing – Using blogs, location-based SEO, and social media to book weddings in dream destinations.
✨ Building a strong community – Connecting with other photographers and vendors for referrals and support.
Branding: The Key to Attracting High-Paying Clients
As both a business coach and photographer, Halle teaches that branding is more than just colors and logos—it’s about creating an experience that attracts your dream clients.
Here are 5 essential steps to creating a brand that stands out and converts:
1️⃣ Define Your “Why” & Set Clear Goals
What is the purpose behind your business?
What impact do you want to make?
What are your income and lifestyle goals?
2️⃣ Identify Your Ideal Clients
Who do you love working with?
What are their pain points, desires, and struggles?
Where do they spend time online? Instagram? TikTok? Google?
3️⃣ Develop Your Brand Voice & Messaging
Speak directly to your ideal clients in a way that feels authentic.
Use website copy and social media content that solves their problems.
4️⃣ Create a Cohesive Visual Identity
Colors, fonts, and images should align with your brand personality and audience.
5️⃣ Audit & Optimize Your Online Presence
Review your website, social media, and marketing materials to ensure consistency.
🚀 Want to make sure your brand is on point? Grab Halle’s Free Brand Audit Workbook [link].
The Biggest Challenges & Rewards of Entrepreneurship
🔹 Biggest Challenge: The isolation of working alone after leaving a corporate job. Solution? Finding a strong community of like-minded business owners.
🔹 Biggest Reward: The freedom to build a life and business on her own terms while serving couples and empowering fellow creatives.
Halle now hosts workshops, coaching programs, and retreats to help others achieve success on their own terms.
Final Advice: Take the Leap Before You Regret It
Halle’s biggest piece of advice?
⏳ Time is the one thing you can’t get back.
If you feel unfulfilled in your job and keep telling yourself “someday”, ask yourself:
👉 What if I never take the leap? Will I regret it?
Most people fear failure, but the real risk is never trying at all.
If you’re serious about turning your passion into a thriving business, start with a plan, surround yourself with support, and most importantly—take the shot.
Listen to the Full Episode 🎧
Want to hear more of Halle’s journey and her expert advice for creative entrepreneurs?
🎙 Listen Now:
🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accidental-ceo-podcast/id1733266088
🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vBLoaz5xk75iOIUjn1zAJ?si=0aa70f5941634b70
📩 If this episode resonated with you, drop a comment or tag me on Instagram @accidentalceo.co with your biggest takeaway!
