We recently connected with Renee Bowen and have shared our conversation below.
Renee, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?
Looking back on my journey as a business owner, the standout investment – the kind that really flips the script – has been plunging into high-level coaching and education. It’s a tale of transformation, really, from a newbie photographer (and later, coach) to a thriving creative entrepreneur.
Early on in my business, I knew I had the potential, but something was missing. It’s like having a map without the legend – you sort of know where you’re going, but you’re not quite sure if you’re on the right track. I stumbled into photography without really knowing how to run a business, so I needed to learn quickly if I wanted to turn a profit.
That’s when I decided to go all in on high-level coaching. It was a hefty decision, both in time and money. I remember thinking, ‘This is it, Renee. You’re not just dipping your toes; you’re diving headfirst into the deep end.’ And, oh boy, did it pay off!
The transformation wasn’t overnight, but the effects were profound. I learned to harness my creative brain, turning what I once saw as a whirlwind of ideas into a streamlined force of innovation. My ‘why’ became crystal clear, and I could articulate it in ways that resonated not just with me, but with my clients too.
I started seeing my business through a new lens (pun intended!). I grasped the nuances of luxury branding, honed my skills in headshot and high school senior photography, and mastered the art of building a boutique business. And the best part? I achieved that coveted six-figure mark without sacrificing my time as a mom and wife.
The journey also led me to some incredible realizations about the mind/body connection, manifestation, and even hypnosis and NLP. That’s when I decided to go all in on high level coaching for that side of my business, which has brought me so much joy. These tools not only elevated my business but also enriched my personal life and how I coach other creatives.
So, the best investment? Hands down, it’s the time and money I put into coaching and education. It’s been a game-changer, a life-changer, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next. Because when you invest in yourself, the returns are not just in dollars and cents, but in growth, confidence, and the ability to inspire others to chase their dreams too.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I began my journey as a self-taught photographer in the early 2000’s, armed with nothing but passion and a vision – and three kids under the age of two. I had zero formal training, no fancy equipment, no studio, just a deep-seated love for capturing moments and a relentless drive to succeed. Being married to an actor and writer, our lives were somewhat unpredictable and while starting my own business may seem like a crazy idea (since there are no guaranteed paychecks), I felt as though this was my ticket out of feeling stuck. I deeply desired the freedom that comes with owning your business, so I definitely started way before I was ready!
My entry into the world of photography was fueled by sheer determination. I didn’t have the luxury of financial backing or professional guidance. Every skill I acquired was self-taught, every technique honed through trial and error. It was challenging, but this journey taught me resilience, creativity, and the value of hard work – lessons that became the cornerstone of my business.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve not only established myself as a photographer but also as a certified life and business coach for creatives. It’s like coming full circle, blending my first love of psychology (yes, I have a degree in that!) with my passion for photography. I specialize in luxury branding, headshots, and high school senior photography in that side of my business.
As a coach, I guide photographers and creative entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses that they love. My focus is on mindset techniques, harnessing the creative brain as a superpower, and tackling the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. I firmly believe in the power of ‘why’, helping my clients discover their core motivations and leveraging them for success.
What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my lived experience. I’ve walked the path my clients are on, felt their struggles, and celebrated their triumphs. This empathy, combined with my expertise, allows me to offer insights that are both practical and deeply personal. I also believe in the power of our minds and absolutely love helping other creatives “get out of their own way”.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built – a network of creatives who are not just thriving in their businesses but also finding balance in their personal lives. I juggle my business with being a mom and wife, so I understand the art of balancing professional aspirations with family life. I grew my business as my kids grew, taking on more work as they gained more independence. Now, they are all adults and I am so glad I have my businesses to keep me grounded in such a strange time of transition – from being a very involved mom to watching them fly. It’s incredibly rewarding and yet, bittersweet!
In me, you’ll find a coach who’s been in your shoes, a photographer who values the story behind every image, and a mentor who believes in the magic of manifesting dreams. My brand is about empowerment, creativity, and transformation – and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my photography business while we were in the heyday of early social media, so it was actually incredibly easy! My clients LOVED posting their images on Facebook and then Instagram, and it was the best free marketing EVER. It seemed like all I had to do was post images and my inbox would light up. Nobody was shooting high school senior portraits the way I was – using a very editorial approach and creating more of what we would eventually call “lifestyle photography”. I’ve done that since 2007 and social media was an integral part of how I built my business.
Obviously, times have changed in that respect! Still, I believe social media is a major part of my marketing strategy and I know (from data) that it is incredibly effective. My photography and coaching clients find me on social media first, then dive into my podcast and free groups. From there, I can nurture them from my email list and bring them more into my world.
I’ve seen so many changes in social media over the last 15 years! I never would have dreamed there would ever be such a thing as TikTok – nor that I would be so active on it. My best advice for someone just starting to build their social media presence is to get super clear on your goal and your target client and speak to them from your why. Simon Senek always says “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it” so it is up to US to inform them through storytelling, authenticity and consistency. That last one is essential – you must stay consistent with your messaging and view this journey as a marathon, not a sprint.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Most of my clients find me on social media – either Instagram or TikTok, but I do also now get clients from my podcast – especially coaching clients. It’s not uncommon for someone to binge my podcast and then book a discovery call for coaching, only to tell me on the call “I’m already in – I can tell you’re the coach for me just from listening to your show”. I love that because it obviously saves me time but it also tells me that I am speaking to my target client properly and that I am activating them to take an action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reneebowen.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/reneebowen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renee.bowen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebowenphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/reneebowen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ReneeBowenPhoto
- Other: TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@renee_bowen
Image Credits
me :) Renee Bowen Photography