Katrina *gets it.* Since launching her business just over six months ago... she is already well on her way to many of the revelations and epiphany moments that can often take years to arrive at. What separates Katrina from the countless numbers of folks who pick up a dSLR on a daily basis and proclaim their professional ambitions to the world, is that Katrina is willing to invest. Not just financially, but emotionally and even more importantly.... she's willing to invest time. Folks often underestimate the amount of power hours that go into not only mastering your craft, but also... building a viable business. Many of the folks who email me asking for advice are looking for magic bullets, a simple 'to-do' list that will turn them into a guaranteed success story overnight.

But... it just doesn't work that way. There are helpful hints, lessons and strategies you can pick up along the way to accelerate your learning (hence, the mentoring.....) but... in the end... you still have to do the work and put in the effort. Of course, that's why it's all so rewarding!

I was thrilled to hear about her slow and methodical acquisition of new gear... meaning, she buys what she can afford after saving up from the work her business has already brought her. Those of you who know me well know that I'm a bit of a personal finance maniac (thanks dad!), and one of the mistakes I see so many aspiring photographers do, is to rush out and drop mad money on gear. The latest and greatest camera won't turn you into a photographic super star... and the sooner folks realize that, the sooner they can focus on developing the actual skills that will bring them success. As much as I wish owning Emeril's pots and pans would transform me into a gourmet chef.... I'm not holding my breath. :)

We talked about some techniques... and largely discussed carving out your niche, working with clients and balancing life/work/family/personal needs. A compassionate teacher whose heart is handed to her students on a daily basis, Katrina balances her passion for photography with a full-time teaching career and her main priority.... her family that includes her husband and their two young sons.

Her recent FB post said, "I had multiple epiphanies during my chat with Khara today about what my goals are and how to accomplish them, what an awesome experience! Thank you Khara, you ROCK!"

YOU rock Katrina! You should be proud of where you are and all that you've accomplished already. Congrats on taking the first leap! :)