Ever feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you’re not sure if it still fits the version of success you’re chasing?
You’re not alone.
In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.
This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something great… but it’s time for something different.
Vanessa shares how to know when you’re scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.)
Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to recognize when you’ve outgrown your business
✅ The difference between shiny object syndrome and soul-led decisions
✅ Why fear doesn’t mean stop—it just means be brave
✅ What it really looks like to pursue a big, messy dream (like starting a nonprofit)
✅ How to create space for rest—even in the busiest seasons
✅ Why building long-term relationships is your best marketing strategy
✅ The beauty of attracting the right clients (and repelling the wrong ones)
Support Vanessa’s Clean Water Project
Vanessa is raising funds to build clean water wells in Kenya through her limited-edition photo print sales.
Timestamps:
00:00 – When growth feels like a wall
03:19 – Overwhelm, marketing, and measuring what actually matters
07:59 – Gut checks vs shiny objects
10:07 – The messy middle of launching a nonprofit
16:44 – Pouring into yourself when you're pouring into everyone else
19:08 – Saying no and making your own schedule
22:24 – Relationships: the real business growth strategy
28:27 – Client red flags, repelling & attracting
30:21 – Growing beyond what used to work
31:40 – Final takeaway: “Be afraid—but do it anyway”
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
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