I am excited to share my interview with Voyage’s Bold Journey – a platform that shares stories and experiences as business owners, and how we practice self care. From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care Captured by Lyndsey shares how she navigates running a business.

“We were lucky to catch up with Lyndsey Baldwin recently and have shared our conversation below.” https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-lyndsey-baldwin/

Hi Lyndsey, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

In the photography industry you find yourself working every day of the weekend, most weeks. This was leaving me working every single day, and while I don’t mind that because I love what I do – it was clear I needed a day each week to have to myself. At the beginning of this year I began practicing self-care Mondays. My Mondays are for me to reflect on my time with myself, prepare for the rest of the week, and do tasks I don’t have time for otherwise. During my busy season this might also include scheduling, consultations and light editing – but all from my couch or comfy desk chair! The goal was to try and spend the majority of the day at home, and if I do leave my place, it’s only for scheduled spa appointments, Pilates, and maybe a little shopping.  

This has really helped me have a reset day, focus on the week ahead of me, and have a day to look forward to each week for “me time.” I found it’s beneficial to designate a specific day for this as a habit, so it’s easier to block any potential scheduled work off your calendar, and out of your mind as even being an option. Nothing is better than starting your morning fixing coffee, lighting a candle, putting some soul music on and knowing you get to spend the whole day with your dog!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I began my official business of Captured by Lyndsey in 2009. Having just moved back to Missouri from California, I was ready to take everything I learned after graduating college with a Photography degree, and mentoring a SoCal photographer for 2 years, and apply it to my future career. I began photographing weddings and all type of portrait sessions. Since then I have evolved to specific portrait sessions. Although I still do all photography, my focus is primarily Weddings, Boudoir, Branding, and Modeling. For the past 3 years I have been involved in the fashion industry in Kansas City, being a part of KCFW and also for the 2nd year in a row, the director of photography for the Athleisure Collection Show.
I am also beginning to work on a product line through my brand, but I will keep that on the down-low until I am ready to launch. I am very excited and passionate about it and cannot wait to share more details.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

For any journey you might be on, I think evolving is one of the most important skills to acquire. I have completed numerous courses, attended workshops, and watched tutorials to ensure I am applying the best set of skills to my business and keeping up with trends which could benefit my success. I would say my greatest quality I have had through my journey has been passion. Through the highs and lows that any business faces, passion has always been what forces me to continue. When I am feeling the burnout, or just running low on motivation, I am showered with love and overwhelming appreciation from my clients which ignites my passion and allows me to be reminded of why I do this.
To me an area of knowledge that has been impactful during my journey is knowing the importance of being a part of the community. Referrals are such a dynamic part of my business and success, so placing myself in the community, making connections, attending networking events and establishing relationships with my clients and vendors has really increased my business growth over the past 4 years.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was always be a strong support system. I have never not had the support from my parents when it came to my career choice and business. Although my father passed away shortly before I was able to officially begin Captured by Lyndsey, I know he would be proud seeing how far I have come. He bought me my first “real” camera, and applying what I learned from watching him run his own business has really helped be motivation and inspiration for mine. My mother and step-father have been great supporters throughout my entire business career, and my mama holds the title as my #1 biggest fan.

Check out my previous interview with VoyageKC:
https://voyagekc.com/interview/check-out-lyndsey-baldwins-story/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capturedbylyndsey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbylyndsey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapturedbyLyndsey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsey-baldwin/