The Say Less Podcast
A podcast for creative women building businesses in real life. Hosted by Grace and Alex, wedding photographers and creative entrepreneurs, this show lives at the intersection of sustainability and strategy. Some weeks we are talking editing workflows, client contracts, pricing as a beginner, associate shooting, timelines, systems, and how to actually run a creative business. Other weeks we are unpacking burnout, ambition, motherhood, identity shifts, and what happens when the business you prayed for starts asking more of you than you expected. We love the technical side. We love the heart side. We believe you need both. If you are building something meaningful and want it to last, this is your space.
Episodes
40 episodes
040 - She Shot Her First 20 Weddings in Her First 10 Months of Photography ft. Caitlyn Marshall
Grace and Alex sit down with Caitlyn Marshall to talk about what’s changing in wedding photography right now and what newer photographers need to hear. Caitlyn shares how she shot 20 weddings in her first 10 months of photography, a...
039 - Living Your Life as a Creative Entrepreneur: Guilt, Business Boundaries, and Finding Balance
Alex and Grace talk candidly about what it actually feels like to run a creative business while also living a full family life. They unpack the tension between showing up for clients and showing up for yourself, plus the guilt that can come fro...
038 - For the Partner Who Supports the Dream ft. Travis Taylor
This episode is a candid conversation between Alex and hubby Travis about what it’s really like when the 9-5 marries the creative business. Alex explains the emotional and logistical realities of creative entrepreneurship, while Travis offers t...
037 - From First Inquiry to Sealing the Deal: Our Wedding Booking Processes
Grace and Alex break down how they handle inquiries, consultations, and follow-up in a way that fits real client behavior, especially for today’s younger, mobile-first brides. They compare lead sources, talk through what to say on discovery cal...
036 - Girl Boss Without Burnout
Grace and Alex unpack the tension between ambition and rest for small business owners, especially creative entrepreneurs and moms. They talk candidly about hustle culture, burnout, and what it looks like to keep working hard without letting wor...
035 - Has Social Media Become the New Complaint Department?
Grace and Alex are diving DEEP to discuss the pressure that comes with public reviews and viral criticism, especially for small business owners and creative entrepreneurs. They unpack how one negative post can outweigh years of strong work, why...
034 - Freefall Business Building, Choosing Yourself, and Creating Legacy Work ft. Rachel Meagan
Today, Rachel walks us through the real cost of building a creative business without a traditional job, what burnout actually looked like, and how systems, boundaries, and identity changed everything. Rachel also shares the next chapter of her ...
033 - 17 Years in Photography: Lessons on Growth, Brand-Longevity, and Balance ft. Katelyn James
Photography Educator and Entrepreneur Katelyn James sits down with Alex & Grace to talk about Living Authentically, Building Communities, and Staying Relevant. Discover how Katelyn James has stayed true to her passion while balancing mother...
032 - Our Not So Serious Q&A
In this episode, Grace and Alex share candid, humorous, and heartfelt responses to listener questions about photography, business, motherhood, and life's unexpected lessons. No planning. No script. Just real stories and practical insights born ...
031 - Editing Workflows: What we do (and what we want to change)
Alex and Grace dive into the practical aspects of photography editing workflows, focusing on how to save time, stay organized, and leverage AI tools for editing. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the business for years, these ins...
030 - Photographer ICKS...
Ever feel overwhelmed by the wedding industry’s trends, client expectations, or just the little things that make you go "ick"? Join Alex and Grace as they peel back the curtain on the industry, sharing their personal pet peeves, honest thoughts...
029 - How to Stand Out in Your Industry When Everyone Looks the Same
We are exploring how creative entrepreneurs can break free from industry sameness by leaning into what makes them uniquely them. They share practical tips to cultivate authenticity, avoid copying trends, and harness your personality to truly st...
028 - Finding Your Perfect Fit: Why Choosing the Right Vendor Matters
In this episode, hosts Alex and Grace dive into the nuanced world of vendor-client relationships, emphasizing how crucial alignment in personality, style, and expectations is for creating a seamless and joyful wedding or creative experience. Th...
027 - Business State of the Union: We're making our biggest shifts yet as entrepreneurs, and we're bringing you along for the ride.
Alex and Grace share a raw, real-time check-in on their entrepreneurial journeys amidst personal and professional transitions. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the constant changes and growth in your business and life, this episode is your pe...
026 - From Competition to Celebration: Navigating FOMO as an entrepreneur
Join Alex and Grace as they dive into the art of celebrating success, fostering community, and overcoming the shadows of jealousy and FOMO in entrepreneurship. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that being genuinely supportive and celebrat...
025 - Mastering the Wedding Timeline: Tips from Industry Vets
In this episode, Alex and Grace share their combined 16 years of wedding industry experience to unpack the often-overlooked importance of crafting a solid timeline. They emphasize how understanding your priorities, venue specifics, and season i...
024 - The Effects of Social Media on Motherhood & Business... Are we doing enough?
Alex and Grace get real about their complicated relationships with social media — as moms, as business owners, and as creatives trying to protect their mental health in a world that never stops scrolling. This one has been heavy on Alex's heart...
023 - How Content Creators are reshaping weddings with raw, real, unfiltered content ft. Katie from The Veil Club
In this episode, hosts Alex and Grace sit down with Katie Bryant, the visionary behind The Veil Club, to explore her inspiring journey from working in occupational therapy to becoming a full-time content creator in the wedding industry. Whether...
022 - [SERIES] First Year Files: Growth Readiness... Systemizing before Scaling and Knowing When it's Time to Grow
Join Alex and Grace as they wrap up their first year series with a deep dive into growth readinessWhat it really takes to scale and how to recognize when you're ready to level up. This episode offers practical insights, personal s...
021 - Motherhood & Content Creation (and all the things that come with it...) with Shelby Tuffentsamer
The Rise of Content Creators in Weddings with Shelby TuffentsamerIn this lively episode hosted by just Alex for this one, Shelby Tuffentsamer joins us to debunk myths and share the truth about content creation in the wedding industry. Wh...
020 - [SERIES] First Year Files: Time Management
Forget five-step formulas — this episode dives deep into the realities of managing time as a busy creative entrepreneur and parent. Alex and Grace share candid insights into navigating life’s unpredictable seasons, setting boundaries, and prior...
019 - Mothers Day Episode: Alex & Georgia
Join Alex as she dives into a conversation with Georgia, a candid and adorable 3-year-old, sharing her perspectives on life, work, and her big plans for the future. This episode celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the simple joys that remi...
018 - Mothers Day Episode: Alex & Sandy
Celebrating Motherhood & Hard Work with Sandy: Lessons on Resilience, Balance, and Self-CareIn this heartfelt special episode, Alex sits down with her mom Sandy — a true embodiment of resilience and dedication — to explore what mothe...
017 - Mother's Day Episode: Grace & Mama Mel
An Entrepreneur for Life: Lessons from Mama MelIn this heartfelt episode, Grace sits down with her incredible mom, Melanie Medina, affectionately known as Mama Mel, to discuss her expansive entrepreneurial journey, the importance of stay...
016 - [SERIES] The First Year Files: Marketing Basics... It Doesn't Have to Be Complicated!
Hi friends, Alex and Grace here! In this episode, we're diving into practical, no-fluff strategies to kickstart your marketing in your first year of business. Whether you're just getting started or feeling overwhelmed, we've got real-world tips...