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Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young chats with Lesle Lane, Photographer and owner of Studio 13, Inc. Lesle shares her journey of growing up in a family of photographers, taking over her stepfather's business at 21, and how she turned challenges into success. She talks about legacy, adapting to industry changes, and her shift to becoming a business owner who prioritizes strategy alongside creativity.
Lesle isn’t just a photographer; she now helps creatives run profitable, balanced businesses. Her journey from taking over her stepfather’s studio at 21 to building her own successful brand taught her the importance of strategy and creativity. By sharing her experiences, she shows how adapting to change and prioritizing business alongside art can lead to lasting success without burning out.
Lesle spent years growing her photography business before becoming a mentor to fellow creatives. Her advice comes from real challenges and successes in building a business. With a focus on balance, mindset, and smart planning, she helps others create profitable businesses, avoid burnout, and lead with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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Join Lesle Lane as she shares how her real-life experiences, business strategies, and focus on balance are helping creatives build profitable businesses, lead with clarity, and find success without burning out.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[00:00] - Intro & Why Creatives Must Think Like Business Owners
[03:58] - Lesle’s Family Legacy and the Shift to Color Photography
[07:54] - Embracing digital and seeing AI as the next big change
[10:46] - How each generation brought business innovation
[14:01] - Growing up in a home studio and early expectations
[16:49] - Why she chose corporate work over wedding photography
[19:12] - Brothers as potential heirs and how she stepped in
[20:45] - Taking over at 21 after her stepdad’s stroke
[23:05] - Early challenges, learning admin and client trust
[26:00] - Building trust with clients and earning her place
[30:53] - Big risks: digital gear, 9/11, recession, and COVID
[38:01] - Mentors, lessons, and building a business that lasts
[42:20] - From Bankruptcy to Breakthrough
[44:11] - How Loss Led to a Scalable Photography Business
[48:55] - Lessons from Legacy and Innovation
[55:28] - Facing the AI Future in Photography
[59:35] - Lightning Round: Cake, Travel, and Impact
[63:08] - Gratitude and Generational Wisdom
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