Natural Thoughts and Talks
NTT Priscilla
Season 3
NTT Adriana Lakshmi
NTT Chelsea Dagger
NTT Bryan Shipley
NTT Craig Stone
NTT Ediberto Martinez
NTT Pauline Roman
NTT Angel Rodriguez
NTT TJ Reed
by NTT
Priscilla discussed her transition from teaching to photography. She began with a DSLR camera and started documenting her son's growth. Word spread, and she began photographing pregnant friends and coworkers, initially for free. She later charged $50 and increased the price as her skills improved. Her clients referred her to more friends, expanding her client base. In El Paso, she primarily focused on maternity and family portraits. When a friend asked about boudoir photography, Priscilla took a risk, researching poses and techniques. She found her niche in boudoir photography, which she discovered through her research and clients' positive reactions. When her husband suggested she follow her dream and move to California, she took the opportunity, leaving teaching behind due to the increasing stress and workload. Priscilla shared her journey of gaining confidence in her photography business. She gradually increased her rates as she became more confident in her abilities and learned from workshops. Her breakthrough moment came during the pandemic when she saw other photographers earning more per session. Priscilla realized she needed to provide a valuable experience and invest in her skills. She raised her prices and offered payment plans, which helped her earn her first sale. Priscilla attributes her shift in mindset to her husband's support and the belief that she is worth her worth. IG: empowerherportraitsla
Venture and Adriana discussed the importance of building a strong team and maintaining a high level of professionalism in their respective businesses. Adriana expressed her desire to create a small, trusted team that adheres to her standards, and she is currently in the process of expanding her team. Both agreed on the value of patience in business, with Venture emphasizing the importance of taking the time to ensure every aspect of their businesses is perfect. They also touched on their shared passion for the beauty industry, with Adriana expressing her interest in expanding and growing for the future. @lakshmi_mua
Venture and Chelsea, a tattoo artist from Orange County, California, had a casual conversation about their careers and personal experiences. Chelsea shared her journey into the tattoo industry, starting her apprenticeship at 27 and becoming a full-time tattoo artist at 29. She emphasized her focus on building community and making people feel welcome in her shop. Venture and Chelsea also discussed their relationship with time, with Chelsea expressing her preference for living without a timeline and focusing on enjoying the process. They also touched on the importance of making people feel comfortable during life-changing decisions, such as getting a tattoo. Chelsea shared her approach to attracting clients, emphasizing the importance of showcasing her personality and building relationships with her clients. Thanks so much Chelsea we can't wait to have you back soon! @chelseadagger_tattoos
In this episode of "Natural Thoughts and Talks," Venture and Bryan discuss his business venture, Hydro-Jetting Pros, based out of Vegas. Bryan, originally from California, noticed a demand for hydrojetting services in Las Vegas, which larger companies were charging high prices for. He started a company focused solely on hydrojetting, using specialized eco friendly equipment to offer lower prices. Bryan's company is now becoming a significant competitor to larger companies in the hydrojetting sector. Venture and Bryan also discuss the process of hydrojetting, which is a modern method of clearing sewer lines by using high-pressure water to flush out debris and backups. Bryan emphasizes the importance of having a good culture in a business and the challenges of balancing fatherhood with entrepreneurship. Thanks so much Bryan can't wait to have ya back real soon! @hydrojettingpros
Craig Stone is a professional artist and educator. He has over 50 years of experience cultivating artwork all over the globe. Craig has been a wonderful mentor and family friend to Venture for over 20 years and is a big reason why Venture chose to attend California State University, Long Beach. The culture and legacy Craig Stone continues to leave everywhere he goes brightens the world around him. Thanks so much for everything you do Craig can't wait to see you again soon!
Ediberto, a tattoo artist in San Diego, shared his life experiences, including his upbringing in a broken home and his journey from being incarcerated to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He and Venture discussed the importance of sharing personal experiences, the challenges of maintaining a positive environment, and the importance of humility and grace in their interactions with others. They also discussed the importance of creativity and inspiration in their respective businesses, the journey from a troubled past to success, and the challenges of living in San Diego. @reality.ink
Pauline joins the pod today to discuss her passion for not only fitness but self improvement in all areas of her life. Her recent life experiences have lots of lessons we can all pull from and her willingness to be vulnerable open up and share is what makes her such a great leader and friend in her community. Thanks so much for spending time with us Pauline hope to see you again real soon on the pod! @Pauline_lifts
Venture and Angel discussed their passion for food and entrepreneurship, with Angel sharing his family's diverse cultural background and his plans to build a business that could support his family. They also discussed their experiences in the restaurant industry, their aspirations, and the challenges and joys of building a business. The conversation ended with a shared appreciation for the simplicity and entertainment value of classic video games and a discussion on their respective journeys in the culinary and podcasting industries. @legnaskitchen
Venture and Dr. Thomas Reed discussed their personal experiences, shared interests in sports, and the importance of preserving cultural practices. They also explored the different versions of lacrosse and the various positions in the game, with Dr. Reed suggesting that Venture would make a good defensive midfielder. The conversation concluded with an agreement on the need to document and share cultural stories authentically, while the knowledgeable elders are still around. The conversation also touched on the progress made in respecting and revering Native American communities, the importance of education and public service, and the passion for teaching and personal growth. @thomasjamesreed
Sarah, the founder of Sarahtonin Massage Therapy, shared her personal and professional journey, including her business expansion and hiring her first employee. They also discussed their experiences as social butterflies, the growth of Sarah's business, and the importance of vulnerability and openness in leadership. Lastly, they touched on the shift in gender dynamics in the business world and the value of a healthy partnership in leadership. Tysm Sarah! we can't wait to see you soon! @sarahtoninmt