When Sarah Gardner got fired from her state job, she was a single mom, broke, and burned out—juggling false starts, law school, and ten years of bartending. She had zero photography experience. But within a few months of joining Boutique Breakthrough, she made over $14,000 on her very first client order.
This episode is a blueprint for what's possible when you say yes to starting over and follow a proven path with everything you've got.
So if you’ve ever wondered if it’s “too late” for you, hit play and get ready to believe again.
From State Job to Starting Over
After losing what she thought was her “safe” job, Sarah realized she was settling—and missing out on her daughter’s life. So she made a bold decision: she picked up a camera and bet on herself.
- Tried law school, bartending, sales, and state work—none of it fit
- Realized life is too short to be trapped in the wrong job
- Joined Boutique Breakthrough with no brand, no experience, and no portrait clients
“Life is not later. Life is now.”
The Leap That Changed Everything
Even though her photography skills were just developing, Sarah dove headfirst into the Boutique process—pricing, sales, branding, and all.
- Invested in herself, even when it felt scary
- Followed the 7 Bs sales system and booked clients through in-person conversations
- Photographed her very first boutique client and walked away with a $14,000+ order
- Booked another client from a simple lunch conversation—resulting in a $3,000 order
“I didn’t have bad habits to unlearn. I just followed the system.”
Lessons From Her First Big Sale
- Sarah used home visits to connect with her clients and their spaces
- She photographed with intention—knowing what her clients would buy
- She customized the presentation and walked her client through every detail
- Even without a studio, she created a full-service experience that wowed
“They trusted me enough to welcome me into their home. That’s what built the relationship.”
What’s Next: Freedom and Fulfillment
Now, Sarah’s building a life-first business. She’s creating time to be with her daughter, go on adventures, and build a career that reflects her values—not just her survival.
- She’s not chasing volume or quick sales
- She’s cultivating trust and offering high-touch service
- She’s showing her daughter what’s possible for women in business
“I want the freedom and the money. Why can’t we have both?”
Final Takeaway
Sarah’s story reminds us that success isn’t about having the best camera or the longest resume. It’s about having the courage to start, the grit to keep going, and a support system that shows you how to turn your dreams into dollars.
RESOURCES
- Go from Hidden to Hidden to Hired this Season: Get the Formula
- Photography Business Tools to Get Started
- Join Our Facebook Group: We Are Portrait Photographers
- Learn About Boutique Breakthrough
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