From Hustle to Purpose
Hello Readers,
This week’s podcast was a raw, enlightening conversation with Camila, a brand strategist, photographer, and videographer whose mission is to help people show up as their truest selves. We dug deep into what it means to build a brand, face down insecurities, and trust that your unique perspective is what the world needs.
This wasn’t just another chat about branding. Camila and I really got to the heart of what makes entrepreneurship worthwhile—and challenging. It’s about self-discovery, resilience, and finding a way to show up, even when your confidence is shaky. Here’s a story-driven look at our journey through this conversation:
1. The Journey to Authenticity: From Hustle to Purpose
Camila didn’t start as a brand photographer. She began her career shooting weddings and events, a path that felt obligatory rather than meaningful. It wasn’t until she decided to stop following others’ expectations and turn the lens inward that she discovered what mattered most—helping others tell their stories. In that shift, she found a calling to create content that was not just beautiful but truly impactful.
“I was doing it because I thought it was the only way to make money. But once I found my own voice, I realized that the work I truly loved was the kind that felt more like a life story than a marketing piece.” – Camila
Her story resonated with me. I recalled my own early career, how I’d chased brand names and status, only to realize it was burning me out. That’s when I discovered the power of aligning my work with my values. Like Camila, I had to break away from the pressure to prove myself and learn to build something meaningful instead.
2. The Art of Storytelling: Building Trust Through Real Connections
Camila’s perspective on storytelling struck a chord. She believes that storytelling isn’t just a marketing technique—it’s the foundation of trust. We discussed how, especially in the world of social media, people crave authenticity, not just polished posts and trendy content. The most powerful brand stories are those that come from a place of vulnerability and shared experience.
“When you share your story, you’re saying, ‘I’ve been there too. I get it.’ That’s what builds trust. It’s not about impressing people with perfection but inviting them into your world.” – Camila
For me, this was a reminder of why I started Expand Your Capacity—to help others grow and learn from my journey, not just showcase achievements. I shared how my most fulfilling connections and client experiences have been built around mutual understanding, not a sales pitch. Our conversation reinforced that telling your story honestly is the only sustainable way to grow a brand people care about.
3. Breaking Free from the “Shoulds”: Redefining Success in Our Own Terms
One theme that kept coming up was the courage to let go of “shoulds”—all the things we feel we should do to succeed. Camila and I agreed that entrepreneurship requires a unique kind of courage: the willingness to do things differently, even if it feels uncomfortable.
In her journey, Camila admitted that she often felt the pressure to conform, to shoot for brand deals or “big” opportunities. But she found more fulfillment working with people whose stories resonated with her, not just projects that stroked her ego. We talked about the challenge of resisting comparison and staying true to our values.
“I don’t shoot models or work for big names because that’s not what lights me up. I love working with real people, capturing their wisdom and experiences. That’s what makes this work worth it for me.” – Camila
For me, this resonated deeply. I’ve faced my own share of societal expectations. I remember building my first business with a competitive mindset, aiming to prove my worth. But over time, I realized that real success wasn’t about validation from others—it was about knowing my work served a purpose.
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4. Facing Fears and Finding Resilience in the Uncertain
At one point, I asked Camila how she pushed through her fears, especially in those early days when self-doubt was loudest. Her answer was simple: she kept showing up. Her path wasn’t easy, but by taking small steps, she built confidence over time. Camila talked about how uncomfortable it was to put herself out there on social media, to hit “post” and worry about how people might react. But she faced it daily until the fear faded.
“The key is resilience. You keep doing the work, even on the tough days. Trust your ability to transform, even if you don’t know what that looks like yet.” – Camila
As entrepreneurs, we both know how lonely the path can be. I shared my own struggles with burnout, the days where I didn’t know if I could keep going. But hearing Camila’s story reminded me that the journey itself—the resilience, the small wins, and even the failures—is what shapes us. It’s not about avoiding fear but walking through it.
5. Emotional Capacity & Self-Compassion in Entrepreneurship
This was one of my favorite parts of the conversation. Camila and I talked about the emotional toll that comes with creating something personal and putting it out into the world. The vulnerability, the courage, and the inner resilience all demand a strong emotional capacity.
Camila explained how she uses journaling to ground herself, dumping her thoughts onto the page as a way to process fears, doubts, and insights. For her, self-compassion is a practice she cultivates daily—a skill that helps her be present and engaged in her work, even during hard times.
“Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the work itself, but being kind to yourself in the process. I’ve had to learn to recognize my emotions without judging them, to be okay with the ups and downs.” – Camila
I couldn’t agree more. Managing our emotional capacity is crucial to sustaining the entrepreneurial journey. I talked about how I’ve learned to prioritize my mental and spiritual well-being, finding practices that help me recharge and stay grounded.
Key Takeaways
Our conversation was packed with insight that I think anyone on the path of entrepreneurship or personal branding can relate to:
Join the Community
We’re creating a space called the Expansion Hub, a community for creators and entrepreneurs looking to connect, learn, and grow together. This will be a place for high-level coaching, receive wellness and fitness coaching, have real conversations with branding and wellness experts, and support from like-minded people who are committed to expanding their capacity. It’s launching soon, so stay tuned for more details!
Connect with Camila
To follow Camila’s journey, find her on Instagram @Camila_CCT. You can also listen to her podcast, Speak Your Truth and Look Good Doing It, where she dives deep into personal branding and self-expression. For anyone interested in brand photography or video content that resonates, Camila offers tailored packages designed to help you find and share your unique voice.
Final Thoughts
In a world that sometimes feels like it’s all about “doing more,” Camila’s story reminds us to slow down, connect with what matters, and trust that our voice is enough. That’s how we create brands—and lives—that truly resonate.
Until next time,
Ian Simon