In this deeply inspiring episode of The Audacious Founder, host Melissa Manning sits down with boudoir and branding photographer Nikki Watarz for an open-hearted conversation about self-worth, confidence, and stepping into entrepreneurship. Nikki shares her journey from burned-out mortgage broker to creative entrepreneur with a home studio designed to help women rediscover their beauty and power. The two discuss how boudoir photography is more than just photos—it's a transformative experience of self-love and audacity. Whether you're a photographer, a business owner, or a woman seeking to feel empowered in your body, this episode is for you.

• Boudoir photography is about empowerment, not perfection

• You don’t need permission or expensive courses to start a business—just resourcefulness

• Social media and ads are often biased against women’s bodies, but it’s still possible to thrive

• Confidence and pricing are deeply connected for creatives and service providers

• The value of making clients feel seen, safe, and celebrated

• Leverage free resources like YouTube and Facebook groups to learn any skill

• Start pricing your work based on the value you offer, not just what feels comfortable

• Create a personalized experience that makes your clients feel like your only client

• Build community through referrals, events, and personal connections

• Reclaim your own beauty and encourage others to do the same—at any age

• Nikki’s studio: Boudoir by Nikki

• Nikki’s branding Instagram (linked in her main bio)

• Private Facebook groups for creative entrepreneurs

• Google Ads, SEO, and custom landing pages for conservative marketing

• Empowerment-themed podcast suggestions (TBD from Melissa)

• [34:15] What happened to Nikki’s business during COVID

• [36:00] Why family and wedding photography weren’t fulfilling

• [38:00] How Nikki taught herself photography using free online resources

• [43:00] The challenges of marketing boudoir photography online

• [47:42] Creative solutions for flagged content and landing pages

• [50:52] The unique energy of every client and photoshoot

• [51:13] The best business advice Nikki ever received: Value yourself

• [54:15] Defining audacity in both business and beauty

• [58:13] Why every woman should encourage a friend to try boudoir

• [1:03:40] Aging, beauty, and embracing all phases of womanhood

• [1:04:11] How to book a session and mention this podcast for a special referral bonus!

Feeling inspired? Share this episode with a friend who deserves to feel powerful, beautiful, and seen. And if you’re ready for your own transformative experience, book a shoot with Nikki and mention The Audacious Founder for $100 off your session fee. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review so more women can find their confidence, one bold step at a time.