What does it really take to build a creative business, raise kids, and protect your marriage—all at the same time?

In this deeply honest and insightful episode of Friendors, host Shawn Miller sits down with returning guest Erica Miller, photographer and co-owner of Young Hip & Married, to unpack over 15 years in the wedding industry, entrepreneurship through parenthood, and the realities of building a life-first business.

This conversation explores what happens behind the scenes of running a successful wedding brand while navigating marriage, childcare, burnout, financial uncertainty, big dreams, and constant pivots. From starting a business while raising young kids to learning how to work with your spouse instead of against them, this episode is packed with wisdom for creatives at every stage.

Whether you're a wedding photographer, planner, creative entrepreneur, small business owner, or parent building a business, this episode will help you feel seen—and better equipped.

• How to balance marriage, parenting, and entrepreneurship
• What it's really like to raise kids while running a wedding business
• The importance of defining your "why" as a business owner
• How Erica built a thriving photography brand alongside motherhood
• Lessons from working with your spouse in the same industry
• Why flexibility, flow, and communication matter more than perfection
• How long-term vision helps you survive hard seasons in business
• Why entrepreneurship can be a powerful legacy for your kids

✔️ Wedding photographers & wedding vendors
✔️ Creative entrepreneurs & freelancers
✔️ Parents building a business
✔️ Couples working together
✔️ Small business owners in the events industry
✔️ Anyone chasing freedom, flexibility & family-first success

Erica Miller is a photographer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Young Hip & Married, one of Canada's leading wedding brands. With over a decade of experience balancing business growth, marriage, and parenting, Erica brings real-world insight into building a sustainable creative career.

Friendors features real conversations with wedding professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses without sacrificing their lives.
📍 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify

In this episode of Friendors, host Shawn Miller sits down with Esther Moerman to unpack how mindset, energy, and genuine human connection can shape a wildly successful wedding photography brand.

Esther shares her journey from shooting weddings for free and learning through "YouTube University" to becoming a sought-after destination wedding photographer. She opens up about building confidence, showing up authentically online, and why making people feel something matters more than chasing perfection behind the camera.

This conversation is great for photographers, wedding vendors, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to stand out, attract aligned clients, and build a business rooted in passion and purpose.

• How Esther built her photography brand through energy and connection
• The role of mindset in creative business growth
• Why client experience drives referrals and longevity
• How social media and authenticity fuel brand visibility
• Lessons from scaling a wedding photography career
• Advice for photographers starting (or restarting) their business

Esther Moerman is a Canadian and destination wedding photographer known for her high-energy presence, emotional storytelling, and people-first approach to photography.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@esthermoermanphoto

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthermoermanphoto

Website: https://esthermoermanphoto.ca

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@esthermoermanphoto_

Follow Friendors for real conversations with wedding pros, creatives, and entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify

In this high-energy episode of Friendors, host Shawn Miller sits down with Rob Hamilton, the mastermind behind Side One Entertainment, to explore what it really takes to turn a passion for music into a multi-city wedding and events entertainment company.

From starting as a working musician and jazz guitarist to leading a 150+ performer roster and managing 250+ gigs per year, Rob shares hard-won insights into scaling a creative business, building elite teams, navigating the events industry, and delivering unforgettable live experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.

This episode is a must-watch for musicians, DJs, wedding vendors, event pros, and creative entrepreneurs looking to turn talent into a thriving, sustainable business.

• How Rob built Side One Entertainment into a multi-city brand
• The business side of weddings, live bands, and event entertainment
• How to manage talent, systems, and growth at scale
• The challenges of scaling a creative company
• Why flexibility is key in the modern event industry
• Lessons for musicians who want to become entrepreneurs

Side One Entertainment is one of Canada's premier wedding and event entertainment companies, supplying top-tier bands, DJs, and musicians for luxury weddings and large-scale events across multiple cities.

Instagram: @sideoneband
Website: http://sideone.ca/

Follow Friendors for in-depth conversations with the creators, vendors, and entrepreneurs powering the wedding & events industry.
📍 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify