What does it actually look like to build a creative business, make music, raise a family, and stay grounded in faith — all at the same time?

In this episode, XO sits down with Alexander Boykins — Seattle-based photographer, music artist, and creative entrepreneur — for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations in SAUNAIE history. Alexander has photographed 70+ weddings, been recognized as a 2025 Best of The Bash photographer, and been featured in Canvas Rebel, all while building multiple income streams and showing up as a present father and man of faith.

This is not a how-to conversation. It is a real conversation about what the building actually requires — the sacrifice, the doubt, the moments of almost quitting, and the faith that kept him moving.

What you'll hear in this episode:

→ How photography and music feed each other creatively — and why Alexander went deep on both

→ What 70+ weddings taught him about people, relationships, and what actually matters

→ The '95% customer service, 5% camera skill' philosophy that built his business

→ How he manages multiple creative ventures without losing depth or direction

→ His honest take on AI, social media, and what real success looks like vs. what performs online

→ Faith under pressure — the real version, not the testimony version

→ How fatherhood clarified everything he is building and why

→ Direct advice for every creative who has the gift but hasn't fully bet on themselves yet

Alexander Boykins
Photographer • Music Artist • Entrepreneur

Instagram: @KingBoykinsOfficial
KingBoykins.com
Portfolio: The Bash / Boykins Photography
Alexander@KingBoykins.com

The conversation delves into the journey of building multiple creative businesses while maintaining faith and intention. It explores life before photography and music, the realization of a creative calling, the coexistence of photography and music, and the valuable lessons learned from wedding photography. Additionally, it reflects on the speaker's first wedding photography experience and the challenges and growth that came with it. The conversation covers the journey of Alexander Boykins from truck driving to wedding photography and the establishment of his photography business. It delves into the importance of customer service in photography, the impact of corporate work on personal growth, and the insights gained from wedding photography experiences. Additionally, it explores the understanding of people and relationships through the lens of wedding photography.

Takeaways

• Faith and intention
• Building multiple income streams Experience is a key teacher
• Customer service is paramount in photography

Chapters

• 00:00 Building Creative Businesses
• 06:20 Realizing Creative Calling
• 13:25 Coexistence of Photography and Music
• 19:55 Learning from Wedding Photography
• 27:35 Learning from Experience
• 33:04 The Importance of Customer Service in Photography
• 44:03 Understanding People and Relationships

Alexander Boykins
Photographer • Music Artist • Entrepreneur

Instagram: @KingBoykinsOfficial
KingBoykins.com
Portfolio: The Bash / Boykins Photography
Alexander@KingBoykins.com

The conversation delves into the impact of movement and sleep on cortisol regulation, chronic stress, decision making, and overall well-being. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep and engaging in consistent movement to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health. The prescription for self-care and the call to action provide practical steps for listeners to prioritize their well-being.

Takeaways

• Minimum effective dose
• Cortisol regulation

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Movement on Cortisol Regulation
• 05:13 Closing Remarks and Call to Action