# #300: Working Her Tail Off But Still Broke: How Jacie Went From Hating Christmas to $3,700 Sales

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast-871776/300-working-her-tail-off-but-still-broke-how-jacie-went-from-hating-christmas-to-3-700-sales
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast-871776/300-working-her-tail-off-but-still-broke-how-jacie-went-from-hating-christmas-to-3-700-sales.md
Podcast: [Worth Every Penny Joycast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast-871776)
Published: 2026-01-28T12:44:00+00:00
Episode link: https://joyofmarketing.libsyn.com/300-working-her-tail-off-but-still-broke-how-jacie-went-from-hating-christmas-to-3700-sales
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/joyofmarketing/Podcast_300_Jacie_Shackelford_final.m4a?dest-id=2082446
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/worth-every-penny-joycast-871776/episodes/300-working-her-tail-off-but-still-broke-how-jacie-went-from-hating-christmas-to-3-700-sales
Duration seconds: 2796

## Resource

She had the dream studio. The elaborate sets. The big heart. Jacie was doing everything right—or so she thought. But behind the Santa sessions and boutique service was a mom drowning in debt, doubt, and burnout. If you've ever wondered why working harder still leaves you broke, this episode will hit home. Jacie opens up about the year she almost quit photography altogether. From taking out a loan just to stay afloat, to questioning her worth as a business owner and mom, she shares how learning a system—not pushing harder—completely turned things around. Now she's making $3,700 sales and, more importantly, reclaiming time with her kids. ● The mindset trap of "doing more" and how Jacie broke free ● Why selling isn't sleazy when it comes from service ● The exact moment she realized her dream wasn't dead—it just needed direction This one's for the photographers who feel like they're giving their all and still coming up short. Jacie's story is raw, real, and full of hope. You don't need to hustle harder. You need a better plan. Start here. RESOURCES: Photography Business Tools to Get Started 37 CLIENTS WHO CAN HIRE YOU TODAY https://info.photographybusinessinstitute.com/37-clients-optin INSTAGRAM – DM me "Conversation Starters" for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/freebook BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.photographybusinessinstitute.com/boutiquebreakthrough FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals YOUTUBE: Check ou…

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