Ever find yourself rewriting the same email… for the 47th time? 🙃 This episode is your permission slip to stop winging it and start winning with strategic, automated email systems.

I’m joined by the brilliant Colie James — systems strategist, filmmaker, and email template queen — and she’s here to help you transform your client communication from chaos to clarity. We talk about how to set up automations that feel human, save hours of admin time, and actually wow your clients from first inquiry to final delivery.

Whether you’re a photographer, creative service provider, or business owner tired of copy-paste stress, this episode will show you how to work smarter with emails that do the heavy lifting for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why your email systems might be silently sabotaging your client experience

• Colie’s favorite tools (Dubsado, HoneyBook, Airtable!) and how she uses them

• Ways to make email automations feel personal, not robotic

• The most important emails every creative should automate

• How to get off the rewrite hamster wheel and build trust from the inbox

• Why automations = more freedom, not less heart

Colie James is a Disney-loving Client Experience Systems Strategist, family filmmaker, and the host of the Business-First Creatives podcast. With over 12 years in the creative space, she’s helped hundreds of photographers and creative business owners ditch duct-taped systems and build smooth, sustainable workflows. Whether through Dubsado, HoneyBook, or Airtable, Colie’s genius lies in making backend systems feel effortless and emails feel like a warm hug (that also gets paid).

When she’s not mapping automations or recording spicy solo episodes, Colie’s probably at Disneyland with a Dole Whip in hand, hanging out with her husband James and daughter Chloe.

Want to fix your emails for real? Colie’s mini-course + template bundle Email Like You Mean It is the ultimate resource to turn your client experience emails into strategic, automated magic. 👉 Get the bundle at coliejames.com/email-like-you-mean-it and use code BRITTNIE for 10% off!

Because your client experience deserves better than copy-paste chaos.

📣 CTA (Call to Action): Loved this episode? Screenshot and tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway. Don’t forget to check out Colie’s course and start emailing like the pro you are. And as always, leave a review if you’re loving the show — it helps more creative mamas find the calm in their chaos!

Links Mentioned: Email Like You Mean It – Save 10% with code BRITTNIE Follow Colie on Instagram Colie’s Website Colie's YouTube

Colie James, creative business systems, photography client communication, email automation tips, workflow strategist, Dubsado templates, HoneyBook for creatives, email templates for business owners

Shop the planner: Capture the Chaos Planner

If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it when it comes to your client communication, this episode is for you. I’m chatting with Natasha Sewell—photographer, educator, and queen of a smooth client journey—about how upgrading your client experience isn’t just about being “extra,” it’s about creating trust, loyalty, and ease (for you and them).

We also dive into one of my favorite topics: using AI tools (like ChatGPT!) to help you streamline emails, prep your clients, and feel like you have a tiny personal assistant in your back pocket. This episode will leave you inspired to simplify, serve well, and maybe even rewrite that stale welcome email you’ve been ignoring since 2022.

• What Natasha realized was missing from her client experience—and how she fixed it

• Why your process is your brand (even more than your website or logo)

• The sneaky ways poor communication might be costing you referrals and repeat clients

• How to use AI to elevate—not replace—your voice and systems

• A few easy prompts to help clients feel prepared and confident

• The ripple effect a strong experience has on your entire business

Natasha Sewell launched her photography business in 2013, combining her background in teaching with her love of documenting real-life family moments. After moving and transitioning to in-home newborn and family photography, Natasha now mentors fellow photographers to build thriving, client-centered businesses. She’s passionate about education, continuous growth, and helping creatives create systems that feel as beautiful as their work looks.

• Free AI Prompts to Prep Your Clients

• The Client Experience Blueprint Course

• The Focused Path Retreat

• Follow Natasha: @npsphotography

Loved this episode? Screenshot and tag us @capturethechaosplanner and @npsphotography so we can cheer you on! And don’t forget to check out Natasha’s freebie—because yes, AI can actually make your client experience easier, smoother, and more professional.

Client experience for photographers, AI in photography business, photography client workflows, creative business systems, Natasha Sewell, client prep prompts, photography education

Running a business while your kids are home for the summer? It’s a beautiful mess. In today’s episode, I'm sharing what it really looks like to work from home during summer break, with everything from tattling and snack requests to the sweet moments of quiet time that actually stick.

You’ll hear how we’re easing into our own summer rhythm (yes, there have been interruptions), plus practical tips for managing your day, whether you’ve got toddlers who need constant attention or big kids who thrive with structure. We’re covering independent play, age-appropriate routines, and simple systems to help you get stuff done without losing your mind.

You can run your business and enjoy summer with your kids. Let’s talk about how.

• How to help little kids play independently so you can focus (even for 15 minutes)

• Ways to co-create structure with older kids (and get their buy-in!)

• Sample daily rhythm ideas that support everyone in the house

• Mindset shifts that ease the pressure to “do it all”

• A gentle reminder: One thing done each day is a win in summer mode

• Thriving Through Summer Workshop – A flexible planning workshop for moms who want structure and sanity this summer

• Capture the Chaos Planner – Designed for real-life rhythms and grace-filled structure

If this episode encouraged you…

Take a screenshot, share it on IG Stories, and tag me @brittnierenee.co. I love seeing how you’re capturing the chaos.

And if you’re loving the podcast, leave a review! It helps more mamas find this space and feel less alone in the mess.

summer routine with kids, work from home summer tips, independent play ideas, time management for moms, flexible summer structure, mom business summer, thriving through summer