Finding My True North: Why I Had to Walk Through the Fog Before I Could Guide Others Out
Before it was a business, it was a lifeline.
When Your Brand Compass was just a scribbled idea in my journal, I wasn’t dreaming of funnels and launch calendars. I was just trying to name that gut-level ache I felt every time a post flopped or someone gave me that polite “oh cool” face after I introduced myself. You know the one.
This is one of my True North stories. And like most honest ones, it begins with my own disorientation.
The Season of Fog: When My Brand No Longer Fit
I had already pivoted once from teacher to photographer, and built a decently thriving senior portrait business. But somewhere along the line, the fulfillment began to fade. Not because I didn’t love the work, but because I felt the nudge toward something deeper: helping purpose-driven women bring their brands to life so they could amplify their impact.
Except when I tried to articulate that? Cue the tumbleweeds.
I couldn’t explain what I did without rambling. My messaging was a hopeful jumble. I barely posted because I didn’t know who I was actually talking to. And the clients who did show up? Kind, wonderful… and totally not the right fit.
“You’re not failing. You’re just not clear yet.”
That sentence? I lived it before I ever wrote it.
Becoming My Own First Client
Eventually, I did what I ask my clients to do: I slowed down and got curious. I stopped forcing clarity and started following breadcrumbs. That’s when the True North Blueprint started taking shape, not as a polished product, but as the messy, soul-searching process I walked through myself.
Step by step, I nailed down:
- My Audience: No more trying to speak to “everyone.” I identified myself in my client and built every message and offer with HER in mind.
- My Voice: I wanted to sound like me… encouraging, witty, rooted in faith and purpose.
- My Content Pillars: Strategy meets soul. Suddenly content felt less like a chore and more like a conversation.
- My Systems: I streamline my systems and processes to create a consistent client experience, while also quieting the noise to reclaim my life outside of my business.
That’s when the fog began to lift. I restructured my offers around transformation, not tasks. My visuals started actually looking and feeling like me. I even started training AI tools to sound like me because finally, I knew what that sounded like.
“Clarity powers your brand. AI just helps carry the load.”
Alignment Isn’t a Destination, But It Changes Everything
Today, I show up with rhythm and resonance. My brand photography reflects not just what I do, but who I am. My content speaks straight to the women I’m called to serve.
And the feedback? It’s the kind I used to dream of:
- “This finally makes sense.”
- “I feel like my brand sounds like me now.”
- “That was the clearest I’ve ever been about what I do.”
Walking through the True North Blueprint as the first client gave me more than a business framework, it gave me confidence, consistency, and clarity that runs deeper than strategy.
Takeaways From the Journey
- Start with clarity. If you’re unclear on your audience or offers, no amount of posting will fix that.
- Create systems that serve you. Sustainable rhythms beat burnout every time.
- Let your visuals match your voice. Cohesion builds confidence.
- Your story is the strategy. You don’t need to start over, you just need clarity.
This Is Where It Begins (For You, Too)
If you see yourself in this story (fumbling through fog) second-guessing every post, wondering why the right clients aren’t coming… you’re not alone. I built this framework because I needed it and so many of my friends did too.
And now, it’s here for you.
→ If your brand is ready for its next evolution, the True North Blueprint might be your next best move.
→ Not sure what you need? Book a Clarity Call and we’ll figure it out together.
