Networking events are great. Especially the ones when you happen to sit next to someone that is genuinely a cool person. That’s exactly how I met Caitlyn Bom.
We sat next to each other at a luncheon and hit it off. In the usual “networking manner”, we exchanged “networking pleasantries” like what we do, where we live, etc. After that, we just gelled.
I can’t wait for you to meet this super cool lady!
Meet Caitlyn Bom
When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
A barrel racer! My earliest memory of something I felt I wanted to do the rest of my life, the rush of it and the excitement drew me like a moth to the flame.
How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Honestly I didn’t, it came to me in all sorts of ways! First my dad told me to get a hobby because I was dating too much, then a beautiful friend of mine asked me to photograph her wedding last minute (long story!), and then one of my wedding clients a year later asked me to take sexy photos of her for her fiancé. It was all a giant evolutionary snowball. I just happened to be ready to ride the bull!
What is the biggest struggle you’ve encountered as an entrepreneur and how did you solve it?
Hiring! I’ve been really lucky most of the time with my associates (I call them the Bomsquad LOL). But it’s still tough learning how to be a good leader. I absolutely love what I do, and I wear 17 million hats it seems. Finding the right people is key, those who are also effective communicators so I’m able to build an efficient and amazing team! One step at a time though, more books to read and events to learn at! Can’t say this is “solved” officially, but it’s certainly evolved since I started.
What do you think are the pros and cons of being a womenpreneur?
It’s so much to list out the pros but the top two I love are the flexibility I have with my time (in most cases) and the opportunities I have to work with other women and see transformations. It’s really quite beautiful! Plus there’s no dress code 😉 The only cons are how hard the lessons are. As an entrepreneur, I aspire to be a leader for my team and others around me. Sometimes I fall short and disappointment is a really sour flavor.
Do you have any mentors or coaches that you work with?
Always! I believe 100% in having a mentor/coach who can be the tail lights in the fog for you to follow, who can support you when you need it, who is there in general to lift you up. You are an average of those you spend the most time with!
What advice would you give to someone reading this that has the entrepreneurial “itch”?
Do it. Don’t think too much about it either. Be open to possibilities and don’t let doubt or fear hold you back – which is human! But so worth pushing through
What is the secret to achieving work-life balance for you?
Balance is a nearly impossible thing to achieve, it’s that one goal that you can’t quite pin down and check off. The balance I think really comes down to enjoying the imbalance and imperfections. Work a little “too much” here, enjoy a little “too much” there. Life isn’t about balance necessarily as much as it is about enjoying what you have and what is in front of you.
How do you find inspiration?
For the most part I let it come to me – meaning I’ve placed myself in position to receive inspiration. Whether it is a conversation with a friend, or seeing something beautiful as I pass by and taking a step to stop and soak it in. As an artist I feel lucky to have the ability to find inspiration in many places people aren’t aware it can come from!
What is your favorite book?
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie. Hands down!
What is your favorite quote?
“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” – Arianna Huffington
What do you do to decompress?
Spa days for the shorter immediate needs, traveling and soaking in the culture of a new part of the world when I can plan it out!
After meeting Caity, I was intrigued to find out about her business Bomshell Studios. One visit to her website was all I needed to book my boudoir photoshoot. One of the best decisions I’ve made to date.
Please follow Caitlyn on her escapades via her website, Facebook, and Instagram. She is super awesome.
Don’t forget to read about the previous womenpreneurs!
Chad says
I love these interviews and always learn so much reading them. Thank you so much, she is amazing.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I always love finding out more about interesting business women like Caitlyn. It’s always intriguing to find out the reasons they chose to go into that business.
Natural Beauty And Makeup says
I absolutely enjoyed reading this interview ☺ She is so amazing! I agree with her on this – you are an average of those you spend the most time with!
Elizabeth Keene says
It’s always interesting to see how other entrepreneur’s live their lives, I’m glad you could keep this series of interviews up!
Dana says
Thank you Elizabeth! I am so glad you are enjoying the series!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Wow! She sounds sooo amazing. I enjoyed reading this interview!
Dana says
Caity sure is amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview!
Claire Lee says
It was so fun to read about the interview & how other women leaders think. I also prefer having mentors when learning.
Dana says
Mentors can help you see things from a different perspective and, IMHO, are the best way to learn!
Cynthia What A Girl Eats says
I really enjoyed reading this one! Barrel racing! I love that she just went from opportunity to opportunity!
Dana says
Isn’t that awesome! She is the true definition of an entrepreneur!
Sam says
This is a great interview! I love that you feature female entrepreneurs. I agree that having a mentor and/or coach is important.
Jasmine Hewitt says
i love reading about businesses with strong women behind them. this is awesome!
Katie says
It’s true that if you have an idea you just kind of have to jump in. Be strategic, make a plan and have fun! Caitlyn sounds like a self made woman.
Marysa says
What a great interview. And how cool that she wanted to be a barrel racer – that’s unique! It’s awesome to read about such a great entrepreneur!
Arya says
This is great! It’s always good to learn from others experiences.
Nicole Bertrand says
I always love reading women-preneur success stories…especially from fellow photographers! Great interview.