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A little about

Joelene Mills
Messy middle guide. Blunt encourager.
Professional un-f*cker of stuck coaching businesses.

How it all started: In 2016, after 17 years of being a successful (and very burnt-out) photographer, I realized something: I’d built a business I didn’t want to be in anymore. At one point, I was photographing 69 weddings a year, juggling international travel, editing, admin, client work—and losing sight of why I even started. I was working constantly, living on autopilot, and thinking seriously about quitting and going back to corporate—just to breathe.

So I stopped.

I stripped it all back. And what stayed was the mentoring and volunteer work I loved. Helping other women build businesses? That felt right. And that’s where the next chapter started.

The eveolution: In 2020, when COVID hit and online coaching exploded, I was right in the thick of it. My client list blew up. But the cycle repeated: too much demand, not enough energy, and no space to think.
That’s when I shifted again—from 1:1 coaching to a writing-based business model that actually works for me.
Today, I support introverted coaches and online entrepreneurs through written content only: newsletters, blog posts, and digital products. No live calls. No courses with 78 modules. Just calm, honest, strategic support for women who’ve already started—but feel stuck.

What I’m Known For:
  • 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience across creative and coaching industries

  • Blunt, no-fluff strategies that actually move the needle

  • Helping mid-stage business owners figure out what’s off—and fix it

  • Supporting introverted coaches who don’t want to “scale,” just stabilize

  • Creating low-pressure, quiet growth plans that respect your energy

  • Bringing clarity, structure, and encouragement to the messy middle

 

Why This Work Matters:

I know what it’s like to be in that frustrating middle space—where nothing is “failing,” but nothing feels quite right either. You’re tired of spinning your wheels. You’ve outgrown the starter advice. You’re not new—but you’re definitely not where you want to be.

That’s who I write for.

Not beginners. Not millionaires. But the ones in the messy middle, still showing up and trying to make it all feel aligned again.

It takes a village mastermind

Beyond the Inbox, Support You Can Actually Feel

"Surround yourself with people who get it—even if you’re building it alone." – Unknown

Business shouldn’t feel this lonely, so alongside my friend and fellow business nerd Kelly L. Gabel, I co-host the Success Through Community Podcast and help run a quiet mastermind group for values-led entrepreneurs. It’s all about honest conversations, book-based learning, and support that doesn’t rely on hustle. Check out the podcast and Learn more about our passion project here! 👉🏻Success Through Community Website!

A few personal things, since you asked:

Nearly 20 years ago, I took a risk and started my photography business. That's when my entrepreneurial journey really unfolded and provided me with so much knowledge and experience. All of which, I want to share with you!

  • I married my High School Sweetheart, and we still flirt to embarass our kids

  • I know it is cliche for a professional photographer, but I hate being in front of the camera

  • I’m a book addict, Broadway fan, and a sucker for cozy wine nights

  • I became an empty nester at 43, then a full-time aunt-mom at 44

  • I am an animal lover, believe in LGBTQ2S+ rights, climate change, and women leading their own damn lives

Want to connect?
I’m always up for talking business, mindset, or what’s currently on my bookshelf. Shoot me an email or find me on social—just don’t ask me to hop on a Zoom call 😉

xox, Joelene