Forged In Fire
Hosted by Nate Pharmer-Eden and Cole Farrell, Forged In Fire is where real entrepreneurship meets raw, unfiltered stories. This isn’t your typical business podcast—we skip the fluff and dive straight into the heat of what it really takes to build, run, and grow a business. From late-night doubts to game-changing wins, we explore the trials, setbacks, and breakthroughs that entrepreneurs experience at every stage of their journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner navigating new challenges or someone with a burning desire to launch your first venture, this podcast offers powerful insights and practical lessons for everyone. No sugarcoating—just honest conversations about what it takes to forge success through the fire.
Get ready to be inspired, learn from real-world struggles, and gain the tools you need to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. This is your front-row seat to the highs, lows, and everything in between. Are you ready to step into the fire? 🔥
Forged In Fire
Episode 21: From Snapshots to Success - Olivia Acton’s Journey Behind the Lens
Episode notes
Olivia Acton is the owner and lead photographer at Olivia Acton Photography, a premier studio based in Janesville, Wisconsin.
In this episode of Forged in Fire, Olivia shares her journey from nursing to entrepreneurship—starting from scratch, signing her first clients, and growing her business into a thriving luxury photography brand. Originally trained as a nurse with a master’s degree, Olivia spent nearly a decade in healthcare before discovering her passion for photography. What began as a simple desire to capture quality images of her children soon turned into a sought-after skill.
Through strategic business planning, marketing, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Olivia transitioned from a side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship in 2022. She has since expanded from a home-based studio to a dedicated space in downtown Janesville, where she specializes in high-end portraiture and branding photography.
Olivia’s story is one of resilience, calculated risks, and the power of following one’s passion.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration and practical business tips!
Timestamps:
02:29 Introduction
06:54 Olivia's Future Vision & Goals
11:10 Challenges & Transition from W-2 to Entrepreneurship
13:50 Her Marketing & Client Acquisition strategy
19:00 Olivia's Learning & Adaptation as an Entrepreneur
25:50 How She Measures Success and Tracks Key Metrics
30:48 Hot Seat Fire Round
35:20 Her final advice
35:50 Stay in Touch with Olivia Acton
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