If you’re on a mega mission in life, you’re probably hustling like a maniac to make it happen. This is the Epic Era of the Entrepreneur (I made that up) and we’re in high-gear toward our goals on the horizon. With the constant notifications on your cell phone, the emails that seem to keep adding to the magical mountain of opportunities, and the demand for your time, energy, and love from the people in your life – you just can’t get a break.
Yes, I know you love it. And so do I. I’m in love with what I’m up to. I wouldn’t give up my passions for anything.
But at some point, we have to shift gears. It’s a nice fantasy to think that we can do it ALL by ourselves, but let’s tell our ego to STFU for a minute. We CAN do anything, but we can’t do EVERYTHING. Do what you do best and hire people to do the rest. There’s your first nugget. Put it in your pocket.
If hiring a personal assistant (or cloning a life saver I know, named Sarah) isn’t a part of your budget, then recruit an intern. If you’re an awesome human being, there is someone a bit younger than you who would LOVE to learn from your triumphs and tragedies. If you want to be a millionaire, stop doing $10/hr tasks.
When you decide that your time is extremely valuable, you won’t waste it on tedious BS. You just won’t.
You will, instead, organize your time and day in such a way that it’ll feel like you have 26 hours to use. People ask me how in the world I have the time to do everything that I do. Here are some of my favorite ways to stay on top of my stuff, like a BOSS WOMAN:
1) Write down all of your promises.
When we get excited in the moment, we like to make promises – even simple ones – like, “I’ll email you that recipe I found!” or even big ones – like, “I’ll be at your birthday next week!” When we don’t write down our stuff, we expect our brain to remind us. With 50,000-70,000 thoughts every day, we don’t have a lot of brain space to itemize a mental to-do list. If you write down your promises, events, and commitments – it’ll support you in NOT double booking, forgetting entirely, and looking like a total jerk for not coming through. Crossing off items on a promises list feels so good!
2) Say NO unless it’s in alignment with your vision.
Distractions like to get all dressed up and look like opportunities. Spend time with people who lift you up and are in alignment with your vision. If someone wants to “grab coffee” it may be because they just wanna pick your brain about how you got to be so successful. This exchange can take place via email and you can invest that hour into meeting with a potential business ally or cleaning out your living space and car.
3) Clean up your energy.
Energy is energy is energy. If you have a cluttered space, it’ll be all up in yo’ face. Toss the mail that’s stacking up on the kitchen counter. You don’t need to keep EVERY receipt. That shirt in your closet that you haven’t worn in 8 months? Get rid of it. Why is there a pair of scissors sitting on top of the TV? Put ’em back in the drawer! Our life usually is a reflection of the way the inside of our purse or car looks. Ladies – purse check! What’s in there right now? Or, what I should ask is: what ISN’T in there? Guys, is the inside of your car organized right now? Or does it look just like your laundry-bombed bedroom?
4) Disconnect every once in a while.
Once upon a time, I accidentally put my phone on “airplane mode”. My phone is ALWAYS on silent so I didn’t think anything of it. I went to check my phone and had realized my subconscious way of throwing up the white flag. I left it on “airplane mode” for a few more hours and I felt FREE. Did my social media universe combust and fall apart? Nope. Did I miss a call that couldn’t be returned? Not a chance. And when I did get back to my phone, I’d accomplished my other stuff so I could be focused on returning calls and messages while not being distracted. It’s exhausting to ALWAYS be connected and available. Create a cut-off time at night so people know you have healthy barriers.
5) KNOW that your dreams won’t happen overnight.
Yes, sometimes they do. But most of the time they do not. I like to think of my BIG dreams as palm trees. I’m fascinated by those things. To successfully plant and grow one of them, the seed itself has to be carefully germinated. After planted under the soil, NOTHING happens for weeks or months – or so it seems. There’s a lot that is happening in the ground, but our impatient eye can’t see a damn thing. And then finally, a sprout! A sign of life! Then the plant is moved to a bigger pot, and then eventually planted where it’s meant to grow to its fullest potential. The roots grow up to 15 feet deep and then sometimes 20 feet in each direction under the ground. These trees are SO tall and beautiful, beyond flexible in the most treacherous storm, and I’ve never seen one laying on the ground. They’re unstoppable!
If you’re committed to your dreams, the roots will stand strong and the first sign of success will sprout when ready. You can’t rush or slow down the karmic speed of ANYTHING. Let go of the stress of trying to make everything happen RIGHT NOW. Be in the moment while you keep moving forward. Live a little, or a lot, and remember to laugh at yourself. Just like vampires, stress only affects us if we invite it into our space. Remember, having a lot going on > having NOTHING going on. Be grateful, love all that is you, and read this blog when you feel like your day only has 23 hours in it.
For more content like this, check out Jenna’s website at imonamission.com
LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE
CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION
If you’re on a mega mission in life, you’re probably hustling like a maniac to make it happen. This is the Epic Era of the Entrepreneur (I made that up) and we’re in high-gear toward our goals on the horizon. With the constant notifications on your cell phone, the emails that seem to keep adding to the magical mountain of opportunities, and the demand for your time, energy, and love from the people in your life – you just can’t get a break.
Yes, I know you love it. And so do I. I’m in love with what I’m up to. I wouldn’t give up my passions for anything.
But at some point, we have to shift gears. It’s a nice fantasy to think that we can do it ALL by ourselves, but let’s tell our ego to STFU for a minute. We CAN do anything, but we can’t do EVERYTHING. Do what you do best and hire people to do the rest. There’s your first nugget. Put it in your pocket.
If hiring a personal assistant (or cloning a life saver I know, named Sarah) isn’t a part of your budget, then recruit an intern. If you’re an awesome human being, there is someone a bit younger than you who would LOVE to learn from your triumphs and tragedies. If you want to be a millionaire, stop doing $10/hr tasks.
When you decide that your time is extremely valuable, you won’t waste it on tedious BS. You just won’t.
You will, instead, organize your time and day in such a way that it’ll feel like you have 26 hours to use. People ask me how in the world I have the time to do everything that I do. Here are some of my favorite ways to stay on top of my stuff, like a BOSS WOMAN:
1) Write down all of your promises.
When we get excited in the moment, we like to make promises – even simple ones – like, “I’ll email you that recipe I found!” or even big ones – like, “I’ll be at your birthday next week!” When we don’t write down our stuff, we expect our brain to remind us. With 50,000-70,000 thoughts every day, we don’t have a lot of brain space to itemize a mental to-do list. If you write down your promises, events, and commitments – it’ll support you in NOT double booking, forgetting entirely, and looking like a total jerk for not coming through. Crossing off items on a promises list feels so good!
2) Say NO unless it’s in alignment with your vision.
Distractions like to get all dressed up and look like opportunities. Spend time with people who lift you up and are in alignment with your vision. If someone wants to “grab coffee” it may be because they just wanna pick your brain about how you got to be so successful. This exchange can take place via email and you can invest that hour into meeting with a potential business ally or cleaning out your living space and car.
3) Clean up your energy.
Energy is energy is energy. If you have a cluttered space, it’ll be all up in yo’ face. Toss the mail that’s stacking up on the kitchen counter. You don’t need to keep EVERY receipt. That shirt in your closet that you haven’t worn in 8 months? Get rid of it. Why is there a pair of scissors sitting on top of the TV? Put ’em back in the drawer! Our life usually is a reflection of the way the inside of our purse or car looks. Ladies – purse check! What’s in there right now? Or, what I should ask is: what ISN’T in there? Guys, is the inside of your car organized right now? Or does it look just like your laundry-bombed bedroom?
4) Disconnect every once in a while.
Once upon a time, I accidentally put my phone on “airplane mode”. My phone is ALWAYS on silent so I didn’t think anything of it. I went to check my phone and had realized my subconscious way of throwing up the white flag. I left it on “airplane mode” for a few more hours and I felt FREE. Did my social media universe combust and fall apart? Nope. Did I miss a call that couldn’t be returned? Not a chance. And when I did get back to my phone, I’d accomplished my other stuff so I could be focused on returning calls and messages while not being distracted. It’s exhausting to ALWAYS be connected and available. Create a cut-off time at night so people know you have healthy barriers.
5) KNOW that your dreams won’t happen overnight.
Yes, sometimes they do. But most of the time they do not. I like to think of my BIG dreams as palm trees. I’m fascinated by those things. To successfully plant and grow one of them, the seed itself has to be carefully germinated. After planted under the soil, NOTHING happens for weeks or months – or so it seems. There’s a lot that is happening in the ground, but our impatient eye can’t see a damn thing. And then finally, a sprout! A sign of life! Then the plant is moved to a bigger pot, and then eventually planted where it’s meant to grow to its fullest potential. The roots grow up to 15 feet deep and then sometimes 20 feet in each direction under the ground. These trees are SO tall and beautiful, beyond flexible in the most treacherous storm, and I’ve never seen one laying on the ground. They’re unstoppable!
If you’re committed to your dreams, the roots will stand strong and the first sign of success will sprout when ready. You can’t rush or slow down the karmic speed of ANYTHING. Let go of the stress of trying to make everything happen RIGHT NOW. Be in the moment while you keep moving forward. Live a little, or a lot, and remember to laugh at yourself. Just like vampires, stress only affects us if we invite it into our space. Remember, having a lot going on > having NOTHING going on. Be grateful, love all that is you, and read this blog when you feel like your day only has 23 hours in it.
For more content like this, check out Jenna’s website at imonamission.com
4/21/14
5 tips on dealing with the feeling of being overwhelmed
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
GET THE DETAILS
GET THE DETAILS
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
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masterfully aligning perception and reality through personal branding
masterfully aligning perception and reality through personal branding
If you’re on a mega mission in life, you’re probably hustling like a maniac to make it happen. This is the Epic Era of the Entrepreneur (I made that up) and we’re in high-gear toward our goals on the horizon. With the constant notifications on your cell phone, the emails that seem to keep adding to the magical mountain of opportunities, and the demand for your time, energy, and love from the people in your life – you just can’t get a break.
Yes, I know you love it. And so do I. I’m in love with what I’m up to. I wouldn’t give up my passions for anything.
But at some point, we have to shift gears. It’s a nice fantasy to think that we can do it ALL by ourselves, but let’s tell our ego to STFU for a minute. We CAN do anything, but we can’t do EVERYTHING. Do what you do best and hire people to do the rest. There’s your first nugget. Put it in your pocket.
If hiring a personal assistant (or cloning a life saver I know, named Sarah) isn’t a part of your budget, then recruit an intern. If you’re an awesome human being, there is someone a bit younger than you who would LOVE to learn from your triumphs and tragedies. If you want to be a millionaire, stop doing $10/hr tasks.
When you decide that your time is extremely valuable, you won’t waste it on tedious BS. You just won’t.
You will, instead, organize your time and day in such a way that it’ll feel like you have 26 hours to use. People ask me how in the world I have the time to do everything that I do. Here are some of my favorite ways to stay on top of my stuff, like a BOSS WOMAN:
1) Write down all of your promises.
When we get excited in the moment, we like to make promises – even simple ones – like, “I’ll email you that recipe I found!” or even big ones – like, “I’ll be at your birthday next week!” When we don’t write down our stuff, we expect our brain to remind us. With 50,000-70,000 thoughts every day, we don’t have a lot of brain space to itemize a mental to-do list. If you write down your promises, events, and commitments – it’ll support you in NOT double booking, forgetting entirely, and looking like a total jerk for not coming through. Crossing off items on a promises list feels so good!
2) Say NO unless it’s in alignment with your vision.
Distractions like to get all dressed up and look like opportunities. Spend time with people who lift you up and are in alignment with your vision. If someone wants to “grab coffee” it may be because they just wanna pick your brain about how you got to be so successful. This exchange can take place via email and you can invest that hour into meeting with a potential business ally or cleaning out your living space and car.
3) Clean up your energy.
Energy is energy is energy. If you have a cluttered space, it’ll be all up in yo’ face. Toss the mail that’s stacking up on the kitchen counter. You don’t need to keep EVERY receipt. That shirt in your closet that you haven’t worn in 8 months? Get rid of it. Why is there a pair of scissors sitting on top of the TV? Put ’em back in the drawer! Our life usually is a reflection of the way the inside of our purse or car looks. Ladies – purse check! What’s in there right now? Or, what I should ask is: what ISN’T in there? Guys, is the inside of your car organized right now? Or does it look just like your laundry-bombed bedroom?
4) Disconnect every once in a while.
Once upon a time, I accidentally put my phone on “airplane mode”. My phone is ALWAYS on silent so I didn’t think anything of it. I went to check my phone and had realized my subconscious way of throwing up the white flag. I left it on “airplane mode” for a few more hours and I felt FREE. Did my social media universe combust and fall apart? Nope. Did I miss a call that couldn’t be returned? Not a chance. And when I did get back to my phone, I’d accomplished my other stuff so I could be focused on returning calls and messages while not being distracted. It’s exhausting to ALWAYS be connected and available. Create a cut-off time at night so people know you have healthy barriers.
5) KNOW that your dreams won’t happen overnight.
Yes, sometimes they do. But most of the time they do not. I like to think of my BIG dreams as palm trees. I’m fascinated by those things. To successfully plant and grow one of them, the seed itself has to be carefully germinated. After planted under the soil, NOTHING happens for weeks or months – or so it seems. There’s a lot that is happening in the ground, but our impatient eye can’t see a damn thing. And then finally, a sprout! A sign of life! Then the plant is moved to a bigger pot, and then eventually planted where it’s meant to grow to its fullest potential. The roots grow up to 15 feet deep and then sometimes 20 feet in each direction under the ground. These trees are SO tall and beautiful, beyond flexible in the most treacherous storm, and I’ve never seen one laying on the ground. They’re unstoppable!
If you’re committed to your dreams, the roots will stand strong and the first sign of success will sprout when ready. You can’t rush or slow down the karmic speed of ANYTHING. Let go of the stress of trying to make everything happen RIGHT NOW. Be in the moment while you keep moving forward. Live a little, or a lot, and remember to laugh at yourself. Just like vampires, stress only affects us if we invite it into our space. Remember, having a lot going on > having NOTHING going on. Be grateful, love all that is you, and read this blog when you feel like your day only has 23 hours in it.
For more content like this, check out Jenna’s website at imonamission.com
4/21/14
5 tips on dealing with the feeling of being overwhelmed
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
masterfully aligning perception and reality through personal branding
GET THE DETAILS
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GET THE DETAILS
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE
CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION
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TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post Your Brand Isn’t a Feed — It’s a Frequency We’ve all seen it: the influencer with polished photos but no soul. The brand that feels like a mask. That’s not personal branding — that’s performance. A real personal brand? It’s how you live. It’s what you do […]
A Brand Isn’t Just a Logo — It’s a Mirror Your personal brand isn’t a website, a color palette, or a polished grid. It’s an evolving expression of who you are — and who you’re becoming. More than that, it’s a container. A space that calls you to rise. To embody your message. To stay […]
Let’s put it this way: If you want stiff headshots in a gray suit against a beige wall — probably not. If you want a photoshoot that feels like an editorial spread, emotional breakthrough, and creative awakening all in one — then yes. Nick Onken is very good at what he does. What Makes Nick […]
Most First-Time Brand Shoots Miss the Mark — Here’s Why If you’re preparing for your first brand photoshoot, you’re likely focused on the obvious: outfits, lighting, maybe even the perfect smile. But what actually makes a photoshoot land is much deeper — and most people don’t know what to look for. And unfortunately, that’s why most first-time […]
The Problem With Traditional Brand Photograph Most brand photos are surface-level. They might be polished. Perfectly lit. Technically solid. But they lack soul. They don’t make you feel the person. They don’t communicate energy, depth, or identity. They look good — but they don’t resonate. And that’s a problem if you’re a thought leader, coach, speaker, author, or […]
If you’re searching for the best personal brand photographer in New York, one name rises to the top: Nick Onken. Blending editorial sophistication with emotional storytelling, Nick’s work goes far beyond headshots. His Elevated Realism™ approach captures your highest self — magnetic, polished, and unmistakably you. 📍 A Photographer Who Knows NYC Intimately Nick spent 15 […]
One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is building their website, offers, or marketing before they’ve ever clarified their brand identity. They hire web designers before they’ve defined their vibe. They write sales pages without knowing the feeling their brand is meant to transmit. But everything — your website, your photos, your content, your brand world — should stem […]
For most people, a photoshoot is about looking good. For Nicky Clinch, it became a mirror for transformation. Nicky is a master maturation coach, author of Surrender, and co-leader of the Emanate Mastermind. When she came to me, her brand was successful—multiple seven figures, sold-out programs, a global community—but something wasn’t resonating. She had reached a plateau. […]
Los Angeles is packed with creatives. But when it comes to personal brand photography, Nick Onken stands in a category of his own. He’s not just snapping pretty pictures. He’s crafting transformation. With a focus on visual storytelling and strategic brand elevation, Nick’s shoots go far beyond portraits. Every session is a creative collaboration—designed to […]
Introduction Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness and bestselling author, was ready to elevate his personal brand with a visual identity that matched his next chapter of leadership. He had already built a massive platform. But he was stepping into a deeper, more embodied version of his brand—one that integrated emotional intelligence with […]
Leadership isn’t just something you declare — it’s something people feel the moment they see you. And in a world where your first impression often happens online, your photos need to do more than look good. They need to position you as a leader. A personal brand shoot isn’t about winging it with cute outfits […]
Let’s cut to it: The cost of a personal brand photoshoot depends on one thing—the level of transformation you want to create. You can hire someone to take nice portraits. Or you can co-create an identity-elevating experience that reshapes how the world sees you. So… How Much Does It Cost? At the top of the […]
If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or speaker looking to stand out online, then you know photography is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But hiring the right personal brand photographer can feel overwhelming. With so many options, styles, and price points, how do you find the perfect fit for your vision? Let’s break it down […]
About the Blogger
I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here.
I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here.
