Ever felt like burning it all down after a tough investment call? You're not alone — but here's the kicker: what if that "failure" is the exact thing that prepares you for the future you’re building? In this episode, I get real about the gut-wrenching lessons that come with taking risks, investing, and trusting the wrong people — and how to flip the coin and claim the power on the other side.

This is your tough love pep talk. Your emotional financial therapy. Your reminder that the dream life you're building is on the other side of that rickety rope bridge — and every busted wooden slat is just a lesson, not a life sentence.

• Every situation has a good side and a bad side. You choose which side you focus on.

• A painful financial mistake today can be your superpower tomorrow—if you learn the lesson.

• Traumatic investment losses often create smarter, stronger, more diligent investors.

• Investing is risky, but not every risk is worth taking. Due diligence is non-negotiable.

• Pre-build property deals carry hidden risks—your capital is tied up, the property isn’t yours yet, and external factors (like hurricanes or legislative delays) can derail everything.

1. Flip the coin.
   Whenever you're stuck in disappointment, ask yourself: What's the good in this? What did this teach me?

2. Set boundaries with your generosity.
   Helping loved ones? Get clear on your terms. Protect your credit and your peace.

3. Pre-build investments? Proceed with caution.
   Understand what you don’t control — and always plan for delays and disruption.

4. Write your lessons down.
   Seriously — keep an “Investor’s Journal.” Catalog what went right, what went wrong, and what you’ll do differently.

5. Hold the vision.
   When fear tells you to run, remind yourself why you started. Your dream life is still on the other side.

• 💸 Tardus Wealth Strategies – Learn more about the Income Snowball Strategy I teach in my coaching.
  👉 Tardus Wealth Strategies

If you’ve ever questioned your decision-making, felt scared to take another risk, or been shaken by a loss — this episode is the breath of audacious air you need. I’m sharing stories from real clients (names changed), the real emotions behind big financial moves, and the very real growth that happens when you choose to step forward anyway.

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In this compelling episode, Melissa Manning—entrepreneur, speaker, and passionate founder—dives deep into a question every aspiring business owner must confront: Should you build a business based on passion or profit?

Melissa explores both sides of the coin with honesty and practical wisdom, drawing from personal experience and entrepreneurial insight. Whether you’re launching your first startup or pivoting your current business, this conversation will help you align your decisions with long-term fulfillment and success.

• Short-term mindset: Without passion, it’s tough to push through the hard days.

• Burnout risk: If you’re not energized by your business, the work becomes draining.

• Transactional thinking: Focus stays on input vs. output instead of long-term value or impact.

• Disconnection: When there’s no greater mission, it's harder to resonate with your audience or build loyalty.

• Solution: If you’ve already started profit-first, try to find meaning within the business—or bring in someone who cares about the mission.

• Sustained Motivation & Resilience: Passion fuels your ability to persist through setbacks and long hours.

• Intrinsic Drive: Work feels fulfilling, not just task-driven.

• Authenticity Attracts: Investors, customers, and employees feel your enthusiasm and believe in your mission.

• Creativity & Problem-Solving: You’ll go the extra mile to find solutions and stay curious.

• Customer Loyalty: When you care, they care. People buy with their emotions.

• Fulfillment: A values-aligned business offers long-term satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

1. Audit Your Why: Ask yourself—why did I start this business? Is it aligned with something I truly care about?

2. Reconnect to Your Mission: If you’re losing interest, identify parts of the business that still give you energy.

3. Infuse Passion: Even in a profit-driven model, you can introduce a mission, a cause, or a value system to reignite your spark.

4. Hire for Heart: Bring in team members who believe in what you’re building—they’ll help keep the flame alive.

5. Strategize Passionately: Combine your purpose with intentional planning. Passion + Strategy = Sustainable Growth.

Ask yourself today — are you building your business for passion or profit? Take a moment to reconnect with your why. If you're feeling burnout, distracted, or disconnected, don’t ignore it — realign your business with your values and long-term vision.

Because when passion meets strategy, your growth becomes exponential.

👉 Reflect on your current path.
👉 Find meaning in your mission.
👉 And if needed, bring in support who believes in the vision too.

Your passion is your power — let it lead the way.

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Audacious Founder, host Melissa Manning sits down with boudoir and branding photographer Nikki Watarz for an open-hearted conversation about self-worth, confidence, and stepping into entrepreneurship. Nikki shares her journey from burned-out mortgage broker to creative entrepreneur with a home studio designed to help women rediscover their beauty and power. The two discuss how boudoir photography is more than just photos—it's a transformative experience of self-love and audacity. Whether you're a photographer, a business owner, or a woman seeking to feel empowered in your body, this episode is for you.

• Boudoir photography is about empowerment, not perfection

• You don’t need permission or expensive courses to start a business—just resourcefulness

• Social media and ads are often biased against women’s bodies, but it’s still possible to thrive

• Confidence and pricing are deeply connected for creatives and service providers

• The value of making clients feel seen, safe, and celebrated

• Leverage free resources like YouTube and Facebook groups to learn any skill

• Start pricing your work based on the value you offer, not just what feels comfortable

• Create a personalized experience that makes your clients feel like your only client

• Build community through referrals, events, and personal connections

• Reclaim your own beauty and encourage others to do the same—at any age

• Nikki’s studio: Boudoir by Nikki

• Nikki’s branding Instagram (linked in her main bio)

• Private Facebook groups for creative entrepreneurs

• Google Ads, SEO, and custom landing pages for conservative marketing

• Empowerment-themed podcast suggestions (TBD from Melissa)

• [34:15] What happened to Nikki’s business during COVID

• [36:00] Why family and wedding photography weren’t fulfilling

• [38:00] How Nikki taught herself photography using free online resources

• [43:00] The challenges of marketing boudoir photography online

• [47:42] Creative solutions for flagged content and landing pages

• [50:52] The unique energy of every client and photoshoot

• [51:13] The best business advice Nikki ever received: Value yourself

• [54:15] Defining audacity in both business and beauty

• [58:13] Why every woman should encourage a friend to try boudoir

• [1:03:40] Aging, beauty, and embracing all phases of womanhood

• [1:04:11] How to book a session and mention this podcast for a special referral bonus!

Feeling inspired? Share this episode with a friend who deserves to feel powerful, beautiful, and seen. And if you’re ready for your own transformative experience, book a shoot with Nikki and mention The Audacious Founder for $100 off your session fee. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review so more women can find their confidence, one bold step at a time.