We had the good fortune of connecting with Eden Strader and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eden, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My motto in life has become that if I don’t like something I either need to learn to love it or change it. As cheesy as it is (for good reason), we only have one life for sure- and once that truly sunk in for me I realized there is nothing I want to live my life wondering about. I’d rather risk it and fail than to wonder “what if” my entire life. I’ve found that nearly every time I’ve taken a risk, it’s turned out better than I imagined. Even if you fail, its eventually a redirection to something bigger and better.

What should our readers know about your business?
I went full time with wedding photography in 2016 and even though wedding photography is no longer my leading charge, it led the path to where I am today. I spent years as a destination wedding photographer before beginning to educate others, and it was one of the most beautiful and surprising pivots my business ever made! It’s been so incredible to help other creatives step into their power both in their businesses and personally.

My business has been such a crucial aspect in my personal life, as I truly do credit it for being one of the reasons I survived one of the hardest times in my life. It was one of the few lights I had during a time of absolute darkness, and I’m so grateful I was able to build it during those years. In 2020 I started off the year by getting divorced, and completely started a new life in another state. I’ve been able to bring my hardships + lessons learned into my business in a way to support and uplift other women + creatives and even though this isn’t where I expected my business to end up, it has been one of the most beautiful surprises. Starting in 2020 amidst the pandemic, I was able to shift my business and brand into a much more honest, vulnerable, and empowering place and it has been so fulfilling to connect with creatives on such a different level. This is also when I launched my Podcast, That’s My Personal Business, talking all about how intertwined our businesses are with our personal lives. We started out with my story on my business, marriage, and divorce, and how all those things impacted each other. As entrepreneurs, our personal lives and businesses directly affect each other so much so it’s been so incredible to share my thoughts and the stories of others in order to pull back the curtain on the BTS we never talk about!

Since I started my business in 2016, it has pivoted and evolved a lot, but one of the biggest things I’m proud of is that my business has gone from being my entire life to supporting my dream life. I no longer live to work. I now get to run a business that personally fulfills me while supporting others, and get to live a beautiful life outside of the hustle as well. I love being able to help others do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever my friends visit LA I am absolutely prepared to eat our way through the city. Whether it’s the Asian Kelp Noodle salad from Sage Bistro, Potatoes from Osteria La Buca, or Acorn Squash Pizza from Triple Beam- or honestly all of the above. If you’re wanting to deck out your apartment with the cutest furniture I’ll hit up Sunbeam Vintage and then head to Prelude and Dawn for everything from candles, to jade rollers, to incredibly glassware and clothes! I love taking friends hiking up Los Angeles National Forest, and then heading west to stop by Sidecar Donuts on our way to Will Rogers beach!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the biggest helps in my business has been my coach, D’Arcy Benincosa. D’Arcy has been so pivotal in paving the path for intuitive entrepreneurs, and has personally helped me so much when it comes to stepping into my power and finding the actionable steps to build my business + life into what I wanted it to be. Also? Can I say my therapist? A godsend.

Website: www.edenstrader.com

Instagram: @edenstrader

Other: My podcast can be found at @thatsmypersonalbusiness on IG!

Image Credits
All by me – Eden Strader Photography

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