EPISODE #146
Boundaries: How to Get What You Really Want
Guest: Čedna Todorovic
Owner | Čedna Portrait Stories
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
cednaportraitstories.com
DATE: March 27, 2025
Powered by RedCircle
We need to talk about the B-word. 👀
Yep—boundaries.
You’ve heard it.
You’ve probably rolled your eyes at it.
It’s become a buzzword among Millenials, Gen Z and memes everywhere.
But let’s be honest—just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Čedna Todorovic, a portrait photographer who immigrated from Yugoslavia and has spent the past two years building her business from the ground up in Canada. Coming from a high-powered corporate job, Čedna brought the hustle—but like many of us, she quickly realized that making everyone else happy was leaving her burned out and overwhelmed.
Sound familiar?
Čedna opens up about the messy middle of transitioning into a creative business—how she lost her weekends, her peace of mind, and nearly her sanity—all in the name of “great client service.” But the truth bomb she drops in this conversation? The most powerful thing you can say in your business is NO.
We talk about:
- What happens when you say yes to every client request (hint: chaos)
- How to set boundaries without losing clients—or your mind
- Why protecting your time is the first step toward serving your best clients
- How Čedna found purpose in her work by finally honoring her own needs
If you’ve ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is your permission slip to draw the line—and take back control.
Timestamps:
[4:22] Hear how Čedna left a corporate career to pursue a full-time portrait studio after years of reflection.
[7:53] Although there have been challenges, Čedna has consistently networked and learned with dedication since 2022.
[10:20] Čedna’s background as an immigrant fueled her hard work and perseverance.
[13:03] Hear how Čedna realized that being authentic is key to long-term success.
[15:13] Čedna learned to set boundaries in business after struggling with guilt and pushback from clients.
[18:20] Čedna explains that without boundaries, she exhausts herself, harming her energy and client relationships and impacting her passion.
[21:38] Correcting issues quickly and setting clear boundaries helps avoid time being wasted.
[24:18] Sometimes, when a client isn’t a good fit, I don’t have to fire them because they fire themselves by realizing that I won’t bend my boundaries.
[25:41] Čedna joined ATJ’s bootcamp after research and realized that it aligned with her goals.
[28:31] Čedna reveals how she learned to scale her business and confidently set boundaries.
[31:55] Čedna shares that she now limits shoot days in order to avoid burnout and wasted effort.
[35:38] I discuss how over-delivering to please clients caused frustration, so I had to define expectations.
[37:20] Hear how Čedna learned to balance her creative and analytical sides, applying lessons from experience.
[40:00] Balancing creativity and process prevents work from becoming repetitive.
[41:09] Čedna reflects on having given away too much such as $15,000 in prints.
[44:14] It’s important to address any personal doubts by seeking resources.
WE WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU’D: Rate, Review, & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts
“I love ATJ & The ReWork!.” <– If that sounds like you, please take a minute and rate and review the show! This helps us support more portrait photographers — just like you — move toward building the PROFITABLE, sustainable businesses that they really want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let ME know what you loved most about the episode (and any topics you are dying to learn about).
Also, if you haven’t already, FOLLOW the podcast. We’ll be adding some bonus episodes to the feed this season, and if you’re not following, you’ll miss out. Follow now!
You can also email me directly with your suggestions at: support@dotherework.com – OR DM me directly on Instagram @atjphoto or @do.the.rework
We’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and ideas!
Links and Resources:
Download a Transcript
Ultimate Client Consultation Form
Frequently Asked Difficult Questions (FADQ’s)
Sales Sabotage Evaluation Tool
Allison Tyler Jones Education Courses
Do The ReWork
Website | Instagram | Facebook
