What happens when you blend generational legacy, motherhood, and a thriving commercial photography business? In this powerful episode of Unbreakable Mompreneurs, your host Charisse Walker sits down with Lesle Lane—corporate photographer, legacy business owner, mentor, and one of the few women thriving in the male-dominated world of commercial photography.

Lesle shares her unique journey of taking over the business her parents built, navigating the dramatic shift from film to digital photography, and ultimately transforming the business model to fit today’s gig economy. She now leads a team of contract-based creatives, including photographers, videographers, drone operators, and social media managers—all while maintaining a commitment to high-quality work and personalized service.

Lesle opens up about being raised in a family business where photography was a lifestyle and legacy. From age six, she knew she was destined for this field—even when her parents initially looked to her brothers to take it over. When they passed the torch to her, she didn’t just maintain the legacy—she modernized and scaled it. In fact, after losing a key team member, her daughter stepped in to help rebuild and restructure operations, demonstrating the power of family and adaptability in business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
📸 How Lesle transitioned a traditional photography business into a modern, scalable enterprise
💼 The power of standard operating procedures, strategic hiring, and planning for succession
👩‍👧 Why children raised in small business environments gain invaluable life skills
🌿 Why giving yourself grace as a mom and entrepreneur is essential to long-term success
💪 How to thrive as a woman in a male-dominated industry—and how to find the mentors and advocates who will help you succeed
🤖 How Lesle balances traditional artistry with modern technology, including AI and advanced photo editing tools
🎯 Her plans for succession, mentorship, and empowering the next generation of photographers

Lesle also dives into the often-overlooked emotional journey of mompreneurs—the guilt, the drive, the pressure to do it all. She vulnerably reflects on her own parenting style and how watching her daughter parent differently became one of her proudest moments. Her advice to new moms? “Give yourself grace. Your 80% is someone else’s 120%.”

This interview is more than just business strategy—it’s a heartfelt look at legacy, leadership, and life behind the lens. Whether you're a mom balancing kids and clients, an entrepreneur building your dream from scratch, or a creative looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, relatability, and encouragement.

📌 Connect with Lesle Lane:
🌐 Website: www.studio13online.com
📸 LinkedIn & Instagram: @studio13online and @leslelane

🎙️ About Your Host:
Charisse Walker is the host of Unbreakable Mompreneurs, a podcast for women who are building businesses while raising families. She is also the author of Flipping the Iceberg, a realtor, lender, speaker, and coach helping others navigate relationships, real estate, and reinvention.

📚 Grab her book: Flipping the Iceberg – now available on Amazon
🌐 Visit: www.unbreakablemompreneurs.com
📧 Email: unbreakablemompreneurs@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @charissekwalker1
🏠 Real Estate & Lending: Chalker Properties Group | EXP Realty

🎧 Be sure to subscribe for more inspiring episodes featuring powerhouse women redefining what it means to be a successful mom and entrepreneur.

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