Raff's Brain #52: Riffin' with Raff feat. Sierra Stauffer, Potbelly Lunch, Animal Rescue, & Pet Photo Biz!!

In this spontaneous episode of Raff's Brain, Rob Raffety sits down with his colleague Sierra Stauffer for a delightful and inspiring conversation over lunch. Sierra shares her journey from volunteering at an animal sanctuary as a teenager to becoming a pet photographer with a mission. Her business focuses on creating affordable, professional-quality portraits for pet owners and animal rescues. From building her own photography studio out of a repurposed shed to finding creative ways to support rescues, Sierra’s story is a testament to resourcefulness, passion, and the magic of leaning into life’s unexpected opportunities.

LINKS:
Rob's LinkedIn post about the lunch meeting
Sierra's pet photography business on IG, ZolasPetPhotos
Sierra's personal IG

OUTLINE:

1. Introduction
   • Rob introduces the impromptu nature of the episode.
   • Sierra Stauffer: a colleague, entrepreneur, and passionate animal advocate.
2. Sierra’s Love for Animals
   • Growing up in Utah and her early obsession with horses.
   • Volunteering at an animal sanctuary at age 14.
   • Memorable experiences at Friends in Need Sanctuary.
3. The Journey to Pet Photography
   • Discovering the need for quality photos to help animals get adopted.
   • Sierra’s history of photographing her own pets and supporting Etsy businesses with pet bandana modeling.
4. Turning Passion into a Business
   • How Sierra started offering affordable pet photography sessions.
   • The balance of helping rescues and creating memories for pet owners.
5. The Studio Shed Saga
   • Finding a free shed on Facebook Marketplace.
   • The process of dismantling, transporting, and rebuilding the shed into a functional studio.
6. Life Lessons and Inspiration
   • The importance of saying “yes” to life’s opportunities.
   • Resourcefulness, persistence, and following your passion.
7. Closing Thoughts
   • The serendipity of Potbelly’s BOGO deal leading to this episode.
   • Encouragement for listeners to lean into unexpected moments.

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