The Heart & Hustle Podcast
Episode 468: Evie's Entrepreneurial Journey
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Episode Overview
This episode offers an updated, 30,000-foot view of Evie McLeod's entrepreneurial journey over the past decade. Evie reflects on her initial career aspirations, the beginnings of her photography business, her leap into business education, and her multi-passionate ventures—including launching a swimwear brand and running multiple companies. Lindsey joins as a supportive co-host, asking clarifying questions and providing “listener” vibes throughout. This chat provides inspiration, real-life pitfalls, and honest truths for creative entrepreneurs at every stage.
Key Discussion Points
1. Early Aspirations & Unexpected Beginnings
- Evie's career ambitions initially centered on politics and law. From age 15-19, she was focused on working in state politics, aspiring to manage campaigns or work in government.
- Quote: “I was fully like, I am going to become... I definitely never wanted to be the president, but, sure, yeah, let's run with that.” (06:21)
- Realized that lifestyle goals, such as young marriage and motherhood, might not align with demanding careers in law or politics.
- Photography enters her life around 2014 as a hobby that gradually developed into a side hustle, eventually overtaking her career ambitions in politics after a pivotal and challenging season post-ministry school.
2. The Pivot Point: Embracing Photography
- After a difficult breakup and feeling doors closing with politics, Evie felt pushed by circumstance and faith to fully pursue photography.
- Quote: “I really felt like the Lord was like, just be faithful to steward what is in front of you. And that was the only thing.” (14:55)
- Her dedication and previous skill development enabled her to accelerate quickly when she pressed the gas on her business.
- Quote (to Evie): “You were talented. Like, you didn't have to work on the actual art part.” (16:08)
- Mentored other photographers as she gained recognition in the field, initially offering advice for free, then integrating formal mentorship sessions.
3. First Steps into Education & Collaboration
- Began paid mentoring, which helped others achieve business breakthroughs—prompting thoughts of scaling via workshops.
- Reached out to Lindsey (via FaceTime) to co-host what became The Heart Workshop.
- Quote (Lindsey): “Evie, we're not India Earl. Who do you think we are?” (20:05)
- Neither had a large following at the time (3,000–5,000 followers), making their rapid workshop sell-out remarkable.
- Memorable Moment: They sold out their first workshop in under 8 hours without prior announcement or waitlist. (24:53)
- With overwhelming demand (eventually a 10,000-person waitlist), the workshops transitioned into The Hart University and the creation of online courses.
4. Massive Growth: Scaling & Diversifying
- 2017–2020: Photography business “exploding”—constant travel, high volume of clients, and simultaneous growth in educational offerings.
- Workshops consistently sold out, leading to the development of online courses to serve more students.
- “We were like, ‘We’re onto something. God has given us some level of strategy or resources... and we want to get this to people.’” (27:29)
- By 2020, Evie knew she needed to trim her photography workload for sustainability and to support the Hart University’s growth. This shift coincided with COVID, which eased the transition.
5. Expanding Beyond Photography: Multi-Passionate Ventures
- Evie Swim: Driven by a personal frustration with swimwear options, Evie used her business income to fund a new, modest/feminine swimwear company.
- Quote: “Me being delusional and a multi passionate entrepreneur was like, I know nothing about fashion. I'm gonna start my own swimwear company.” (31:45)
- Simultaneously, she and Landon (her husband) launched a “silent business,” details of which remain private.
- At peak, Evie was juggling: photography, mentorship/coaching, The Heart (workshops & courses), Evie Swim, a silent business, and (briefly) planning a wedding.
6. Burnout, Reflection & Downshifting
- 2021: Burnout hits amidst business overload, chaotic manufacturing issues with Evie Swim, and personal changes (engagement, marriage planning).
- Quote: “2021 was the year when, like, I was like, ‘I have to readjust some things’ and I really had to rearrange... it was mainly EVVI swim was so chaotic.” (36:33)
- The Heart University launched new events (including conferences) and resumed in-person workshops post-pandemic.
- Life events (moves, miscarriages) prompted deeper reflection on alignment, sustainability, and priorities.
7. Scaling Back & Realignment
- By 2024, Evie chose to close Evie Swim and downshift The Heart for sustainability and family focus.
- Quote: “I felt peace... on closing the doors to Evie Swim—at least for this season. And I did that, I think, last year.” (41:15)
- Business now centers on photography, coaching, The Heart (at a sustainable pace), and the ongoing silent business with her husband.
- “Now, I work like maybe two days a week. And it's a completely different season of business... I couldn't be more grateful for it.” (42:25)
- Feels her life now supports her businesses, not the other way around—a long-term aspiration fulfilled.
8. Final Reflections & Encouragements
- Leaned into faith and intuition at each crossroads.
- Views her journey as a testament to not only business strategy, but to listening for seasons to accelerate, pivot, or rest.
- Quote: “I feel like what I'm doing now is where I'm supposed to be now. And it feels like something that I can now build my family, which was ultimately what I wanted. And that my businesses will support my life versus my life molding to my businesses.” (43:04)
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- On unexpected pivots:
- “God literally was like, no. I was like, I'm sorry, come again?” (12:21)
- On scaling quickly:
- “Our wait list was at 10,000 people... we could stop wedding photography right now and do this forever full time, like every other week and not even come close to putting a dent in that 10,000 person wait list.” (27:19)
- On burnout:
- “2021, really, truly, like, I hit burnout that year for sure, which makes sense when you put it all together.” (36:33)
- On listening to God’s prompting to slow down:
- “For whatever reason, I feel like God kept closing the door on that, which felt really frustrating because... we were hoping to have it at a place where... we could step away... and for whatever reason, I feel like God closed the door on it.” (40:44)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00–04:49: Intro, premise of episode, recap of Evie’s earlier journey (see Ep. 38 for deep dive)
- 05:26–11:15: Politics ambitions, law school thoughts, early adult years, ministry school
- 11:56–14:47: Pivotal “everything burned to the ground” moment—shift to photography
- 16:08–18:23: Transition from amateur to professional, start of mentoring, early business hacks
- 20:05–27:29: Launch and meteoric rise of The Heart Workshop, collaboration with Lindsey, explosive growth
- 31:45–36:01: The birth and tribulations of Evie Swim, juggling five businesses, planning her wedding
- 36:33–38:45: Burnout, business realignment, conferences, resuming events post-COVID
- 40:44–43:55: Downshifting, closing companies, embracing sustainable success, family focus
Resources & Further Listening
- Episode 38: [Evie's Story: How Closed Doors Turned into a Wildly Successful Career] — For the full deep dive on Evie’s early years in photography
- Episode 24: "Navigating a Breakup with Evie and Landon" — For Evie's personal story
- Episodes on Evie Swim: Search “Heart & Hustle Evie Swim” for swimsuit brand journey
- Episode on Downshifting: Search “Heart & Hustle downshift” for more on recent pivot and business recalibration
Tone and Vibe
Upbeat, candid, supportive, and faith-driven. Lots of friendly banter, some playful interruptions, and heartfelt storytelling with raw honesty about the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship.
Summary Takeaway:
Evie’s journey is a case study in pivoting with purpose, embracing multi-passionate entrepreneurship, and keeping faith at the center of business decision-making. After years of hustle and incredible outward success, she’s found peace in paring back and letting her businesses serve her life—not dominate it. A message rich with hope, realism, and encouragement for any creative entrepreneur.