S7E28 - Creating Calm Before You're Seen with "Spider" Meka Hemmons
Tue Jan 27 2026
What if being seen feels hard because your nervous system doesn't feel safe yet?
In this episode, I sit down with "Spider" Meka Hemmons to explore why visibility can feel tense or overwhelming for so many women, and how that shows up far beyond the camera.
We talk about creating calm before being seen, not by fixing how you look, but by shifting how you feel in your body. Meka shares how old messaging, cultural pressure, and constant stimulation shape self-image, and why regulation must come before confidence if real change is going to stick.
This conversation is about feeling safe, grounded, and calm in a chaotic world, so you can show up without forcing or performing.
☑️ Why "not being photogenic" is a story, not a truth
☑️ How nervous system regulation changes self-image and confidence
☑️ What it really takes to feel safe being seen
Spider also shares details about her new program, Calm Before the Camera, and how these practices support self-trust, presence, and inner calm well beyond photos.
If being visible has ever felt heavy, tense, or draining, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.
Subscribe, listen in, and give yourself permission to create calm first.
Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Meet Meka and Her Purpose-Driven Work
04:52 Breaking Beauty Myths and Self-Image Stories
10:00 Why "Photogenic" Is a Myth
15:34 Seeing Beyond the Surface
20:34 Why Feeling Good Comes Before Confidence
21:51 Calm Before the Camera Explained
30:23 The Power of Positive Self-Talk
35:21 Final Reflections and What's Next
Meet "Spider" Meka Hemmons
Portrait photographer and speaker, "Spider" Meka Hemmons, is often described as a heart surgeon with a camera—helping people heal how they feel in front of the lens and in the mirror. Blending psychology, language, and visual storytelling, she's spent over two decades helping professionals and creatives reclaim confidence and presence. She's the creator of Calm Before the Camera, a guided course designed to reduce anxiety, shift self-perception, and help people show up as themselves—on camera and in life.
Access the Course: https://spidermeka.com/calm
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/spidermeka
Instagram: https://instagram.com/spidermeka
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spidermeka
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/spidermeka
HOW I CAN SUPPORT YOU
👉 Join the BuildHER Community
https://thelituplife.com/buildher
📅 Book Your AHA Moment Call
https://thelituplife.com/claritycall
🎧 Watch & Listen to Full Episodes:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadyourlifepodcastyoutube
Apple: https://bit.ly/leadyourlifepodcastapple
Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadyourlifepodcastspotify
❤️ Follow me on IG:
https://instagram.com/the_lituplife
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What if being seen feels hard because your nervous system doesn't feel safe yet? In this episode, I sit down with "Spider" Meka Hemmons to explore why visibility can feel tense or overwhelming for so many women, and how that shows up far beyond the camera. We talk about creating calm before being seen, not by fixing how you look, but by shifting how you feel in your body. Meka shares how old messaging, cultural pressure, and constant stimulation shape self-image, and why regulation must come before confidence if real change is going to stick. This conversation is about feeling safe, grounded, and calm in a chaotic world, so you can show up without forcing or performing. ☑️ Why "not being photogenic" is a story, not a truth ☑️ How nervous system regulation changes self-image and confidence ☑️ What it really takes to feel safe being seen Spider also shares details about her new program, Calm Before the Camera, and how these practices support self-trust, presence, and inner calm well beyond photos. If being visible has ever felt heavy, tense, or draining, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Subscribe, listen in, and give yourself permission to create calm first. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Meet Meka and Her Purpose-Driven Work 04:52 Breaking Beauty Myths and Self-Image Stories 10:00 Why "Photogenic" Is a Myth 15:34 Seeing Beyond the Surface 20:34 Why Feeling Good Comes Before Confidence 21:51 Calm Before the Camera Explained 30:23 The Power of Positive Self-Talk 35:21 Final Reflections and What's Next Meet "Spider" Meka Hemmons Portrait photographer and speaker, "Spider" Meka Hemmons, is often described as a heart surgeon with a camera—helping people heal how they feel in front of the lens and in the mirror. Blending psychology, language, and visual storytelling, she's spent over two decades helping professionals and creatives reclaim confidence and presence. She's the creator of Calm Before the Camera, a guided course designed to reduce anxiety, shift self-perception, and help people show up as themselves—on camera and in life. Access the Course: https://spidermeka.com/calm LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/spidermeka Instagram: https://instagram.com/spidermeka YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spidermeka Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/spidermeka HOW I CAN SUPPORT YOU 👉 Join the BuildHER Community https://thelituplife.com/buildher 📅 Book Your AHA Moment Call https://thelituplife.com/claritycall 🎧 Watch & Listen to Full Episodes: YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadyourlifepodcastyoutube Apple: https://bit.ly/leadyourlifepodcastapple Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadyourlifepodcastspotify ❤️ Follow me on IG: https://instagram.com/the_lituplife