Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Lake.
Hi Austin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in East County, San Diego, in a Christian home where faith has always been central to my life. Sundays were for church, but growing up in Southern California also meant plenty of adventure—my family always had passes to theme parks and the zoo. On top of that, my dad worked security for NASCAR when the races came to the West Coast a couple times a year. That gave me rare access to the behind-the-scenes world of racing, and when I turned 18 I joined him. Running gates between pit road and the garages taught me how to network and connect with people from all walks of life, including celebrities and racing legends.
That love for people and experiences spilled into everything I pursued. I studied filmmaking, launched a photography and videography business, and built multiple side hustles—from reselling sports tickets and managing Airbnbs to winning poker tournaments and hosting trivia nights. My motto has always been simple: when there’s a will, there’s a way. I don’t believe money should hold anyone back from living fully, because you can always find a way to earn more, but you can’t get time back.
My journey hasn’t been without struggle. A painful divorce in 2022 nearly broke me. Instead of letting pain define me, I chose to live the best life I could, one filled with travel, adventure, and connection.
Today, I’m living one opportunity at a time—traveling, creating, and inspiring others through my work and my story. Life is too short to be tied down to something you hate. My hope is to show people that no matter what you’ve been through, God always provides, and you can build the life you dream of—because when there’s a will, there’s always a way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like anyone chasing a life of freedom and adventure, I’ve faced my share of setbacks. One of the hardest seasons of my life was my divorce. Discovering betrayal from the people I trusted most left me at rock bottom—I battled depression and even had moments where I questioned if life was worth continuing. Those were some of the darkest days I’ve ever faced.
What pulled me through was my faith in God and my responsibility as a caregiver for two adults with intellectual disabilities who live with me. I realized I couldn’t give up—they depended on me, and I knew my story wasn’t finished. That perspective shifted everything. Instead of letting pain define me, I chose to grow through it.
The struggles reminded me that life isn’t about being a victim of your circumstances. It’s about choosing how you respond. Today, I see challenges as opportunities to lean on God, to grow, and to inspire others who might be going through something similar. My journey proves that even when life gets messy, you can still build something beautiful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a storyteller and entrepreneur. Through my photography and videography business, I capture everything from weddings and portraits to landscapes and sports. I love bringing people’s stories to life and creating memories they can hold onto forever. Beyond that, I’ve built side hustles in reselling, Airbnb management, trivia hosting, and even poker—each one giving me the freedom to live life on my terms while still connecting with people in unique ways.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on others. I’ve helped homeowners earn over a million dollars on Airbnb, I’ve entertained countless people through trivia, and I’ve given two adults with autism a safe home and meaningful life experiences. To me, that’s what success looks like—not just what I build for myself, but how I can make a difference for others along the way.
What sets me apart is my mindset. A lot of people get stuck in excuses or let fear of money hold them back. I believe when there’s a will, there’s always a way. I’m constantly looking for creative solutions, whether it’s turning a passion into income or finding ways to travel without breaking the bank. That drive for freedom, paired with my faith in God, is what allows me to keep moving forward, no matter what.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’ve always been big on continuing to grow, even in the middle of a busy schedule. When I was editing for the LFL, I had an 80-minute commute each way, so I turned my car into a classroom. I filled that time with audiobooks and podcasts that helped me sharpen my mindset and learn new skills.
Some of the resources that have had the biggest impact on me are Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and his podcast, which really shaped the way I look at money and financial freedom. I’m also a huge fan of Gary Vaynerchuk—his book Crushing It! is one I revisit at least once a year because it always recharges my drive to keep building and creating. And Nick Loper’s podcast, The Side Hustle Show, has been a favorite for practical tips and encouragement to keep experimenting with new ideas.
For me, these resources aren’t just about business—they’ve helped me build the mindset I need to live with freedom, take risks, and keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.austinlakevideo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life.of.austinlake/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-lake-8a2023192/
