We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kylee Joy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kylee, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism was born with me, literally: Joy? It’s my middle name! I’ve learned since I was very young that meddling in negative thoughts and reactions did make me feel better for a minute, but didn’t ever give me the progress I wanted to see so badly. There was a big spirit inside of my soul that wanted to break free, and as I grow, that spirit grows with me.
So, where does my optimism come from? That same frustrated little girl who couldn’t capture a photo of the hummingbird outside of my window just right. That same girl who knew that she wanted to do big things but didn’t know where to start. The same girl who was told to get a real job instead of pursuing her passion. My optimism comes with the new challenges in owning my own business daily, and the strong community of likeminded entrepreneurs that surround me. I couldn’t be more grateful for the people that chose to uplift me in their own optimism.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a photographer, I get to capture people’s biggest moments in the most detailed ways. Whether it be weddings, graduations, maternity sessions, or your annual family photos, it’s my job to document that piece of your life. From as little as one hour-long sessions, I’m able to capture your essence, your love, and your accomplishments and tell your story through photos.
Photography has always been a big part of my life. My mom is a wedding photographer and because of that, I was basically born with a camera in my hand. I didn’t know it was what I wanted to do for a living until I got to capture my first wedding though. It was after meeting those 2 people, so clearly in love, that I knew I never wanted to stop. And I have loved every second with my camera in hand since then!
I am so excited to share that I have recently moved up to Lake Tahoe to capture more and more love stories. Within the next 2 years, I will be accepting international wedding clients!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Positivity
People will tell you no a thousand times before you get a yes. Minorities will be minimized in the big business of entrepreneurship but you can’t let it get you down. You define your brand, you are able to create a whole world of your own, nobody can change that! Keep your head up, keep trying, and nothing can stop you!
2. Generosity
You get what you give, but I’ve found that I get much more than I give. This is a principal in many religions for a good reason. What you give is what you attract, so give freely! Some of your generosity may seem like it goes to waste, but if you stay consistent, it will find its way back to you tenfold.
3. Humility
You can be the best in your field, the top in your class, the cream of the crop, but your expertise will never exceed 100%. Humility and gratefulness go hand in hand in this way because nobody finds success on their own. I urge you to continue to be humble no matter how successful you become.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Remember my mother, the photographer? Yes! It’s that woman right there who has gotten me to where I am today. Although I don’t live in the same house as her anymore, I will always feel close to her because I know I have her to come to when things get tough. She is my best friend and my biggest inspiration and I hope to one day become as talented as she is behind the camera.
I couldn’t be where I am without my family, my closest friend Julie, or my boyfriend Jace. They are the epitome of support, the exact people you need to have by your side when your challenges are too big to face alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kyleejoyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kyleejoyphoto
- Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/kyleejoyphoto
Image Credits
Portraits of Kylee: Kristen Joy Photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
