Kristen Evans shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kristen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
Wow, what a question. I’d have to say when I met my wife; that’s when I felt the most loved. At the time, I didn’t believe I deserved it. No one had ever shown me a love like that before, and it was everything I didn’t even realize I needed plus some.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kristen, and I’m originally a Tennessee girl who packed up at 20 to start a new life in Florida, the best decision I ever made for myself. I’ve now been here 11 years, happily married, and building the business of my dreams. Photography became my passion because I believe time is a thief, and every moment, big or small, deserves to be remembered. That’s why I pour my heart into capturing not just pictures, but memories people can hold onto forever.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Another deep question. Growing up, I didn’t believe I was worthy of a healthy love. My relationship with my father was toxic, and it shaped the way I viewed love, I thought chaos and pain were normal. That belief led me from one toxic partner to the next, chasing something that wasn’t really love at all. It wasn’t until I met my wife that I learned love should feel calm, safe, and steady. So today, I no longer believe in settling, not in love, and not in any part of life. Never settle.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a long time, I hid my pain. I thought if I didn’t talk about it, maybe it wouldn’t feel as heavy. But in the last few years, as I’ve truly started finding myself, I’ve learned to open up and share the things that once hurt me. In doing that, I’ve been able to heal parts of myself and grow into a better version of me every day. What I’ve realized is that when you speak your pain out loud, it not only frees you, it often gives someone else the courage or hope they’ve been searching for.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Loaded question, but yes, the public version of me is real, just at a surface level. I’m open and authentic with my work and the people I serve, but I’m also fiercely guarded of my heart and selective about who I let in. Building my business and showing up more on social media has pushed me to share more, and that vulnerability has been healing. It reminds me (and others) that we’re not alone, even while I still protect the deeper parts of myself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop caring what people think. That’s so hard in today’s world where everything you do, say, or post is instantly judged. Social media especially can take a huge toll on your mental health, it makes comparison almost unavoidable when it’s always right at your fingertips. But if time was limited, I wouldn’t waste a second living for anyone else’s approval.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristenevansphotography.com/?fbclid=IwAR3pc_4oU4iOlguTJBrOWz0rqgPvxoae5n-AgBLzuhLm-gfQh9z6CKi7sh4
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenevansphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kristen%20evans%20photography
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