Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kiera Jesslyn

Kiera Jesslyn shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Kiera, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, it’s been the slower moments — long hikes with my dog, evenings spent cooking from scratch, and rediscovering what it feels like to create just for myself instead of for a deadline. I’ve spent years building businesses that run on high energy and tight timelines, so it’s strangely refreshing to enjoy stillness. That quiet space has made me fall back in love with the simple things that remind me I’m a person first, an entrepreneur second.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kiera Jesslyn, and I’m the creative force behind Elite Ambitions Photography and Elite Tallow. For over six years, I’ve specialized in transforming everyday individuals into magazine-worthy muses — creating experiences that go far beyond the lens. My brand was built on the belief that confidence is contagious, and that art and authenticity can coexist in powerful, cinematic ways.

Elite Ambitions isn’t just about photos; it’s about self-perception, storytelling, and helping people see themselves through a more elevated lens. Alongside that, my skincare line, Elite Tallow, grew from my passion for clean, intentional living — small-batch products crafted to restore simplicity and quality in daily rituals.

Right now, I’m focused on evolving both brands with more freedom, creativity, and travel — from luxury retreats and workshops to one-on-one mentorships. Everything I create is rooted in one mission: to remind people that they are art, and that their story deserves to be seen.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. He spent his life in the oilfield, where there’s no room for half effort or broken promises. Watching him handle every challenge with quiet consistency and pride left a mark on me. He took care of things — his family, his responsibilities, his word — and he always did it to the best of his ability. That kind of integrity doesn’t need to be preached; it’s learned by watching someone live it. It’s the foundation of how I run my own businesses today — show up, follow through, and do it right the first time.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There was a season where everything I built felt like it was falling apart — financially, emotionally, and creatively. I was exhausted from carrying too many roles and trying to keep every part of my business perfect. I remember thinking maybe I’d already done my best work and that it was time to walk away.

But somewhere in that burnout, I realized that quitting would only trade one kind of hard for another. So, I paused instead. I stripped everything back to what mattered — creating, teaching, and connecting with people through my art. That moment of near surrender became the turning point that rebuilt not only my business but my confidence. Sometimes the version of you that wants to give up is just the old one fighting to be replaced by the stronger one.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That success comes from constant hustle and that busyness equals value. The creative industry glorifies exhaustion like it’s a badge of honor — late nights, endless editing queues, and the idea that if you’re not booked solid, you’re failing. But that mindset kills creativity and connection faster than anything.

Another lie? That authenticity can be staged. So many brands preach “real” while manufacturing every second of it for social media. The truth is, people connect with imperfection, with process — not the polished illusion. I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can do in this industry is slow down, create intentionally, and let the work speak louder than the noise.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. It just didn’t look the way people expected it to. I was never meant to follow a script or climb someone else’s ladder. I was meant to build something from nothing — to take creativity, chaos, and vision and turn it into a life that inspires others to see what’s possible for them too.

There were years when I tried to fit into other people’s definitions of success, but the truth is, I was built for freedom, leadership, and creation. Everything I’ve built — from photography to retreats to education — came from trusting that inner pull, not external permission. What I do now isn’t just work. It’s legacy in motion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eliteambitionsphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliteambitionsphotography?igsh=MTRvZXdiemF2NmtjOQ==

Image Credits
Elite Ambitions Photography