Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kortney Kassler of Southwest Missouri

Kortney Kassler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Kortney, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I recently had the honor of guest speaking at The Pink Ribbon Gala just months after conquering cancer — surrounded by my entire family, who walked every step of that journey with me. Having my Senator by my side made it even more meaningful, knowing I was being championed not only as a survivor but as an advocate for change. It was one of those moments where all the pain, perseverance, and purpose came full circle, and I could truly feel God’s hand in it all.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kortney Kassler, the owner and lead photographer behind Kortney Brook Photo + Film Co. My focus has always been on storytelling—capturing real, meaningful moments that reflect raw authenticity behind every memory.

Walking through breast cancer deepened my purpose in a way I never expected.. I approach every session with a deeper appreciation for life and connection. One thing that sets us apart is that we offer photo, video, hair, and makeup all under one roof, making the entire experience seamless and personal from start to finish.

What excites me most is that I have recently started training my daughter Lily. Watching her step confidently into her own role reminds me that this is more than a business—it’s a legacy.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was tender, curious, and deep-feeling. I saw the good in everything. I was creative, expressive, and full of wonder—but those qualities were often labeled as “too much.” Somewhere along the way, I learned to dim that light, to trade authenticity for acceptance. Deep down though, that same little girl—the one who saw beauty in broken things—was always there, waiting for permission to exist again.

I know now that identity does not define my existence, and worth is never up for debate. I am not who others said I was, and I don’t need anyone’s approval to take up space. My voice, my peace, and my purpose are mine—and they’re finally safe here. Not because of who I am, but because of Who’s I am.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her: Keep shining, keep feeling, keep choosing yourself. Never shrink yourself to fit in, hide, or perform to feel loved. For those along the way who try to silence you, speak louder. For those who exclude, abuse, or abandon you, your light will outshine theirs. The life you’re meant to live—and the people who will truly see you—are waiting. You will belong on your own terms, and you will finally live freely and fully, exactly as you were meant to.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Oooo, I love this question. Boundaries have become one of my superpowers. It’s simple: I believe in fiercely protecting my privacy because I value the sacredness of personal space and reflection. I don’t live for applause, because the world isn’t obligated to celebrate you, and that’s okay. My industry—and life in general—glorify glamour, expectation, and performance, but I choose truth and substance over “trending.”

Social media, in its demand for relevance, has distorted the natural rhythm of connection, teaching us to measure relationships by status or visibility. I won’t abide by that pressure. I despise status as a measure of worth.

Likewise, in the world’s sick spin on accountability, I refuse to justify every move I make to the general public. We don’t owe explanations for every decision made or boundary set, nor will I waste my energy policing others. Instead, I live the quiet confidence that comes from knowing my values—and honoring them, even when no one is watching.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I was faced with this reality recently, and it changed everything: if I only had 10 years left, what would I stop doing immediately? I’d stop putting work ahead of family. I’ve set the goals —built a business from the ground up, hit six-figure, and chased legacy milestones, and for what? It wasn’t for applause, so why? Personal gain — and where’s the value in that? What matters is the impact I have on my children, the joy I bring my husband, and the service I give to my community. Everything else can wait.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kortney Brook Photo + Film Co.

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