We recently connected with Kellie Kay and have shared our conversation below.
Kellie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my early experiences as a young entrepreneur. From a young age of around 9 to 10 years old, I started mowing lawns in my community to save up money and purchase things that I wanted. This early exposure to entrepreneurship instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to work hard to achieve my goals. While the financial aspect of my early work was certainly exciting, what truly brought me joy and satisfaction was witnessing the happiness of people who were pleased with the results of my work. Whether it was mowing lawns or hosting kids’ birthday parties, the genuine appreciation and positive feedback I received from individuals who were delighted with the outcome fueled my motivation and drive. This aspect of my early experiences not only influenced my work ethic but also shaped my approach to customer service as a business owner. I have learned that by prioritizing customer satisfaction and going the extra mile to ensure their happiness, I can build strong relationships and foster loyalty among clients. This customer-centric mindset has been instrumental in the success of my business.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am deeply focused on family, friendships, and continuously improving my professional pursuits, particularly through updating my website to enhance the experience for my clients. Currently, I devote hours each day to learning and implementing SEO techniques, as I am truly passionate about booking more weddings in the upcoming months. As I move forward, I am driven to further improve my skills and offer an exceptional photography experience to my clients. I am continually exploring new techniques, learning from others in the industry, and embracing opportunities for growth and expansion. I am excited to pour my heart and soul into each wedding I capture, ensuring that my clients have not only beautiful photographs but also a heartfelt connection to their most cherished memories. My work as a photographer is deeply rooted in my passion for capturing love, emotions, and the beauty of weddings. I am dedicated to creating art that resonates with people and evokes a strong desire to have me as their photographer.
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?
Looking back on my journey, I believe there were three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the most significant impact:
Networking and Relationship Building: The ability to network within my community and establish long-lasting friendships and relationships has been instrumental in moving my business forward. Being well-liked by a diverse range of people has been both a blessing for my business and a personal fulfillment. The connections I’ve made have introduced me to extraordinary individuals who have contributed to my growth and success. My advice to those starting their journey is to actively engage with your community, attend events, join professional groups, and build genuine relationships. By fostering connections and treating people with kindness and respect, you can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Authenticity and Resilience: As a new photographer, it’s crucial to stay true to yourself and your unique style. While growing your business professionally, it’s natural to encounter negativity or doubts from others. My advice is to push through these challenges and remain confident in your abilities and artistic vision. Trust in your own creative voice and continue to refine your skills. Embrace constructive feedback, but never lose sight of your authentic self. By staying true to your artistic vision, you’ll attract clients who appreciate your work for what it is, setting the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.
Collaborative Mindset and Professional Growth: Building relationships with fellow photographers, videographers, and professionals in related fields is invaluable. My advice is to actively seek out these connections, foster a spirit of collaboration, and support one another. By forming bonds within your community, you create a network of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, inspiration, and even refer clients when appropriate. Avoid falling into the trap of larger companies that may exploit photographers by offering low pay for amateur work. Instead, invest time in honing your craft and gaining experience before taking on clients. Focus on providing high-quality work that reflects your skills and dedication. By maintaining a commitment to professionalism and learning from experienced individuals, you set yourself up for long-term success and establish a reputation that clients can trust.
In summary, the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were networking and relationship building, authenticity and resilience, and a collaborative mindset for professional growth. My advice to newcomers in the field is to cultivate meaningful connections, stay true to yourself, and prioritize professional growth and development. By embracing these qualities, you can navigate the challenges of the industry and position yourself for a fulfilling and prosperous career.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I am actively seeking like-minded individuals who are enthusiastic about collaborating on creative projects. I am drawn to individuals who share a passion for pushing boundaries, exploring unique concepts, and capturing extraordinary moments. If you are someone who embraces adventure, loves experimenting with lighting techniques, and is open to unconventional ideas like setting off smoke bombs or jumping into pools, I would be thrilled to connect with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelliekayphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliekayphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kelliekayphotos
Image Credits
“Corey Breedlove” “The Society Of Wedding Professionals” Sponsors & Vendors: “Turn The Paige Events” “Naborly Provisions” “Big D Party Rentals” “Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe” “DJ Spice Girl” “Lena’s Fine Linen Rentals” DSQ “Dallas String Quartet” & “Q The band” “Anna Pena”
