Meet Kelsey Masaitis

We recently connected with Kelsey Masaitis and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Honestly, imposter syndrome was something I really struggled with, especially in the early years of my photography business. I hit my financial goals, even reached six figures, but instead of feeling accomplished, I felt completely drained, like I had built something that didn’t actually fit me. That was a wake-up call. I realized that success wasn’t just about the numbers; it had to align with my life and what actually made me happy.

So, I spent three years intentionally restructuring my business to work for me, not the other way around. That process, of letting go of what I thought I should be doing and focusing on what actually felt right, was what helped me overcome imposter syndrome. I stopped measuring myself against other people’s definitions of success and started trusting my own instincts.

I don’t think we ever truly overcome Imposter Syndrome, but we learn how to work through it in a positive way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a photographer and business coach, and my journey has been all about creating a life and business that truly align with who I am. I started out in photography with big financial goals, and while I eventually built a six-figure business, I found myself completely burned out. That experience forced me to take a step back and rethink everything. Over the next three years, I restructured my business to prioritize creativity, balance, and meaningful connections over just chasing numbers. That shift not only reignited my passion for photography but also led me to launch *The Creative Shift*, where I help other business owners build businesses that actually fit their lives. I also host a monthly women’s networking event, creating space for local business owners to connect, support one another, and grow together.

Photography is still a huge part of what I do. I specialize in lifestyle newborn photography, capturing those fleeting early days for families. I offer about 12 minis a year for families & kiddos. Kids are really my driving force with photography.

At the core of everything I do, whether it’s photography, consulting, or building community, is the belief that life and business should feel fulfilling, not just busy. I love creating experiences, whether it’s through a photograph, a conversation, or a connection. I want people to feel seen, supported, and inspired to build something that truly works for them.

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, I think the three most impactful things in my journey have been resilience, intentionality, and the ability to pivot.

Resilience: was huge because building a business, especially one that aligns with your life, comes with challenges. There were moments I questioned everything, but I kept going, even when things felt overwhelming. For anyone starting out, my advice is to expect setbacks, but don’t let them define you. Learn from them, adjust, and keep pushing forward.

Intentionality: changed everything for me. In the beginning, I chased what I thought success was supposed to look like, big numbers, fully booked calendars, but it left me drained. Once I started making decisions based on what actually felt good and aligned with my values, my business became something I wanted to show up for. My advice? Get clear on what success looks like for you, not just what everyone else says it should be.

The ability to pivot: is what allowed me to build a business (and life) that actually works for me. When something wasn’t right, whether it was how I structured my photography business or the way I was working, I gave myself permission to change it. If you’re early in your journey, know that it’s okay to shift directions. You’re not locked into anything. The best thing you can do is stay open to growth and adjust as you go.

At the end of the day, success isn’t about following someone else’s path, it’s about building something that truly fits you.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

In the last 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to let go of what no longer serves me.

For so long, I held onto things, offers, strategies, even mindsets because they felt safe or because I thought I should keep them. But over the past year, I’ve gotten really intentional about releasing anything that doesn’t align with where I’m going. I’ve learned that just because something worked in the past doesn’t mean it’s meant to be part of my future.

This has shown up in big and small ways. I’ve refined my business to focus on what I truly love, instead of trying to do everything. I’ve created more space for projects and connections that light me up. And, most importantly, I’ve given myself permission to evolve, to trust that growth sometimes means letting go, even when it’s uncomfortable.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been so worth it. And now, I feel more aligned, more energized, and more excited for what’s next than ever before

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.camonphotography.fom
• Instagram: @cam_on_photography
• Facebook: /kelseymasaitis

Image Credits

All photos are taken by me, Cam On Photography