Meet Kristen Joy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Joy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

Empathy is something that has been shaped in me through both personal faith and life experiences. My relationship with Christ has been foundational in teaching me to see others through a lens of grace, love, and understanding. His example of compassion—serving the broken, listening to the hurting, and meeting people where they are—has profoundly influenced the way I interact with others.

Becoming a parent at a young age further deepened my empathy. Raising children requires patience, sacrifice, and the ability to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. It taught me to see the world through their eyes, to recognize struggles I had never considered before, and to develop a deeper well of kindness, not just for them but for others who may be facing their own challenges.

Working in hospitals as a speech-language pathologist has been another powerful force in shaping my ability to empathize. I’ve worked with patients and families in some of their most vulnerable moments—people struggling with communication, facing uncertainty, and navigating life-altering changes. Walking alongside them, providing support, and witnessing both their hardships and their resilience has continually reminded me how important it is to meet others with understanding and compassion.

All of these experiences—faith, parenthood, and my professional work—have given me a heart for others and a desire to be present, listen, and truly understand what they’re going through. Empathy, I’ve learned, isn’t just about feeling for someone; it’s about being willing to walk with them in their journey.

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 have the privilege of wearing multiple hats in my professional and personal life, but one of my greatest passions is wedding photography. Capturing one of the most significant days in a couple’s life is incredibly special to me. I love being able to document raw emotion, genuine joy, and the beauty of two people committing their lives to each other. What excites me most about wedding photography is not just the art itself but the ability to tell love stories in a way that preserves memories for generations.

Beyond photography, I’m also passionate about serving others, which is why I’ve partnered with TrueID, a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking find their identity and purpose in Christ. Working alongside an organization that uplifts and empowers others aligns with my personal values and allows me to be part of something bigger than myself.

One of the most exciting things on the horizon is a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with close family and friends. We’ll be working together to build homes for families in need, providing not just shelter but also hope and stability. The opportunity to serve in this way, alongside the people I love, is something I’m incredibly grateful for.

Whether through photography, nonprofit work, or missions, my heart is always drawn to storytelling and service. Each of these areas allows me to connect with people in meaningful ways, and I’m excited to continue using my gifts to make an impact.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are community, intentionality, and connection. These have shaped not only my personal growth but also my ability to navigate different seasons of life and career.
1. Find Your People – I have been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by strong, independent women and a supportive community. Having people who uplift, challenge, and encourage you is invaluable. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to grow, who remind you of your worth, and who will stand beside you through both successes and setbacks. If you’re early in your journey, be intentional about building a support system—seek out mentors, friends, and colleagues who share your values and push you to be your best.
2. Focus on Your Impact Within Your Family – No matter how ambitious your professional goals are, the legacy you leave within your home is just as—if not more—important. Success isn’t just measured in business achievements but in the way you love, serve, and support those closest to you. Whether you’re balancing work and parenthood, building a business, or navigating a new career path, never lose sight of the people who matter most. They are your greatest impact.
3. Make Genuine Connections in Your Industry – Whatever field you’re in, one of the best things you can do is reach out to the successful people who inspire you. Ask questions, learn from their experiences, and build relationships. Networking isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s about forming real, meaningful connections. Approach people with authenticity and a willingness to both learn and contribute. The best opportunities often come from relationships built on mutual respect and trust.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is to be intentional about the people you surround yourself with, prioritize what truly matters, and never be afraid to reach out and learn from those who have walked the path before you. Success isn’t meant to be a solo journey—it’s built through community, impact, and meaningful relationships.

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

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to focus on what I do best while trusting others to support the areas where I need help. As someone who has always taken pride in handling multiple roles, I realized that scaling my impact—both professionally and personally—meant bringing in experts to strengthen my brand while allowing me to pour my energy into what I love most.

Hiring professionals to refine different aspects of my business has been a game changer. Whether it’s improving my photography brand, streamlining operations, or handling details outside my expertise, I’ve learned that delegation isn’t about giving up control—it’s about maximizing strengths. This shift has allowed me to focus on capturing meaningful wedding moments, investing in my partnership with TrueID, and preparing for our mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

Additionally, embracing AI and automation has been transformational. Implementing these tools has created more efficiency in my work, freeing up time for what truly matters—my family. Automations have allowed me to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time being present, whether that’s with my children, my clients, or in serving others.

This past year has been about intentionality—knowing when to ask for help, using technology to create freedom, and making sure my energy is focused on the things that bring the most joy and impact. It’s been a season of growth, and I’m excited to continue refining this balance in the years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.kristenjoyphoto.com
• Instagram: Kristenjoyphoto

Image Credits

Kristen Joy Photography